Description
This fresh minestrone features tender turkey meatballs, garden zucchini, and sweet corn in a light lemony broth. It is a healthy 35-minute dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (from about 1 ear)
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine ground turkey, panko, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until just mixed.
- Form the turkey mixture into roughly 24 small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Add meatballs in a single layer (in batches if needed) and sear for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides. Transfer meatballs to a plate.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until the onion softens.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release browned bits. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
- Stir in uncooked ditalini pasta, green beans, and browned meatballs. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer gently for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add zucchini and fresh corn kernels. Continue simmering for another 4 to 5 minutes until pasta is al dente and vegetables are tender.
- Check that turkey meatballs reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F with a thermometer.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Immediately stir in baby spinach and fresh lemon juice until spinach wilts.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese if you wish.
Notes
- Sear meatballs in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Scraping the bottom of the pot after adding broth helps build flavor.
- Stir the pasta often while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American