Easy Turkey Meatball Orzo Soup
Cozy turkey meatballs simmer in a herby chicken broth with tender orzo and spinach. Bright lemon and Parmesan finish every bowl.
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Servings:
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped plus extra for serving
- 0.75 tsp garlic powder
- 0.75 tsp onion powder
- 1.25 tsp fine sea salt divided
- 0.75 tsp black pepper divided
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 0.75 cup celery, diced
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1.25 tsp Italian seasoning
- 8 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 0.75 cup orzo pasta, dry
- 3 cup baby spinach
- 1.5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 0.13 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 0.25 cup extra Parmesan, grated for serving
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Stir breadcrumbs and milk in a bowl. Let them soak for 5 minutes.
- Combine turkey, soaked crumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp pepper.
- Form 1-inch meatballs with damp hands. Set on a plate.
- Warm 1 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches, 4–6 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
- Add remaining oil. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
- Pour in broth and scrape the pot. Return meatballs and any juices. Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
- Stir in orzo. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 8–10 minutes.
- Fold in spinach and lemon juice. Season with remaining salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Rest 2 minutes to thicken slightly. Ladle into bowls and finish with parsley and Parmesan.
Notes
Try swapping spinach with chopped kale and add another 5 minutes of simmering. Leftovers keep 3 days in the fridge; the orzo absorbs broth, so thin with a splash of stock when reheating.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Turkey Meatball Orzo Soup flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.