(makes 8 servings)
Ingredients
MEATBALLS
3/4lb ground chicken
1/2lb Italian sausage, casings removed
1/2 cup heavy cream, optional
2/3 cup fresh bread crumbs
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup graded Pecorino Romano cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
kosher salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
SOUP
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup minced yellow onion
1 cup diced carrots
3/4 cup diced celery
10 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
1 cup small pasta
1/4 cup minced fresh dill
12oz baby spinach, washed and trimmed
Directions
Place the ground meats, bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, Parmesan, milk, egg, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a bowl and combine.
Roll 1″ meatballs onto a plate or cutting board until all the meatballs are rolled. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil on a large skillet over medium-high heat. Transfer the meatballs to the hot skillet. Cook, turning until browned all over (3 to 5 minutes). It’s okay if they’re still a little pink in the middle, they will continue to cook in the broth. Set the meatballs aside on paper towels.
For the soup, heat the other 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-low in a large pot. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened (about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally). Add the chicken broth, wine, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf, then bring to a boil. Add the pasta to the broth and cook an additional 6 to 8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Add the fresh dill, then the meatballs to the soup and simmer for an additional three minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Stir in heavy cream (if using) and spinach, and cook for 1 minute, or until the spinach has just wilted.
Serve the soup in bowls and sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy!