If you’re craving a cozy, comforting bowl that brings together hearty flavors and a creamy texture, look no further than this Creamy Italian Wedding Soup with Turkey Meatballs. This soup combines tender turkey meatballs with vibrant vegetables, delicate pasta, and a luscious broth that will warm you from the inside out. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead, it’s a wholesome, satisfying dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Italian Wedding Soup with Turkey Meatballs is a fantastic twist on a classic favorite. Using lean ground turkey makes the meatballs lighter but just as flavorful, while the creamy broth adds richness without overwhelming the palate. The blend of fresh spinach, carrots, and celery brings a vibrant freshness and a boost of nutrients. Plus, the small pasta pearls add that perfect bite-sized texture that turns this soup into a true comfort food hug in a bowl. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious family dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Ingredient List

1 pound ground turkey
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
8 cups chicken broth
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup onion, diced
1 cup fresh spinach
1/2 cup small pasta (such as orzo or acini di pepe)
Olive oil for cooking

Cook’s Kit

Large pot or Dutch oven – perfect for simmering the soup and cooking meatballs.
Mixing bowl – to combine meatball ingredients.
Slotted spoon – for gently transferring meatballs to the soup.
Knife and cutting board – to prep vegetables.
Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions.

Mastering Creamy Italian Wedding Soup with Turkey Meatballs: How-To

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Meatballs

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until just combined – avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Try to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Working in batches, gently brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a light golden crust. They don’t need to be cooked through at this point as they will finish cooking in the soup. Remove them from the pot and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a touch more olive oil if needed. Toss in the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.

Step 5: Add the Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Carefully add the browned turkey meatballs back into the pot. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta and Add Spinach

Add the small pasta to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach so it wilts gently into the broth.

Step 7: Make It Creamy

To achieve that signature creamy texture, gently stir in a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt smoothly into the broth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired. This soup is best enjoyed warm with crusty bread or a simple side salad.

Better Choices & Swaps

Meatball Protein: Swap ground turkey for lean ground chicken or beef if preferred.
Pasta Alternatives: Use gluten-free pasta for dietary needs, or replace pasta with quinoa for a grain-free option.
Vegetable Variations: Add chopped kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for different greens.
Dairy-Free Option: Omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese substitute to keep it creamy.

Frequent Missteps to Avoid

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture; it can make the meatballs tough instead of tender.
Be careful not to crowd the pan when browning meatballs – this ensures they brown evenly and don’t steam.
Overcooking pasta in the soup can cause it to become mushy; cook just until al dente.
Adding spinach too early leads to overcooked, limp greens – add it near the end for vibrant color and texture.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

This Creamy Italian Wedding Soup with Turkey Meatballs stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep it in an airtight container and reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If freezing, separate the meatballs from the soup to prevent the pasta from getting mushy during thawing. Freeze the broth and meatballs individually in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Helpful Q&A

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the turkey meatballs a day in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to make the soup, simply brown them quickly in the pot before adding the broth. This saves hands-on time and enhances flavor.

Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. To maintain the creamy texture, consider stirring in a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream at the end of cooking.

What’s the best pasta to use in this soup?

Small pastas like orzo or acini di pepe work best because they cook quickly and blend well with the soup’s texture. You can also try small shells or ditalini, depending on your preference.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! Feel free to incorporate zucchini, peas, or even mushrooms to add more depth and nutrition. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly so the veggies remain tender-crisp.

Try These Next

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Avgolemono Style – A bright and tangy soup that’s perfect for a change of pace.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs With Marinara – Another meatball favorite with a rich, flavorful sauce.

Final Bite

This Creamy Italian Wedding Soup with Turkey Meatballs is exactly the kind of dish to turn to when you want something nourishing yet indulgent. The tender turkey meatballs, fresh veggies, and creamy broth come together to create a bowl full of comfort and flavor that everyone will love. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to serve when friends or family come over. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and dive into a bowl of this delicious soup tonight!

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