Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Yield: 6 Servings
Oh, man, you have got to give this one a try! The rich meaty taste of the meatballs is what I love the most about this dish! Be very generous with the amount of cheese that you are going to add. Thank me later. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
1 tbsp Olive Oil
Meatballs:
½ pound ground beef, 80% lean
½ pound ground pork
1 Egg, beaten
1/2 c Italian breadcrumbs, homemade is best
¼ c Parmesan Cheese, finely grated into a powder
3 cloves garlic, finely diced
1/3 c fresh parsley, roughly chopped
Salt & Freshly Ground Pepper
Soup:
1 ¼ c carrots, diced
1 ¼ c yellow onion, diced
¾ c celery, diced
1 tbsp garlic, minced
8 c Chicken broth, homemade is best
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt/Pepper
¾ c dry Acini De Pepe Pasta
8 ounces fresh Spinach
To Garnish:
Fresh parsley, roughly chopped
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, add the meatball ingredients. Mix using your hands until well combined.
Step 2: Form 1-inch balls out of the mixture.
Step 3: Place a Dutch oven or a large pot on the stove, then turn the heat to medium.
Step 4: Add in the olive oil and allow it to become hot.
Step 5: Add in the meatballs and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until brown.
Step 6: Place the cooked meatballs on a plate and set aside.
Step 7: Add in the onions, celery, and carrots, then sauté for about 5 minutes or until translucent.
Step 8: Add in the garlic and sauté for 1 minute or until aromatic.
Step 9: Add in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chicken broth, then stir until well mixed.
Step 10: Allow the mixture to boil.
Step 11: Turn the heat down to medium, then add in the pasta and meatballs.
Step 12: Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes or until the meatballs are completely cooked.
Step 13: Add in the spinach and stir until well blended.
Step 14: Remove from the heat.
Step 15: Sprinkle fresh parsley and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese on top of each serving. Enjoy!
Notes:
You can use Orzo pasta in exchange of Acini De Pepe Pasta.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 344kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 20g, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 81mg, Sodium: 1398mg, Potassium: 887mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 8126IU, Vitamin C: 38mg, Calcium: 126mg, Iron: 4mg
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