This soup may be well-known in Italian restaurants. Johnsonville’s Mild Italian Sausage gives it the authentic flavor it deserves. You will enjoy this delicious soup, which is packed with spinach, celery and carrots. The small meatballs will provide a strong flavor that Johnsonville can only offer.

20 PREP TIME
35 COOK TIME
7 SERVINGS

WHAT YOU NEED

Tiny Meatballs:

1 pkg. Johnsonville® Mild Italian Sausage, decased
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup bread crumbs (plain or seasoned)
2 tsp. fennel seeds, crushed or chopped
1 Tbsp. fresh Italian parsley, minced
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)

Soup:

2 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 tsp. dried or fresh thyme
1 tsp. dried sage leaves
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
8 cups chicken stock
1 bay leaf
8 oz. (227 g) orzo pasta, cooked
1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

PREPARATION

Mix meatball ingredients together and roll small meatballs the size of a marble. (If forming the meatball is difficult, cover and refrigerate first.)

In a medium pan, cook orzo al dente, according to package directions; drain and set aside.

Prep the vegetables.

In a large pot, sauté onion, thyme and sage in olive oil. When the onion starts to turn a golden color, add garlic, carrot, celery and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Set the vegetable mixture aside on a plate.

In the same pot add all the meatballs and cook for 2-3 minutes before stirring (this will keep them from breaking). Gently toss with a rubber spatula to brown on all sides.

Add reserved vegetables, chicken stock, bay leaf. Simmer gently (do not boil) until vegetables are tender and meatballs are cooked through.

Add cooked orzo and spinach, stir together. (Adding spinach right before serving will help it maintain its rich green color).

Garnish soup bowls with Parmesan cheese.