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Transform your standard tomato soup with this smooth, indulgent version packed with orzo and small turkey meatballs. The addition of coconut milk creates a velvety texture, and we add a dash of pesto for a richer taste. It's just right when you're craving something substantial that's still nutritious.
Reasons To Try This Soup
This hearty bowl combines everything you need - turkey meatballs for protein, nutritious spinach and carrots, plus filling pasta. Customize it however you want. Swap out the pasta or skip the meat altogether. It tastes like something from a fancy eatery but you can whip it up in your kitchen.
Ingredients List
- For Meatballs:
- Ground Turkey: 1 pound lean meat
- Breadcrumbs: 1/3 cup
- Italian Seasoning: 1 spoon
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 spoon
- Red Pepper: 1 spoon flakes
- Pesto: 2 spoons (optional)
- Salt and Pepper For Soup:
- Olive Oil: 2 spoons total
- Garlic: 3 cloves, chopped
- Onion: 1 whole, cut small
- Carrot: 1 big one, sliced
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 big can (28 oz)
- Coconut Milk: 1 can light kind
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups
- Italian Seasoning: 1 spoon
- Orzo: 1 cup dry
- Spinach: 2-3 cups fresh
- More Salt and Pepper
- Parmesan: For topping
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Cooking Instructions
- Make meatballs first:
- Combine turkey, breadcrumbs, seasonings, pesto in a bowl. Form tiny marble-sized meatballs. You'll get around 40.
- Cook meatballs:
- Warm 1 spoon oil in large pan. Brown meatballs in batches until golden all around - takes roughly 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Start soup:
- In your soup pot, heat remaining oil. Soften garlic, onion, carrots for about 5 minutes. Keep stirring to prevent garlic from burning.
- Make it creamy:
- Add tomatoes, coconut milk, broth. Sprinkle in seasoning. Mix well. Bring to a gentle bubble.
- Add pasta:
- Drop in orzo and browned meatballs. Reduce heat. Simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Finish up:
- Add spinach. Stir until wilted. Check flavor - adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot:
- Ladle into bowls. Top with extra pesto if desired. Sprinkle cheese. Add red pepper flakes for extra kick.
Orzo Facts
Though orzo resembles rice, it's actually tiny pasta. It softens in around 15 minutes. No need to pre-cook it before adding to your soup. Make sure to stir the pot bottom often to avoid sticking. If your soup gets too thick, just pour in more broth. Don't want pasta? Just swap in rice or small noodles.
Customization Options
Can't find turkey? Go with chicken or beef meatballs instead. Vegetarian? Toss in white beans as a substitute. If coconut milk isn't your thing, regular milk works fine. Feel free to toss in extra veggies like peas or corn. Some people prefer more heat, so add extra red pepper. Adjust it to match what your family enjoys.
Kid-Friendly Meal
Little ones really go for these tiny meatballs. Let them join in by rolling some themselves for a fun cooking activity. The vegetables cook down nicely so fussy eaters won't mind them. Try making a double batch of meatballs and freeze half for another meal. Many parents sneak in additional carrots without their kids noticing.
Quick Shortcuts
Grab pre-chopped veggies when you're in a rush. Need an even quicker version? Skip the meatball rolling and just brown the ground turkey directly in the pot. Made too much? It freezes well but add fresh spinach when you warm it up. Stays good for 5 days in your fridge. It'll thicken overnight, so just add a bit more broth when reheating.
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Slow Cooker Method
Start by browning your meatballs. Throw everything except pasta and spinach into your slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Add the orzo during the final hour. Stir in spinach just before serving. Your home will smell amazing all day long. It's perfect for those busy days when you can't stand by the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use beef instead of turkey?
Definitely! Use ground beef for a richer bite—drain the fat for a lighter soup. Lean beef (90/10) works best. Toss in garlic and parsley to bring up the flavor. Keep the meatballs small for a quick cook. Some folks mix beef and turkey for the best of both worlds. Add a splash of milk to make them extra moist. Note: Beef balls might cook slightly faster than turkey.
- → How about making it vegetarian?
Super simple! Skip the meatballs entirely or grab plant-based crumbles to make faux ones. Go with veggie broth. Want proteins? Chickpeas or white beans do the trick. Mushrooms add that earthy, meaty vibe if sliced small. Load it up with extras like bell peppers or zucchini. With orzo and creamy milk (coconut or other), you'll still get that cozy, satisfying feel.
- → Need it gluten-free?
Grab gluten-free orzo brands like DeLallo. For the meatballs, swap breadcrumbs with GF ones or blended rice crackers. Double-check your broth since some sneaky gluten hides there. If GF orzo’s hard to find, try cooking with quinoa, rice, or tiny GF pasta shapes. Keep an eye on the meatballs since GF binders are delicate and could fall apart. You might also cook pasta on the side and toss in when serving.
- → No coconut milk - help!
No worries—there are lots of options! Heavy cream or half & half works just fine. Regular milk will do too, though you may need an extra splash for that rich consistency. Dairy-free? Blend some soaked cashews for cashew cream or use plain almond milk. Cream cheese melts in smoothly too. With dairy products especially, stir them in at the end to stop curdling. Each option tweaks the flavor slightly but all turn out creamy and yummy.
- → Can I freeze extra?
Absolutely, but plan ahead! Since orzo soaks liquid over time, freeze before adding the pasta or make a fresh batch later. If freezing fully cooked soup, add extra broth beforehand. It’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently on the stove. Stir softly so the meatballs hold together. Coconut milk may separate a bit when frozen but blends right back when reheated. Add a little liquid if it feels too thick.
Conclusion
Enjoyed this? Next try whipping up chili with turkey—it’s got the same core ingredients but a spicy, warming kick. Great for cold days too!