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–+ servings

Easy Creamy Tomato Orzo Soup with Turkey Meatballs

Rose
This comforting and protein-packed soup features tender mini turkey meatballs, orzo pasta, and a creamy tomato broth enriched with vegetables and Italian herbs — perfect for weeknight dinners or light lunches.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main, Soup
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • skillet
  • large pot
  • spatula or spoon
  • measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp basil pesto (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup light coconut milk
  • 3/4 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • as needed extra basil pesto (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and optional pesto.
  • Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
  • Roll mixture into 1-inch mini meatballs.
  • Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil and lightly brown the meatballs on all sides (they will finish cooking in the soup).
  • Remove and set aside.
  • In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
  • Sauté diced onion, garlic, and carrots until softened and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
  • Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, coconut milk, and Italian seasoning to the pot.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer and season with salt and pepper.
  • Stir in orzo pasta and partially cooked turkey meatballs.
  • Simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until orzo is tender and meatballs are cooked through.
  • Stir in fresh spinach just before serving until wilted.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • Ladle soup into bowls, sprinkle with Parmesan, and drizzle with extra basil pesto if desired.

Notes

Ground turkey can be swapped with chicken, lean beef, or plant-based crumbles. Breadcrumbs can be replaced with gluten-free or oat flour. Coconut milk can be replaced with heavy cream or unsweetened cashew milk. Orzo can be swapped with small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or ditalini. Make meatballs ahead and freeze for convenience.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 18gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 2.5mg
Keyword creamy soup, tomato orzo soup, turkey meatballs, weeknight dinner
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