Description
This comforting Spaghetti and Meatball Soup combines tender turkey meatballs, flavorful tomato broth, and perfectly cooked spaghetti for a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Soup:
- 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped and divided
- 4 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped and divided
- 1/2 onion, chopped and divided
- 3-4 tbsp tomato sauce (quick marinara)
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 oz dry cut up spaghetti
For the Meatballs:
- 16 oz 93% lean ground turkey (or 99% lean)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup Base: Heat a large pot over high heat. Add chicken broth, water, 1 clove crushed garlic, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1/4 of the chopped onion, tomato sauce, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes to develop flavors.
- Make the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, Parmesan cheese, egg, remaining chopped garlic, remaining chopped onion, remaining parsley, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and form into approximately 36 small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
- Cook Meatballs in Broth: Gently drop the formed meatballs into the simmering broth. Cook the meatballs for about 3 minutes, allowing them to cook through and infuse the broth with their flavor.
- Add and Cook Pasta: Add the cut-up spaghetti to the pot with the meatballs and cook according to the pasta package directions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in fresh chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use low sodium broth to control the salt level in the soup.
- Lean ground turkey keeps the meatballs healthy and tender.
- If you prefer a spicy kick, don’t skip the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Fresh parsley and basil add fresh herbaceous flavor and brightness to the dish.
- For gluten-free version, use gluten-free spaghetti and breadcrumbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
