Spring Minestrone With Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Name: Spring Minestrone With Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 6 ounces ground chicken (about 3/4 cup); 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs; 6 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan, divided, plus more for garnish; 4 garlic cloves, 2 minced, 2 thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives; 1 large egg, whisked to blend; Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 leek, white and pale-green parts only, sliced into 1/4' rounds; 5 cups low-salt chicken broth; 3/4 cup ditalini or other small pasta; 1 cup 1/2' rounds peeled carrots; 1 cup (packed) baby spinach; Chopped fresh basil

Ingredients

6 ounces ground chicken (about 3/4 cup)
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
6 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan, divided, plus more for garnish
4 garlic cloves, 2 minced, 2 thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 large egg, whisked to blend
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 leek, white and pale-green parts only, sliced into 1/4" rounds
5 cups low-salt chicken broth
3/4 cup ditalini or other small pasta
1 cup 1/2" rounds peeled carrots
1 cup (packed) baby spinach
Chopped fresh basil

PREP TIME 45m	COOK TIME 45m	TOTAL TIME 1h30m
YIELD 4 servings

Instructions

Mix chicken, breadcrumbs, 3 tablespoons Parmesan, 2 minced garlic cloves, chives, egg, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl.
Form into 1/2"-diameter meatballs (makes about 28).
Heat oil in a small pot over medium heat.
Cook meatballs until golden all over, about 3 minutes (they will finish cooking in soup).
Transfer to a plate; set aside.
Add leek to pot and cook, stirring often, until beginning to soften, about 3 minutes.
Add 2 thinly sliced garlic cloves; cook for 1 minute.
Add broth and 2 cups water; bring to a boil.
Stir in pasta and carrots; simmer until pasta is almost al dente, about 8 minutes.
Add meatballs; simmer until pasta is al dente, carrots are tender, and meatballs are cooked through, about 3 minutes.
Add spinach and remaining 3 tablespoons Parmesan; stir until spinach is wilted and Parmesan is melted.
Season with salt and pepper.
Ladle soup into bowls.
Garnish with chopped basil and Parmesan.