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Healthier Italian Wedding Soup with Lemon and Garlic Recipe


  • Author: amelia
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 45 servings 1x

Description

A lightened-up version of the classic, this Italian Wedding Soup blends savory meatballs, fresh greens, and a zesty lemon-garlic broth for a comforting and nutritious meal that warms you from the inside out.


Ingredients

Scale

For the meatballs:

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat if preferred)

  • 1 egg

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

For the soup:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1/2 cup small pasta (like acini di pepe or orzo)

  • 3 cups baby spinach or kale

  • Juice of 1 lemon


Instructions

  1. Make the meatballs: Mix all ingredients and roll into 1-inch balls.

  2. Cook meatballs: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes or until browned.

  3. Start soup: In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.

  4. Add broth & pasta: Bring to a boil, then simmer until pasta is cooked.

  5. Finish: Add meatballs, greens, and lemon juice. Simmer 5 more minutes.

Notes

  • Add crushed red pepper for a little heat.

  • Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

  • Use quinoa instead of pasta for a gluten-free version.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 320kal
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g