If you’re dreaming of a heartwarming, classic soup with a modern, lighter twist, look no further than this Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup. Every spoonful sparkles with savory turkey meatballs, tender vegetables, and tiny pasta pearls, all in a golden, comforting broth. It’s the sort of bowl you crave after a long day or want to share with friends on a chilly night — and the best part is how surprisingly simple it is to make at home!

Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how such humble, grocery-store staples come together in this soul-soothing Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup. Each ingredient brings its own magic: vibrant veggies, juicy turkey, and the whisper of Parmesan make this a true family classic.

Ground Turkey: A lighter protein choice that keeps the meatballs juicy and tender with less fat than traditional beef or pork.
Breadcrumbs: These bind the meatballs and add softness so they don’t get tough in the broth.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty bite right in the meatballs for depth of flavor.
Large Egg: One egg is just enough to bring the meatball mixture together without making it dense.
Minced Garlic: Freshly minced for a zesty, aromatic base running through every bite.
Italian Seasoning: Dried oregano, basil, and other herbs instantly give that beloved Italian flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: Use to taste for perfectly seasoned meatballs and broth.
Olive Oil: For browning the meatballs and giving them a gorgeous golden crust.
Chicken Broth: The heart of the soup; use a good-quality broth for the richest flavor.
Small Pasta (acini di pepe): These tiny pearls are classic in Italian wedding soup, making every spoonful fun.
Fresh Spinach: Chopped spinach wilts into the soup for freshness and bright green color.
Diced Onion: Sautéed onion creates a sweet, mellow base for the broth.
Carrots, Sliced: Offer sweetness and vibrant color with every bite.
Celery Stalks, Sliced: These add crunch and the signature soup aroma that’s oh-so comforting.

How to Make Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup

Step 1: Mix and Roll the Meatballs

To start your Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Get in there with clean hands or a sturdy spoon and mix everything until just combined. Don’t overwork it — gentle mixing means tender meatballs! Roll the mixture into tiny, bite-sized balls (think one inch or less) so they cook quickly and fit perfectly on your spoon.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat up the olive oil in a big soup pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches so you don’t crowd the pan; this ensures they develop a lovely golden color and subtle crust without steaming. Give them a turn or two as they brown, then carefully set them aside on a plate. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet, just lightly golden — they’ll finish in the broth later.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Without cleaning the pot (that’s flavor gold in there!), toss in your diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about five minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant. This base infuses the broth with that unmistakable soup-house aroma and sweetness.

Step 4: Simmer the Broth and Pasta

Pour the chicken broth into your pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring it all to a gentle boil, then stir in the small pasta. Cook until the pasta is just shy of al dente — don’t overcook, as it continues softening when the soup simmers. This stage allows the flavors to meld and the pasta to soak up the savory broth.

Step 5: Add Meatballs and Spinach

Gently return the browned meatballs to the simmering pot, making sure each one gets a bit of broth. Let them cook through for ten minutes, soaking up extra flavor and adding their own richness to the soup. Finally, right before serving, stir in the chopped fresh spinach. It wilts almost instantly, turning a brilliant green. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before ladling into bowls.

How to Serve Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup

Garnishes

For an elegant flourish, shower each bowl with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a bit of freshly cracked black pepper. If you love a pop of green, sprinkle a few chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley over the top. A drizzle of really good olive oil can also boost the flavor and make your Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Complete the experience with a crusty loaf of Italian bread or some warm garlic knots for scooping up every drop of broth. If you want something a little lighter, a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the soup’s cozy richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup in small cups or mugs for a fun appetizer at parties — it’s charming and so easy for guests to enjoy. For a family dinner, present the soup in a large, deep serving bowl at the table, letting everyone ladle their own portions and top with garnishes of choice. Or, pack it in a thermos for work or lunch on the go — it holds up wonderfully and tastes even better a day later!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors only get deeper and richer, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

This soup is a freezer superstar! Cool completely and freeze in portions for up to three months. If you know you’ll be freezing, consider leaving out the pasta (add it when reheating) to avoid sogginess. Freeze the meatballs and broth together for perfect texture every time.

Reheating

Warm leftover soup gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. If the pasta has soaked up lots of broth, stir in a splash of water or extra broth to loosen things up. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and heat in 60-second increments, stirring in between until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and shape the meatballs, then chill them in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze them raw. When ready, simply brown and simmer as usual, making homemade Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup even easier for busy nights.

What other greens can I use besides spinach?

Yes, kale or escarole are tasty alternatives. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add a few minutes earlier in the cooking process to give the tougher greens extra time to soften in the soup.

Is this soup kid-friendly?

Kids love the mini meatballs and fun-shaped pasta! The mild flavors of Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup make it appealing to even the pickiest eaters. You can even let little ones help roll the meatballs for an interactive kitchen adventure.

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

In a pinch, you can use frozen turkey meatballs, but homemade truly gives the best flavor and tenderness. If using store-bought, add them to the simmering broth once the veggies are soft, and heat through until fully cooked.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Mix the meatball mixture just until combined and avoid over-packing them when rolling. Be gentle when browning — smaller batches allow for easier turning. Following these tips ensures perfectly cooked, tender meatballs every time in your Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup.

Final Thoughts

There’s something uniquely joyful about serving up a big pot of Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup. It’s nutritious, comforting, and just plain fun to make and enjoy with loved ones. Give it a try — you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!

Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup. This hearty soup features flavorful turkey meatballs, tender pasta, and nutritious spinach in a savory broth. Perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Soup:

2 tbsp olive oil
8 cups chicken broth
1 cup small pasta such as acini di pepe
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup diced onion
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a pot, brown the meatballs, then set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery.
Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in chicken broth, add pasta, and cook until almost tender.
Finish the Soup: Return meatballs to the pot, simmer until cooked, then stir in spinach. Adjust seasoning and serve.