Name: Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 8 cups chicken broth; 1 cup small pasta (like acini di pepe or orzo); 4 cups fresh baby spinach; Extra grated Parmesan for serving

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Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup is truly one of those feel-good classics that warms you to your core and puts a huge smile on your face. This lighter spin on a beloved Italian-American staple packs hearty, tender turkey meatballs, snappy veggies, tender pasta, and a flurry of greens into every spoonful. It’s just the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, whether you’re serving it for a whimsical weeknight dinner or cozy lunch with friends. The magic of Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup lies in the way humble, everyday ingredients mingle into something so comforting and bright—it’s a soup you’ll crave on repeat.

Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing fancy here, just a handful of well-loved pantry staples and fresh produce that make Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup sing. Every piece adds its own special touch, from the tender turkey to the rich Parmesan and the earthy tangle of spinach.

Ground Turkey: A lean yet juicy base for our mini meatballs—lighter than beef but just as satisfying.
Plain Breadcrumbs: These bind the meatballs for tenderness, preventing them from drying out as they simmer.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch to both the meatballs and the soup—don’t skip it!
Large Egg: Helps hold the meatballs together and adds a lovely richness.
Garlic (minced): Infuses each bite with irresistible, fragrant depth.
Fresh Parsley (chopped): Brings freshness and color into the mix; feel free to add a little extra for garnish.
Dried Italian Seasoning: A shortcut to classic Italian flavor—think basil, oregano, and thyme in one sprinkle.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the meatballs and the broth.
Black Pepper: Infuses the meatballs with a mellow heat.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the aromatics; use a good olive oil for the richest flavor.
Onion (diced): The aromatic base—sautéed onion adds gentle sweetness to each bowl.
Carrots (sliced): Sweetness, color, and a little bit of crunch.
Celery (sliced): Savory backbone; classic in nearly every good soup.
Chicken Broth: Provides a comforting, savory base for all the other flavors to bloom.
Small Pasta (acini di pepe or orzo): Tiny pasta is classic; it soaks up all that delicious broth.
Fresh Baby Spinach: Wilts into the soup for a boost of greens and color; kale or escarole work well, too.
Extra Grated Parmesan (for serving): A final flourish of cheesy goodness on top!

How to Make Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Start by combining your ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently with clean hands (or a fork) until everything is just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Form the mixture into mini 1-inch meatballs; a small cookie scoop or wet hands will keep things neat and even.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables

In your favorite big soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, and sauté for around 5 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the onion is translucent and everything smells wonderfully sweet and savory.

Step 3: Simmer the Meatballs

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it up to a gentle boil. Carefully add the turkey meatballs—drop them gently to avoid splashing. Once they’re in, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. The meatballs will turn opaque and start to flavor the whole pot with their herby goodness.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Stir in your small pasta—acini di pepe or orzo are perfect. Cook according to the package instructions (usually 6–8 minutes) until the pasta is just tender, stirring occasionally to disperse the pasta and prevent sticking.

Step 5: Add the Spinach and Finish the Soup

Toss in the fresh baby spinach and stir until it’s wilted and vibrant, about 2 minutes. Taste the broth and add more salt or pepper if needed. Now your Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup is ready for serving—get those bowls ready!

How to Serve Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup

Garnishes

Nothing beats a final sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan and a scattering of chopped fresh parsley. The cheese melts into creamy ribbons, while the parsley wakes up the whole bowl. A swirl of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil can add a little extra flair.

Side Dishes

Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup really shines next to a warm, crusty sourdough loaf or a simple garlic bread for dunking. If you want a lighter touch, pair with an Italian chopped salad or roasted vegetables to complete your meal with freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your soup in wide, shallow bowls to show off those adorable meatballs and vibrant greens, or ladle it into mugs for a more informal, cozy feel. For parties, try serving small portions in mini cups or even shot glasses for a chic, appetizer-style twist on Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only get richer overnight, so it makes a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze the soup (minus the pasta, which can get soggy) for up to 3 months. Simply let it cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze; add fresh-cooked pasta when you reheat for the best texture.

Reheating

Warm the refrigerated or thawed soup over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring gently. If it has thickened too much, add a splash of extra broth or water to loosen it up, and always taste for seasoning before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well as turkey in this soup—just keep an eye out for ground chicken that isn’t too lean, so your meatballs stay juicy rather than dry.

What pasta shapes are best for Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup?

Classic choices include acini di pepe, orzo, or even tiny stars. Anything small and quick-cooking is a great fit, letting each bite deliver the perfect balance of broth, meatball, and pasta.

How do I keep the meatballs tender?

Mix the meat mixture gently, and don’t overwork it. Also, take care not to overcook the meatballs—they just need to be opaque and cooked through, which usually takes about 10 minutes in the simmering broth.

Can I make the meatballs in advance?

Yes! The uncooked meatballs can be formed and frozen on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, you can add them to the simmering soup straight from the freezer—just add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.

What greens can I use if I don’t have spinach?

Feel free to swap in chopped kale or escarole for the spinach if you have them. They’ll both add a gorgeous color and a little bit of heartiness, though they’ll need a couple more minutes to become tender.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a recipe that brings cozy flavor, simple ingredients, and lots of joy to your table, you can’t go wrong with Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup. It’s a celebration of comfort and freshness in every spoonful—so go ahead, gather your favorite people and savor a bowlful!

Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a comforting bowl of Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup, a healthy twist on the classic wedding soup featuring flavorful turkey meatballs, nutritious spinach, and a savory broth. Perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Turkey Meatballs:

1 pound ground turkey
1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
8 cups chicken broth
1 cup small pasta (like acini di pepe or orzo)
4 cups fresh baby spinach
Extra grated Parmesan for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Turkey Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into small 1-inch meatballs.
Cook the Soup: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Cook onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add turkey meatballs, simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in pasta and cook until tender. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot, garnished with Parmesan.