Chicken Soup

Difficulty: Intermediate
Hearty Italian-style soup with tiny meatballs and orzo-like rice pasta
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This comforting Italian-inspired soup features delicate, bite-sized meatballs made from lean ground beef, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Simmered in a savory chicken broth alongside Riso (tiny rice-shaped pasta), the dish offers a wonderful balance of textures and rich, savory flavors. The addition of fresh spinach provides a pop of color and nutrition, while garlic and basil infuse the broth with aromatic warmth. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a satisfying, home-cooked meal that feels like a warm hug. It&# 226;€™s simple to prepare using pantry staples, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day.

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Chicken Soup

Difficulty: Intermediate
Calories: 1629.4

Description

This comforting Italian-inspired soup features delicate, bite-sized meatballs made from lean ground beef, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Simmered in a savory chicken broth alongside Riso (tiny rice-shaped pasta), the dish offers a wonderful balance of textures and rich, savory flavors. The addition of fresh spinach provides a pop of color and nutrition, while garlic and basil infuse the broth with aromatic warmth. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a satisfying, home-cooked meal that feels like a warm hug. It&# 226;€™s simple to prepare using pantry staples, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the lean ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, grated onion, minced garlic, crushed basil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix ingredients thoroughly until just combined, then roll the mixture into tiny meatballs, approximately 1/2 inch (1 cm) in diameter.
  3. In a large pot or 3-quart saucepan, bring 6 cups of chicken broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  4. Carefully add the tiny meatballs to the simmering broth and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
  5. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked meatballs from the broth and set aside on a plate.
  6. Add the Riso (rice-shaped pasta) to the remaining broth in the pot and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the pasta is almost tender.
  7. Return the cooked meatballs to the pot along with chopped fresh spinach (or bok choy).
  8. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the Riso is fully cooked.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot with extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side.

Nutrition Facts


Amount Per Serving
Calories 1629.4kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 63.2g98%
Saturated Fat 19.1g96%
Cholesterol 459.9mg154%
Sodium 50054.5mg2086%
Total Carbohydrate 90.5g31%
Dietary Fiber 7.3g30%
Sugars 7.0g
Protein 150.5g301%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: italian, beef, meatballs, chicken broth, riso, spinach, parmesan, comfort food, easy dinner, gluten free option, garlic, basil, pasta soup, hearty, warm, family style, pantry staples, quick meal, protein rich
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