Hearty & Healthy Little Meatball Soup: An Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe with Turkey and Spinach

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially one that’s both deeply flavorful and genuinely good for you. This “Little Meatball Soup,” often affectionately known as Italian Wedding Soup, is exactly that. It’s not about being overly fancy or complicated; it’s about simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create a truly satisfying meal. This cherished recipe brings back fond memories of childhood, where a similar version made with tender escarole was a staple in my home. While escarole remains a personal favorite for its slightly bitter, robust flavor, its availability can sometimes be a challenge at local grocery stores. Thankfully, fresh spinach makes an excellent, equally delicious, and readily available substitute, bringing vibrant color and a wealth of nutrients to every spoonful. However, I’ve already placed an order for escarole, eagerly anticipating the chance to recreate that classic taste, perhaps even enjoying some sautéed in garlic on its own!

Choosing the right protein is key to any great soup. Lately, I’ve found myself incorporating a lot of ground turkey into my cooking, and for good reason. It’s a leaner, lighter alternative that perfectly complements the fresh vegetables and savory broth in this soup, allowing the other flavors to truly shine. While I have absolutely nothing against red meat – in fact, I often prefer ground beef for specific dishes like hearty meatballs in a rich marinara sauce or juicy hamburgers – I generally aim to keep my everyday meals on the lighter side. This approach allows me to savor those richer, more indulgent treats occasionally, truly appreciating them when I do. Plus, a recent bulk purchase of ground turkey from Costco means I have a plentiful supply, making it an easy and practical choice for creating delicious, wholesome meals throughout the week.

Building the Flavor Base: The Heart of Your Soup

Every great soup begins with a strong foundation, and for this Little Meatball Soup, that foundation is a classic mirepoix of carrots, celery, and onion, gently sautéed with aromatic garlic. This simple combination, often referred to as the “holy trinity” in cooking, slowly caramelizes in a touch of olive oil, releasing incredibly complex and sweet flavors that infuse the entire broth. The key is to cook these vegetables until they begin to soften, about 5-8 minutes, allowing their natural sugars to develop without browning them too much. Seasoning them at this stage with a pinch of salt and pepper helps to draw out moisture and intensify their flavor, setting the stage for a truly robust and delicious soup.

Once your aromatic base is ready, it’s time to introduce the liquid gold: low-sodium chicken broth. Using a good quality broth is paramount, as it forms the bulk of your soup’s flavor profile. Low-sodium options give you better control over the final seasoning, allowing you to add salt to your preference without worrying about an overly salty dish. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil before adding the star green vegetable. While escarole offers a slightly bitter note that beautifully balances the richness of the meatballs and broth, fresh spinach is a fantastic, milder alternative that wilts down quickly, adding a boost of nutrients and a lovely verdant hue. Let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes after adding the spinach, giving all the flavors ample time to meld and deepen.

Crafting the Perfect Turkey Meatballs: Lean and Flavorful

The “little meatballs” are truly the stars of this soup, and making them from scratch is surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding. Using lean ground turkey keeps the soup light and healthy without sacrificing flavor. For those who prefer a richer taste, ground beef can certainly be substituted, offering a more traditional depth. The secret to tender, flavorful meatballs lies in the mixture: finely minced onion and garlic powder provide a subtle aromatic base, while Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami kick. Plain breadcrumbs act as a binder, helping the meatballs hold their shape, and eggs further assist in binding while adding a touch of richness. A splash of milk ensures a moist and tender texture, preventing them from becoming dry or tough.

When combining these ingredients, remember the golden rule: mix gently. Overworking the meat can lead to dense, rubbery meatballs. Mix just until everything is combined, then take small portions – about 1 inch in diameter – and gently roll them into tiny, uniform balls. The size is important here; smaller meatballs cook more quickly and are easier to enjoy in each spoonful of soup. Once shaped, these delicate little meatballs are carefully dropped directly into the simmering broth. They will poach gently, absorbing the wonderful flavors of the soup as they cook through, remaining incredibly tender. Cover the pot and let them simmer over low heat for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Always taste for seasoning before serving, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

This soup is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but it also welcomes a few delightful additions to make it even more special. For those who love a bit more heartiness, a handful of small pasta shapes can be added during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering. Orzo, ditalini, or even tiny acini di pepe pasta are excellent choices that will plump up beautifully in the flavorful broth, turning the soup into a more substantial meal. The ultimate finishing touch, however, is a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Its sharp, nutty flavor melts into the hot soup, adding an irresistible richness and a creamy texture that elevates every spoonful. Don’t forget it – it truly makes a difference!

Beyond pasta and Parmesan, feel free to get creative with other variations. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the entire dish, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth and a gentle kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil, finely chopped and stirred in at the end, will contribute a burst of fresh flavor and aroma. Serve your Little Meatball Soup with a side of crusty Italian bread for dipping, or a light green salad to complete a perfect, wholesome meal. This soup is also fantastic for meal prepping; it reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

This healthy and comforting Italian Wedding Soup is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. It’s a dish that warms the soul, nourishes the body, and brings joy to the dinner table. Whether you stick to the spinach or manage to find that elusive escarole, you’re in for a treat.