Gnocchi, Spinach, and Meatball Soup

This creamy gnocchi spinach soup with mini meatballs, pasta, herbs, and fresh greens is a comforting, soothing dish to enjoy on a cold winter day.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 381 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups thinly sliced escarole
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 large bay leaf
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, or as needed
• 4 (32 ounce) cans low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 (17.5 ounce) packages potato gnocchi
• 6 ounces fresh baby spinach leaves
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or Italian parsley
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.75 teaspoon garlic salt
• 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.25 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 1.25 pounds ground beef
• 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or more as needed for serving

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat and sauté onion in hot oil until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add chicken broth, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and pepper; bring slowly to a simmer, about 5 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, prepare meatballs: Combine ground beef, beaten egg, bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, onion powder, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until well combined. Roll mixture into tiny 1/2-inch meatballs.

Step 3

Drop meatballs carefully, one at a time, into simmering soup in the pot. Bring to a slow simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Skim off any foam that comes to the surface with a spoon and discard.

Step 4

Add gnocchi, escarole, and carrot; bring soup back to a simmer. Stir in half-and-half, spinach, and basil. When gnocchi rise to the top, remove from heat.

Step 5

Discard bay leaf and garnish with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese to serve.