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Easy Turkey Meatball Orzo Soup

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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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

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.