Spaghetti and Meatball Soup
Try this Spaghetti and Meatball Soup recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Spaghetti and Meatball Soup recipe, or contribute your own.
- salt and pepper
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg white
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon skim milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil divided
- 6 oz extra lean (99% lean) ground turkey (or chicken) b
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan
- 2 tablespoons plain breadcrumbs
- 1 1/4 teaspoon italian seasoning divided
- 2 medium carrots grated (i used a box grater)
- 1 small zucchini grated (i used a box grater)
- 1/2 medium onion diced small
- 32 oz fat free reduced sodium chicken broth
- 24 oz jar of marinara sauce
- 1 cup uncooked broken wheat spaghetti pieces (1 inch sti
- 1 oz parmesan cheese freshly grated
- Carbohydrate 4.71666550081003 g
- Cholesterol 5.12563838718195 mg
- Fat 2.81141793570132 g
- Fiber 0.353687501531143 g
- Protein 4.48322048671778 g
- Saturated Fat 1.15550318591948 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (1-1/2 cup) serving (200g)
- Sodium 763.836685697153 mg
- Sugar 4.36297799927888 g
- Trans Fat 0.444462880522663 g
- Calories 61 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, garlic powder, tablespoon of grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, ½ teaspoon of the Italian seasoning, egg white and milk.
- Using your hands (or a spoon), mush all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Roll meat mixture into 30 separate (3/4” – 1”) mini meatballs.
- In a large stock pot (or a large skillet), bring 2 teaspoons of the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs to the oil and cook them, stirring occasionally until all sides are browned.
- Remove meatballs to a dish and set aside.
- Add the remaining teaspoon of olive oil to the pot and continue to heat to medium.
- Add the carrots, zucchini, onion and garlic and sprinkle with salt & pepper.
- Cook for about 5 minutes or until vegetables are softened.
- Add the meatballs, chicken broth, marinara sauce, red pepper flakes and remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the pot with the vegetables.
- Stir together and cover.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, uncover and lower the heat to a simmer.
- Add the spaghetti pieces and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the pasta and the meatballs are cooked through.
- Add the Parmesan cheese in the last couple minutes of the simmer and stir in.
A Busy Mom's Simple, Satisfying Spaghetti and Meatball Soup
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and preferably something the whole family will enjoy. This Spaghetti and Meatball Soup recipe has become a staple in our house, a perfect weeknight meal that's both comforting and surprisingly healthy. I love how versatile it is – I can easily adjust the ingredients based on what I have on hand, and it always tastes delicious.
Forget those complicated, time-consuming recipes that leave you exhausted after a long day. This soup comes together in under 30 minutes, a real lifesaver on those evenings when the kids are screaming for dinner and my energy levels are running low. The secret? Using pre-made ingredients whenever possible. I grab a jar of quality marinara sauce, a carton of chicken broth, and pre-shredded carrots and zucchini to save precious minutes. No one ever notices the shortcuts, and the end result is a hearty, flavourful soup that’s far superior to any takeout.
The meatballs are the star of the show. I use lean ground turkey to keep things healthy, but you can easily substitute ground chicken or even beef. The mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning adds depth of flavor, making each bite a little burst of happiness. I’ve found that using smaller meatballs ensures they cook perfectly and absorb all the delicious soup flavours.
This soup is a great way to sneak in extra vegetables. Grated carrots and zucchini blend seamlessly into the broth, adding a touch of sweetness and nutrients without overpowering the overall flavour profile. My kids don’t even realize they’re eating their vegetables, and that’s a win in my book! The addition of broken spaghetti adds a satisfying textural element; it absorbs the rich broth, making every spoonful even more delightful.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables – bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions. You can also customize the spices to your liking. A dash of red pepper flakes adds a pleasant kick, while a sprinkle of fresh basil provides a burst of freshness. The possibilities are truly endless!
This Spaghetti and Meatball Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of comfort and togetherness. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something cozy and familiar. It’s the kind of meal that sparks conversations and creates lasting memories, a reminder that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, there’s always time for a delicious, homemade dinner. So go ahead, try this recipe. I guarantee it will quickly become a family favorite.
Tips and Variations:
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and reheat it for a quick and easy meal.
- Freeze for later: This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it out into individual containers and freeze for a future meal.
- Add some greens: A handful of spinach or kale added during the last few minutes of cooking adds extra nutrients and vibrant color.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra spicy kick.
- Customize the pasta: Use any small pasta shape you prefer, such as ditalini or elbow macaroni.
- Boost the protein: Add some cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the meatballs for a heartier soup.
This simple yet flavorful Spaghetti and Meatball Soup is a true testament to the fact that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated. With its quick preparation time and undeniable deliciousness, it's the perfect answer to a busy weeknight dinner dilemma. So, grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and enjoy the comforting warmth of this family-friendly classic.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does! Let me know in the comments how yours turns out.
