Light broth soup with tender chicken meatballs and veggies
Chicken Meatball Soup
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4
6 cups
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Chicken Meatball Soup
Light broth soup with tender chicken meatballs and veggies
★4.8(21)
Tender chicken meatballs simmered in a clear, garlicky broth with spinach, carrots, and ditalini. Comforting, clean, and warming from the inside out.
15m
Prep Time
20m
Cook Time
35m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This soup is the healthy answer to chicken noodle soup, with protein-packed chicken meatballs replacing shredded chicken. The meatballs poach directly in the broth, infusing it with flavor.
Italian cooking is built on a foundation of simplicity and quality ingredients. This recipe honors that tradition while being approachable for home cooks of any skill level.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- 1
Mix ground chicken with Parmesan, half the garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Roll into 1-inch meatballs.
- 2
Bring chicken broth to a simmer and add carrots and remaining garlic.
- 3
Gently drop meatballs into the simmering broth. Cook for 10 minutes undisturbed.
- 4
Add spinach and cook 2 more minutes until wilted.
- 5
Ladle into bowls and serve with crusty bread and extra Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Substitutions
Ground chickenGround turkey
Similar flavor and texture
SpinachKale or escarole
Heartier greens that hold up well in soup
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Wet your hands when rolling meatballs to prevent sticking.
Do not boil vigorously or the meatballs may break apart—keep at a gentle simmer.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 4 days; freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (80mg) · 4 servings
Calories240
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein28g
Carbohydrates10g
Fat8g
Fiber680mg
Sugar2g
Sodium2g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use ground turkey?
- Yes, ground turkey makes equally tender and flavorful meatballs.
- Can I add pasta?
- Yes, cook small pasta like ditalini or orzo directly in the broth.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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