Chicken Soup with Stars and Meatballs

A comforting soup featuring homemade meatballs made with turkey or beef, spinach and Parmesan, served in a flavorful chicken broth with star-shaped pasta. Perfect for a hearty meal that combines protein, vegetables and pasta.

4 servings
51 min

Ingredients

  • cup finely grated fresh Parmesan
  • ¾ pound ground turkey or lean ground beef
  • ½ small onion
  • ½ cup fresh bread crumbs
  • ½ cup spinach
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 to taste Coarse salt
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 8 ounces star-shape pasta
  • 4 cups chicken stock or broth

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    2. Set aside 4 tablespoons of the cheese.

    1 min

  3. 3.

    3. Combine the ground meat, onion, bread crumbs, spinach, egg, 3/4 teaspoon of the salt, and the remaining cheese in a medium bowl. Shape into 30 meatballs, each 1 inch in diameter.

    15 min

  4. 4.

    4. Heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Reduce heat to medium-low; add the meatballs and cook, turning, until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meatballs to a large saucepan.

    10 min

  5. 5.

    5. Meanwhile, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions; drain.

    8 min

  6. 6.

    6. Add the chicken stock to the browned meatballs and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the meatballs are just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Stir in the pasta and salt to taste.

    5 min

  7. 7.

    7. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with the reserved cheese.

    2 min