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Instant Pot Turkey Meatball Soup with Pasta

Instant Pot Turkey Meatball Soup with Pasta

This Instant Pot Turkey Meatball Soup with Pasta is a comforting and nourishing one-pot meal that combines tender turkey meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, and a flavorful broth enriched with fresh vegetables. Quick to prepare and family-friendly, it’s an ideal recipe for cozy weeknight dinners that balance protein, vegetables, and carbs in one hearty bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground turkey (lean)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Aromatics and Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

Soup Base and Pasta

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup short pasta (ditalini, small shells, or orzo)

Garnishes & Seasoning

  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (to taste)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Mix well and form into small, bite-sized meatballs for even cooking.
  2. Brown the Meatballs: Using the sauté function on your Instant Pot, brown the meatballs just until they develop a golden crust. This step adds depth of flavor and helps the meatballs hold together in the soup.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Remove the browned meatballs temporarily. Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened and fragrant, creating a rich flavor base for the broth.
  4. Deglaze and Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits, enhancing the soup’s flavor. Return the meatballs carefully to the pot.
  5. Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and flavors to meld beautifully.
  6. Add Pasta: Perform a quick pressure release, then stir in the chosen pasta. Use the sauté function to cook the pasta in the hot broth for about 5 minutes until al dente, being careful not to overcook.
  7. Final Seasoning and Serve: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and serve hot for a cozy and nourishing meal.

Notes

  • Keep meatballs uniform in size for even cooking and tenderness.
  • Add pasta last to prevent mushiness and achieve perfect texture.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil as garnish to add freshness.
  • Deglaze the pot thoroughly to avoid burn warnings and deepen flavor.
  • Sauté vegetables well to build maximum depth in the broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, turkey meatball soup, pasta soup, healthy soup, weeknight dinner, one-pot meal, gluten free soup