Instant Pot Italian Wedding Soup

Craving a comforting and flavorful meal? Look no further than this Instant Pot Italian Wedding Soup! Packed with savory meatballs, hearty pasta, and fresh veggies, this soup is sure to satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup orzo pasta
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• In a bowl, mix together ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, and garlic powder. Form small meatballs and set aside.
• Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
• Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom.
• Add chopped spinach, orzo pasta, and meatballs to the broth.
• Close the Instant Pot and set to manual high pressure for 5 minutes. Quick release the pressure when done.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Servings: 6
Calories: 280
Fat: 12g
Carbs: 20g
Protein: 20g

Popular questions:

• Q: Can I use ground beef instead of ground pork?
• A: Yes, you can substitute ground beef for the ground pork if desired.
• Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
• A: Yes, frozen spinach can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the soup.
• Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
• A: Yes, you can use any small pasta shape like ditalini or small shells.
• Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
• A: Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
• Q: Can I freeze this soup?
• A: Yes, this soup freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.

Helpful tips:

• Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for an extra flavor boost.
• For a heartier soup, add some cannellini beans along with the orzo pasta.
• If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth.
• Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meatballs.
• Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite veggies like carrots, celery, or zucchini.

Expert Secrets:

• For a richer broth, use homemade chicken broth or stock instead of store-bought.
• Make the meatballs slightly smaller for bite-sized portions in the soup.
• To prevent the orzo pasta from getting mushy, cook it separately and add to the soup when serving.
• Adjust the seasoning with additional herbs like basil or thyme for added flavor complexity.
• To make the soup even more filling, serve it with crusty bread or a side salad.