Name: Pesto Italian Wedding Soup
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz ground beef; 4 oz ground pork; 3–4 oz freshly grated Parmesan; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup finely minced onion; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 lemon, zested (optional); 2 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup diced yellow onion; 1 cup diced celery; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (to taste); 6 cups chicken bone broth; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Pinch red pepper flakes; 1 cup dry orzo; 2 cups fresh chopped spinach; 1 cup half & half; 1/2 cup prepared pesto; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Pesto Italian Wedding Soup

This pesto meatball orzo soup is a cozy, flavorful recipe that features tender mini meatballs, orzo pasta, shredded carrots, celery, and spinach in a light, creamy broth brightened with pesto. It’s a comforting dish inspired by a popular restaurant’s Italian wedding soup.

1 hr total 30 min prep 30 min cook 8 1036 cal

Instructions

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1 For meatballs, add beef, pork, Parmesan cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, salt, pepper, garlic, parsley, and lemon zest to a large bowl. Mix just until combined—don’t overwork. Form into small meatballs (thumb size) and set aside.
2 For soup, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot, and cook until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3 Add chicken bone broth, black pepper, basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Add the mini meatballs. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes.
4 Add the orzo directly to the pot and simmer until orzo is tender, 8 to 10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
5 Add spinach; stir until wilted. Reduce heat to medium-low, and stir in half-and-half. Heat gently, until hot but do not boil.
6 Turn heat to low; stir in pesto, Parmesan and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt.