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.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten free pasta)
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Instant Pot, turkey meatball soup, pasta soup, healthy soup, weeknight dinner, one-pot meal, gluten free soup