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Summer Pesto Mini Meatball Soup.

Discover Summer Pesto Mini Meatball Soup for Ultimate Comfort!

This Summer Pesto Mini Meatball Soup is a delightful bowl of comfort, bursting with flavors and quick to prepare.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Pesto
  • 1 cup fresh basil packed
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts toasted
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Mini Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
  • ¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
Soup Base
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth
  • 12 ounces tiny cut pasta like ditalini
  • 1 diced shallot
Garnish
  • fresh basil
  • shaved parmesan

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • mixing bowl
  • Large pot

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a food processor, combine 1 cup of packed fresh basil, 2 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts, 2 garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt. Blend until finely chopped, then stream in ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil while blending until smooth.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground chicken or turkey, ¼ cup of seasoned breadcrumbs, ½ cup of homemade pesto, and some grated parmesan. Mix until just combined and form into small meatballs.
  3. Heat a large pot over medium heat and drizzle in olive oil. Once hot, add the mini meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides for 8-10 minutes.
  4. In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed and sauté 1 diced shallot for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  5. Return the browned meatballs to the pot, pour in 8 cups of low-sodium chicken stock, and bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in 12 ounces of tiny cut pasta and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes until al dente.
  6. Stir in additional pesto to taste, allow the soup to simmer for another minute, then serve hot garnished with fresh basil and shaved parmesan.

Notes

Feel free to customize with additional veggies and enjoy leftovers within 3 days.