Imagine a soul-warming soup that combines tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs, delicate pasta, and vibrant spinach - all prepared in just 40 minutes with minimal effort! This Instant Pot Italian Wedding Soup isn't just a meal; it's a culinary embrace that transports you straight to an Italian grandmother's kitchen. Whether you're craving a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress your family with a restaurant-quality dish, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup small pasta (like orzo)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly using your hands until well incorporated.
- Roll the meat mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1-inch in diameter. Set aside on a plate.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Add a small amount of olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and gently add the prepared meatballs to the pot, ensuring they are submerged.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and cook on Manual/High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Add the small pasta (orzo) to the soup and cook on Sauté mode for an additional 8-10 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Meatball Mastery: Use your hands to mix meatball ingredients for the most even distribution of flavors. Don't overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Size Matters: Keep meatballs consistently small (about 1-inch) to ensure even cooking and the perfect bite-sized experience.
- Instant Pot Magic: Always ensure your Instant Pot valve is set to sealing position for proper pressure cooking.
- Pasta Perfection: Add orzo towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain its ideal texture.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh spinach and add it at the very end to preserve its vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor punch, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
