Step 1: Make the meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Mix gently with your hands until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs tough.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about ¾–1 inch in diameter.
Step 2: Brown the meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the meatballs in batches and cook for several minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on the outside.
They don’t need to be completely cooked through at this stage.
Transfer them to a plate.
Step 3: Cook the vegetables
Using the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 4: Add the broth
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and add the Italian seasoning.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Add the meatballs
Carefully return the browned meatballs to the simmering broth.
Reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and flavor the broth.
Step 6: Add the pasta
Stir in the small pasta.
Cook according to the package directions, usually around 6–10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick together.
Step 7: Add the greens
Add the chopped spinach or escarole during the final 2–3 minutes of cooking.
Simmer until the greens are wilted and tender.
Taste the soup and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Serve immediately with crusty bread on the side.
Helpful Tips
For the classic look in the photo, make the meatballs small and bite-sized. If you prefer larger meatballs, simply increase the cooking time slightly.
You can use ground beef, ground pork, ground turkey, or a combination of meats.
For leftovers, the pasta will continue absorbing broth as the soup sits. If needed, add a little extra chicken broth when reheating.
This is the kind of cozy soup that makes a perfect comforting meal—tiny meatballs, tender greens, little bites of pasta, and plenty of Parmesan in every spoonful.
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