This post is sponsored by Al Fresco Chicken, but all opinions are 100% my own.

True story, I’ve never met a meatball that I didn’t like. I love them in pastas, on sandwiches, and even in soup! Today I’m sharing a delicious and healthy soup recipe for you to try out that I know will quickly become one of your favorites. Because let’s be honest, in the midst of all of the holiday cookie baking, we still need to get dinner on the table, and even better if it can be on the healthier side. That’s why I partnered with al fresco Chicken to bring you, not only a delicious and nourishing soup recipe for the whole family, but thanks to al fresco’s Italian Chicken Meatballs, it’s super easy to whip up any night of the week too. My lemon chicken meatball and orzo soup is just the kind of simple and delicious dinner you will be craving all season long.

As you know, I am all about a 30-minute meal and this one does not disappoint. I took a few shortcuts and used al fresco’s fully cooked Italian chicken meatballs to create a soup recipe that your whole family is going to love and it can be ready in no time. I love that this soup recipe is made with refrigerator and pantry staples that you probably already have on hand, meaning you can make this soup any night of the week even on the most exhausting of days! I love having al fresco products like these meatballs in my fridge so that I can cook up a stress-free meal any weeknight that my family will love and that I know is good for them too.

My lemon chicken meatball and orzo soup is one of those soups that just feels like a big hug when you are eating it and it’s the perfect cozy meal for any chilly night! It’s the kind of soup that you can feel really good about fixing for your family and is full of just the kind of nourishment our bodies need this time of year. The soup gets great flavor from the al fresco Italian Chicken Meatballs, veggies, and the fresh lemon juice gives it a brightness that tops the soup off with another level of flavor. With recipes like this, there is no excuse not to have a healthy and delicious meal any night of the week.

I am so excited for you all to try out this recipe for yourself, I just know you will love it.

Ingredients:

• 2 Packs Al Fresco Italian Chicken Meatballs

• 5 Cloves Minced Garlic

• 1 Finely Diced Onion

• 1/2 Cup Diced Celery

• 1 Cup Sliced Carrots

• 4 Sprigs Fresh Thyme

• 1 Tbsp. Parsley

• 8 Cups Chicken Stock

• 1/4 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice

• 2 Cups Cooked Orzo

• 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil

• 1 Tbsp. Kosher Salt

• 1 Tsp. Black Pepper

Directions:

• Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot and add meatballs.

• Brown for 3-5 minutes on all sides and then remove from the pan.

• Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots and season with salt and pepper.  Sauté for 3-5 minutes until veggies start to become tender.

• Add meatballs back into the pot along with fresh thyme and stir to combine.

• Add in chicken stock and lemon juice and bring to a boil.

• Reduce to a simmer and cook for at least 20 minutes until veggies are fully tender.

• Add in fresh orzo right before serving.

• Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

• Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and parsley.

Can you believe that this gorgeous soup takes no time to make and is made with simple ingredients you know and have on hand? I can’t wait for you to make this one for yourself!