Chicken Soup With Meatballs
A hearty and comforting chicken soup featuring tender meatballs, spinach, and pasta, infused with savory Parmesan cheese. Perfect for cold days or when craving a nutritious, filling meal that appeals to all ages and suits family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring chicken broth and water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add spinach and simmer for 5 minutes longer.
- Mix the ground meat, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, then drop from teaspoon into the soup to form meatballs.
- Simmer for 7 minutes until no longer pink inside the meatballs.
- Stir in 3 cups of mixed vegetables (onion, carrots, celery, zucchini) and simmer until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing onions and garlic before adding the broth. You can substitute the tiny bow tie pasta with any small pasta shape you prefer. If you're short on time, pre-made meatballs can be used instead of homemade. For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chicken soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with O'Charley'S Loaded Potato Soup for a comforting dinner. Top each bowl with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Soup With Meatballs contains roughly 1546 calories, with 80g protein, 183g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (159% of the Daily Value), iron (134% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (101% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2175mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh spinach can be used! Add it to the soup just a few minutes before serving to keep its vibrant color and nutrients. You'll want to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh spinach wilts quickly.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
To make this chicken soup gluten-free, substitute the tiny bow tie pasta with a gluten-free pasta option. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the chicken broth, are labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! This soup is very versatile, and you can add any vegetables you like. Consider adding peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Just remember to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).