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Creamy Tomato Orzo Soup with Mini Turkey Meatballs in a bowl

Creamy Tomato Orzo Soup with Mini Turkey Meatballs: Easy & Comforting


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  • Author: CHEF ALMA
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Creamy Tomato Orzo Soup with Mini Turkey Meatballs is a hearty, protein-packed meal that’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor. Juicy turkey meatballs simmer in a velvety tomato and coconut milk broth with tender orzo, carrots, and spinach for a satisfying, wholesome soup.


Ingredients

Scale

For the meatballs:

  • 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
  • ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • (Optional) 2 tablespoons basil pesto
  • Freshly ground salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking

For the soup:

  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 large carrot, sliced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can light coconut milk
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 6 ounces uncooked orzo (about 1 cup)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

For mix-ins:

  • 23 cups organic spinach

For serving:

  • Fresh shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Extra basil pesto

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, pesto, salt, and pepper. Mix with hands until well combined, then roll into 40–45 mini (½-inch) meatballs.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in batches and brown on all sides for 5–6 minutes per batch. They do not need to cook through; they’ll finish in the soup. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.

3. In a large soup pot, heat ½ tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, and carrot. Sauté for 3–5 minutes, until onions and carrots begin to soften.

4. Add crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, orzo, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

5. Return browned meatballs to the pot. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through and orzo is tender.

6. Stir in spinach and cook for another minute until wilted. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

7. Serve hot with a swirl of basil pesto, shredded Parmesan cheese, and optional crackers or garlic bread.

Notes

You can substitute ground chicken for turkey if preferred.

For a dairy-free version, omit Parmesan and ensure pesto is dairy-free.

To make in a slow cooker: brown meatballs first, then combine all ingredients (except spinach) and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Stir in spinach before serving.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Add extra broth when reheating, as orzo may absorb liquid.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 8.6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 13.1g
  • Saturated Fat: 5.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38.7g
  • Fiber: 5.5g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg