This Instant Pot Turkey Meatball and Ditalini Soup is a hearty, comforting meal packed with lean turkey meatballs, vegetables, and small ditalini pasta. It’s a nutritious, protein-rich dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep. The rich broth, flavored with basil, bay leaves, and a touch of Parmesan, makes this soup incredibly flavorful while staying light and healthy.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:
▢ 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
▢ ⅓ cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
▢ 3 tbsp grated Pecorino Romano cheese
▢ 1 large egg, beaten
▢ 1 clove crushed garlic
▢ 1 tbsp fresh minced parsley
▢ ½ tsp kosher salt

For the Soup:
▢ Cooking spray
▢ 1 tsp olive oil
▢ ½ cup chopped onion
▢ ½ cup chopped celery
▢ ½ cup chopped carrot
▢ 3 cloves minced garlic
▢ 1 can (28 oz) diced San Marzano tomatoes
▢ 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
▢ 4 basil leaves (plus extra for garnish)
▢ 2 bay leaves
▢ 5 oz (1 cup) ditalini pasta (wheat or gluten-free)
▢ 1 cup zucchini, diced small
▢ Parmesan rind (optional)
▢ Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a medium bowl, mix together the turkey, breadcrumbs, Pecorino Romano, egg, garlic, parsley, and salt. Gently form into 30 meatballs (about 1 heaping tablespoon each).

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Press the Sauté function on the Instant Pot and spray with oil. Brown the meatballs in 2-3 batches, spraying the pot each time to prevent sticking. Set the meatballs aside and clean the pot.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in the Instant Pot. Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic, cooking until soft (about 4 minutes).

Step 4: Cook the Soup
Stir in the diced tomatoes, Parmesan rind (if using), basil, and bay leaves. Return the meatballs to the pot.
Pour in the chicken broth, then cover and cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Add Pasta & Zucchini
Quick release the pressure and open the lid. Add the ditalini pasta and zucchini, then cook for 4 more minutes on High Pressure.
Quick release again to prevent overcooking the pasta.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

Nutrients

Serving Size: 1 ⅔ cups
Calories: 318 kcal
Carbohydrates: 36.5 g
Protein: 22 g
Fat: 8.5 g
Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
Cholesterol: 87 mg
Sodium: 1003 mg
Fiber: 2.5 g
Sugar: 7.5 g

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Meatball and Ditalini Soup

This Instant Pot Turkey Meatball and Ditalini Soup stands out for several reasons:

Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, making this a hassle-free, one-pot meal.
Protein-Packed: Lean turkey meatballs provide a great source of protein without the added fat.
Full of Flavor: The basil, bay leaves, and Parmesan rind infuse the broth with deep, savory notes.
Nutritious and Balanced: With vegetables, lean protein, and pasta, this soup is a well-rounded meal that’s both light and satisfying.
Great for Meal Prep: The soup stores well in the fridge and can be made ahead of time for a convenient meal during the week.

The Inspiration Behind This Soup

This turkey meatball and ditalini soup is inspired by classic Italian-American soups, particularly those featuring tiny pasta and meatballs simmered in a flavorful broth. Think of it as a lighter version of Italian Wedding Soup, with a rich tomato base instead of a clear broth.

The combination of ground turkey, Pecorino Romano cheese, and seasoned breadcrumbs makes for tender and flavorful meatballs, while the San Marzano tomatoes and Parmesan rind provide an umami-rich depth to the broth. The addition of ditalini pasta gives the soup a hearty texture, making it a complete meal in a bowl.

The Key Ingredients That Make This Soup Delicious

Every component in this Instant Pot Turkey Meatball and Ditalini Soup plays an essential role in creating a rich, well-balanced flavor:

Lean Ground Turkey: A healthy and protein-rich alternative to beef, turkey keeps the meatballs light and tender.
Pecorino Romano Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth to the meatballs, making them even more flavorful.
Ditalini Pasta: A small, tube-shaped pasta that absorbs the broth beautifully while keeping a perfectly chewy texture.
San Marzano Tomatoes: Known for their sweet, less acidic flavor, these tomatoes create a rich and smooth broth.
Parmesan Rind (Optional): Simmering a Parmesan rind in the broth gives the soup a unique savory depth.
Fresh Herbs (Basil & Bay Leaves): These aromatics infuse the broth with layers of flavor and freshness.

Health Benefits of This Turkey Meatball and Ditalini Soup

This Instant Pot Turkey Meatball and Ditalini Soup is not just delicious—it’s also loaded with nutrients. Here’s why it’s a great choice for a balanced meal:

High in Protein: The lean turkey meatballs provide a significant protein boost, helping to keep you full and support muscle health.
Low in Fat: Using 93% lean ground turkey keeps the dish lighter than traditional meatball soups made with beef or pork.
Rich in Fiber: The vegetables and ditalini pasta contribute fiber, aiding digestion and keeping you satisfied longer.
Nutrient-Packed Broth: Cooking the soup with tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs ensures a vitamin-rich, immune-boosting broth.

Best Ways to Serve This Soup

This Instant Pot Turkey Meatball and Ditalini Soup is hearty enough to be served on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can make for an even more satisfying meal. Here are some serving ideas:

Crusty Bread: A warm slice of garlic bread, ciabatta, or sourdough is perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
Green Salad: A simple arugula or spinach salad with a light vinaigrette complements the soup’s hearty flavors.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top enhances the overall taste.
Extra Herbs: Adding a few extra fresh basil leaves right before serving brightens the flavors.

Variations and Customizations

This Instant Pot Turkey Meatball and Ditalini Soup is already a flavor-packed dish, but there are many ways to modify it based on dietary needs or personal preference:

Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs and swap ditalini pasta for gluten-free pasta or brown rice.
Add More Vegetables: Stir in kale, spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.
Make It Dairy-Free: Skip the Pecorino Romano cheese and Parmesan rind, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Increase the Spice: If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Swap the Protein: Instead of turkey, try using ground chicken, lean beef, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives.

Tips for Making the Best Instant Pot Turkey Meatball and Ditalini Soup

For the best results, follow these expert tips when making this Instant Pot soup:

Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: Gently mix the turkey mixture to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
Brown the Meatballs First: This step locks in flavor and prevents them from falling apart in the soup.
Use High-Quality Broth: A low-sodium, high-quality chicken broth ensures the best flavor without excess salt.
Quick Release the Pressure After Adding Pasta: This prevents the ditalini from overcooking and turning mushy.
Let the Flavors Meld: While the soup is delicious fresh, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Pairing Drinks with This Soup

This Instant Pot Turkey Meatball and Ditalini Soup pairs well with a variety of beverages:

White Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the light broth and fresh herbs.
Red Wine: A light-bodied Chianti or Pinot Noir works well with the tomato-based broth.
Lemon-Infused Water: A simple lemon or cucumber water adds a refreshing contrast to the savory soup.
Hot Tea: Herbal teas like chamomile or green tea complement the light, comforting flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This Instant Pot Turkey Meatball and Ditalini Soup stores well and is great for meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup without the pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating: If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding fresh-cooked pasta before serving.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Turkey Meatball and Ditalini Soup is the perfect combination of comfort, nutrition, and convenience. With juicy turkey meatballs, flavorful broth, tender ditalini pasta, and nutrient-rich vegetables, this dish is both filling and wholesome.

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