Chicken Meatball–and–Orzo Soup

Dairy Free
Health score
27%
Chicken Meatball–and–Orzo Soup
45 min.
4
463kcal

Suggestions


Warm up your kitchen and your heart with this delightful Chicken Meatball-and-Orzo Soup! Perfectly designed for anyone seeking a hearty yet wholesome meal, this soup is not only bursting with flavor but also completely dairy-free. Whether you're looking for a filling lunch, a cozy dinner, or a comforting main dish, this recipe ticks all the boxes.

Imagine tender meatballs made from fresh chicken sausage, infused with garlic and perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of salt and pepper. As they simmer in a rich, low-sodium chicken broth, the delightful aroma will envelop your space, inviting everyone to gather around the table. The addition of baby spinach not only adds a splash of vibrant color but also packs in essential nutrients, making this soup a nourishing option for any time of day. And let’s not forget the orzo; these tiny pasta shapes lend a satisfying bite that complements the meatballs and combines beautifully with the broth.

Ready in just 45 minutes, this Chicken Meatball-and-Orzo Soup makes an ideal choice for busy weeknights or peaceful rainy afternoons. With each spoonful, you'll find yourself enveloped in warmth and comfort, making it a dish to love and share. Get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that brings everyone together!

Ingredients

  • cups baby spinach 
  • pound mild chicken sausage fresh sweet italian such as casings discarded and meat rolled into twenty 1-inch meatballs
  •  garlic clove very finely chopped
  • servings pepper black freshly ground
  • cups chicken broth low-sodium
  • tablespoon olive oil extra virgin extra-virgin
  • cup orzo pasta 

Equipment

  • bowl
  • sauce pan
  • ladle
  • pot
  • slotted spoon

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the orzo until it is al dente, about 8 minutes.
  2. Drain and rinse the orzo under cold water until cool.
  3. Meanwhile, in a medium soup pot, heat the olive oil until shimmering.
  4. Add the chicken meatballs and cook over moderately high heat until they are lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meatballs to a plate.
  5. Add the garlic to the pot and cook over moderate heat until lightly golden, about 1 minute.
  6. Add the chicken broth, bring to a simmer and season with salt and pepper.
  7. Add the meatballs to the broth and simmer until they are cooked through, about 3 minutes.
  8. Add the baby spinach and cooled orzo to the simmering broth and cook, stirring, until the spinach is wilted and the soup is piping hot, about 1 minute. Ladle the meatball-and-orzo soup into shallow bowls and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Calories463kcal
Protein25.39%
Fat41.89%
Carbs32.72%

Properties

Glycemic Index
34
Glycemic Load
11.51
Inflammation Score
-10
Nutrition Score
20.003478086513%

Flavonoids

Luteolin
0.28mg
Kaempferol
2.39mg
Myricetin
0.14mg
Quercetin
1.5mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:463.49kcal
23.17%
Fat:22.33g
34.36%
Saturated Fat:4.58g
28.63%
Carbohydrates:39.25g
13.08%
Net Carbohydrates:37.19g
13.52%
Sugar:2.99g
3.32%
Cholesterol:80.06mg
26.69%
Sodium:1298.35mg
56.45%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:30.45g
60.9%
Vitamin K:183.45µg
174.71%
Vitamin A:3917.28IU
78.35%
Manganese:0.71mg
35.28%
Selenium:24.19µg
34.55%
Vitamin B3:5.77mg
28.83%
Folate:79.54µg
19.88%
Phosphorus:196.76mg
19.68%
Iron:3.25mg
18.07%
Potassium:601.69mg
17.19%
Copper:0.34mg
17.06%
Vitamin C:12.36mg
14.98%
Magnesium:53.4mg
13.35%
Vitamin B2:0.2mg
11.8%
Vitamin E:1.31mg
8.72%
Vitamin B6:0.17mg
8.57%
Fiber:2.07g
8.26%
Zinc:1.09mg
7.28%
Calcium:61mg
6.1%
Vitamin B12:0.35µg
5.9%
Vitamin B1:0.06mg
4.31%
Vitamin B5:0.19mg
1.92%
Source:My Recipes