Name: Lemony Chicken Meatball Orzo Soup with Spinach & Parmesan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 2⅔ cups chopped yellow onion; 1⅓ cups chopped carrot; 1⅓ cups chopped celery; 4 tbsp minced garlic; 12 cups unsalted chicken broth; 12 oz orzo (preferably whole-wheat); 3 tbsp chopped fresh oregano; 1 tsp kosher salt; 48 cooked chicken meatballs (about 24 oz); 8 cups baby spinach; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Description

A wholesome Mediterranean-inspired soup featuring tender chicken meatballs, orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and oregano in a garlicky chicken broth, finished with Parmesan for a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

8 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2⅔ cups chopped yellow onion
1⅓ cups chopped carrot
1⅓ cups chopped celery
4 tbsp minced garlic
12 cups unsalted chicken broth
12 oz orzo (preferably whole-wheat)
3 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
1 tsp kosher salt
48 cooked chicken meatballs (about 24 oz)
8 cups baby spinach
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a large soup pot, heat 4 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add orzo, oregano, and salt. Reduce heat and simmer until orzo is al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
In a separate skillet, heat remaining 4 tbsp olive oil over medium heat and warm the cooked meatballs until heated through.
Stir meatballs into the soup along with baby spinach. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, until spinach wilts.
Season with black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan.

Notes

For a lemony twist, add 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice before serving.
Use gluten-free orzo to make the soup gluten-free.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; add a splash of broth when reheating as pasta may absorb liquid.
Homemade chicken meatballs add extra flavor, but store-bought works well for convenience.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: chicken meatball soup, orzo soup, Mediterranean chicken soup, spinach Parmesan soup