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Chicken Meatball Noodle Soup Recipe

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3.8 from 81 reviews

This comforting Chicken Meatball Noodle Soup combines tender homemade chicken meatballs with nourishing kale, ditalini pasta, and a creamy chicken broth. Infused with Italian herbs, garlic, and Parmesan, this hearty soup is perfect for a cozy dinner and yields eight satisfying servings.

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta
  • 2 ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil for searing

Soup Base

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup uncooked ditalini pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups finely chopped kale
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

  1. Mix Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, rubbed sage, soy sauce, Kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined. Use a cookie scoop to portion the mixture evenly, then lightly oil your hands and roll each portion into uniform meatballs.
  2. Sear Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook meatballs on all sides until a dark golden-brown crust forms, about 4-5 minutes total. Add additional oil between batches if needed. Transfer seared meatballs to a plate and set aside.
  3. Start the Soup: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium, and add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Add diced onion along with a pinch of salt and cracked black pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions become translucent and fragrant.
  4. Add Aromatics and Flour: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and ground sage, cooking for about 1 minute to release their aroma. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring frequently, for another minute to form a roux that will thicken the soup.
  5. Deglaze the Pan: Slowly whisk in about 1/2 cup of chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all the flavorful brown bits from searing. This will deepen the flavor of your soup base.
  6. Simmer the Pasta: Add the remaining chicken stock and uncooked ditalini pasta to the pan along with generous pinches of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 3-5 minutes, or until the pasta is just a minute shy of al dente.
  7. Finish the Soup: Gently stir in the seared meatballs, heavy cream, chopped kale, and balsamic vinegar. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Continue simmering gently until the meatballs are fully cooked through, the pasta is al dente, and the kale is wilted, about 5 more minutes.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting chicken meatball noodle soup!

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for the meatballs to ensure even cooking.
  • The meatballs can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until ready to cook.
  • If you prefer gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic and herbs to your taste preference.
  • Swap kale with spinach or Swiss chard for a slightly different leafy green texture.
  • For a thicker soup, add an extra tablespoon of flour when making the roux.
  • This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta and kale.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/chicken-meatball-noodle-soup-recipe/