Turkey Meatball Spinach Tortellini Soup
This easy kid-friendly soup is a great way to warm up on a cold winter night. One large bowl is under 300 calories and is very satisfying.
This easy kid-friendly soup is a great way to warm up on a cold winter night. One large bowl is under 300 calories and is very satisfying.
- 1 large egg
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 tbsp parsley finely chopped
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt
- 2 stalks of celery chopped
- 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 10 oz 93% ground turkey
- 2 tbsp seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (parmigiano reggiano)
- 1 large carrot, peeled & chopped
- 4 cans reduced sodium chicken broth (i used swansons)
- 1 small parmigiano-reggiano rind (optional)
- 9 oz refrigerated spinach cheese tortellini (buitoni)fr to taste
- 3 cups loosely packed baby spinach
- fresh grated parmigiano-reggiano for topping
- Carbohydrate 2.13881 g
- Cholesterol 37.7941666666667 mg
- Fat 1.81801833333333 g
- Fiber 0.379833340644836 g
- Protein 1.350425 g
- Saturated Fat 0.874738 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (120g)
- Sodium 38.6178666666667 mg
- Sugar 1.75897665935516 g
- Trans Fat 0.213514666666666 g
- Calories 29 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic, salt and parmesan cheese.
- Using your (clean) hands, gently mix all the ingredients well until everything is combined.
- Form small meatballs, about 1 tbsp each, you’ll get about 20 to 22.
- In a large nonstick pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
- When melted, add the celery, onion, carrot & garlic.
- Cover and reduce heat to low and cook for approximately 8-10 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the chicken broth and parmesan rind and increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.
- When broth boils, season with black pepper to taste.
- Reduce heat to medium and gently drop in the meatballs.
- Cook about 4 minutes.
- Add the tortellini and simmer until cooked according to package directions, about 7 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the rind, and add the baby spinach.
- Stir to combine and serve topped with fresh grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
A Warm Embrace on a Chilly Evening: My Favorite Turkey Meatball Soup
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal can sometimes feel like a Herculean task. But let me tell you, this Turkey Meatball Spinach Tortellini Soup is my go-to recipe for those evenings when I need something comforting, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. It's the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out, a perfect antidote to a long day. The aroma alone is enough to melt away the stress, and the taste? Let's just say my family practically fights over the last spoonful.
I love how versatile this soup is. It's hearty enough for a chilly winter night but light enough that it won't leave you feeling sluggish. The ground turkey adds a lean protein boost, while the spinach provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. And don’t even get me started on the cheese tortellini – those little pockets of cheesy goodness are the absolute stars of the show. It’s a recipe that brings together the best of both worlds: comfort food and healthy eating, a delightful balance that fits perfectly into my busy life.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There's no complicated chopping or tedious techniques required. It's a recipe I can whip up even on my most hectic days, and that’s a huge win in my book. I often find myself doubling the recipe because leftovers are just as delightful (if not more so!) the next day. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, deepening the richness and creating an even more satisfying experience. It’s the perfect meal prep option, saving me precious time throughout the week.
Beyond the Recipe: A Little Something Extra
This soup is more than just a meal; it's a ritual. It’s the kind of dish that invites conversation and connection. I often find myself sharing a bowl with my kids, chatting about their day while savoring each delicious bite. The simple act of preparing and sharing a meal together creates a sense of warmth and togetherness, something particularly valuable in our busy modern lives.
It's also a great way to introduce new flavors to picky eaters. My kids, who are notoriously fussy, absolutely adore this soup. The subtle sweetness of the carrots and the comforting familiarity of the tortellini make it a winner, even for the most discerning palates. I've even been known to sneak in extra vegetables, finely chopped and blended into the sauce, to boost the nutritional value without compromising taste.
Beyond the family dinners, this soup has also become my go-to dish for potlucks and gatherings. It always receives rave reviews, and the best part? It's easy to transport and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for sharing with friends and loved ones. It's a dish that sparks joy, both in the making and in the sharing.
So, the next time you're looking for a comforting, healthy, and effortless meal, give this Turkey Meatball Spinach Tortellini Soup a try. I'm confident it will become a new family favorite, a recipe that you’ll cherish and return to time and time again. It's more than just a soup; it's a hug in a bowl.
