SPINACH AND WHITE BEAN MEATBALL SOUP

 INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

FOR THE CHICKEN MEATBALLS

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/3 cup Panko
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Panko, Parmesan, oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder and red pepper flakes, if using; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Using a wooden spoon or clean hands, stir until well combined. Roll the mixture into 3/4-to-1-inch meatballs, forming about 25-30 meatballs.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add meatballs, in batches, and cook until all sides are browned, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside.
3. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the stockpot. Add garlic, onion and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in thyme and basil until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Whisk in chicken stock, bay leaves and 1 cup water; bring to a boil. Stir in orzo and meatballs; reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender and meatballs are cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
5. Stir in spinach and cannellini beans until the spinach has wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and parsley; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
6. Serve immediately.