Description
Indulge in a bowl of Summer Minestrone with Turkey Meatballs, a vibrant and nourishing dish perfect for warm evenings. This hearty soup combines fresh, seasonal vegetables and flavorful turkey meatballs, creating a colorful medley that is as delicious as it is wholesome. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is freezer-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a quick, homemade meal anytime. Each spoonful delivers a burst of flavor and nutrition, making it a favorite among both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 sweet onion (diced)
- 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
- 1 rib celery (diced)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 8 cups chicken stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 3/4 cup ditalini pasta
- 2 medium zucchini (halved and sliced)
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 pound ground turkey breast
- 1/3 cup Panko
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, Panko, Parmesan, garlic, basil, and seasoning until well combined. Shape into 30-32 meatballs.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes; set aside.
- In the same pot, add remaining oil and sauté garlic, onion, carrots, and celery until tender (3-4 minutes). Stir in thyme.
- Add chicken stock and bay leaves; bring to a boil. Stir in pasta and meatballs; simmer until cooked through (10-12 minutes).
- Mix in zucchini and spinach; cook until spinach wilts (about 2 minutes).
- Finish with lemon juice and parsley; adjust seasoning before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg