Orzo Soup with White Beans, Chicken Meatballs, and Spinach
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/3 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 tep garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 TBSP olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 4 cups chicken broth or chicken stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 15 oz can of cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 TBSP chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Using the first 9 ingredients, combine to make the meatballs. You will use ground chicken, Panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder, red pepper, salt and pepper. Combine the ingredients well using a spoon or with your hands. Shape the mixture into 25-30 meatballs.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or cast iron skillet. Add meatballs in batches and cook until all sides are browned (about 2-3 minutes). Place cooked meatballs on a paper towel lined platter and set aside.
- Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to pot/pan and add garlic, onions, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in thyme and basil for about 1 minute.
- Whisk in chicken stock and 1 cup of water. Add Bay leaves and bring to a boil. Stir in orzo pasta and reduce heat. Simmer until pasta is tender (about 10-12 mins.).
- Add meatballs after pasta has been cooking for about 5-6 mins. and let simmer in soup.
- Stir in spinach and white beans and let cook for about 2 mins. Stir in lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
I am always on the search for new recipes to try for my family and share with you. This is one of our family's favorites from Damn Delicious. Bibliographical Reference- Damndelicious.com