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

Helpful Tips:

• If you prefer a different type of meat, you can use ground beef or ground turkey instead of pork.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots or celery for added flavor and nutrition.
• You can customize the pasta by using small pasta shapes like ditalini or mini shells.
• Add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving for a bright, fresh flavor.
• To make this soup vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and use plant-based meatballs.
• For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.
• Top each bowl of soup with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
• This soup freezes well, so you can make a double batch and store it for later enjoyment.
• Serve with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for a complete meal.
• Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences by adding more herbs or spices as desired.

Expert Secrets:

• Sautéing the meatballs before cooking them in the broth adds extra flavor and ensures they hold their shape.
• Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the Instant Pot to prevent the “burn” message from appearing during cooking.
• Allow the pressure to release naturally for a few minutes before doing a quick release to prevent soup from spraying out of the valve.
• For a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry at the end of cooking and simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.
• For a richer broth, you can use homemade chicken broth or add a Parmesan cheese rind while cooking.
• Make a double batch of meatballs and freeze half for a quick and easy meal prep option in the future.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile for this soup.
• For a low-carb option, you can substitute cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for the orzo pasta.
• Feel free to get creative and add your favorite ingredients to make this soup your own signature dish.