Spinach and Meatball Soup With Outer Space Pasta

Name: Spinach and Meatball Soup With Outer Space Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 5 serving(s)
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 leek, chopped (white and light green parts only); 1 carrot, diced; 1 stalk celery, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 (900 ml) package no-salt-added beef broth; 1 cup bottled strained tomatoes (passata); 1 cup president's choice blue menu outer space pasta; 24 frozen low-fat meatballs; 1 cup packed Baby Spinach, coarsely chopped; salt & freshly ground black pepper

Submitted by Mary Jenny

"Passata, a simple tomato purée, gives the broth a subtle sweet tomato flavour without being too overwhelming for picky eaters. If you can't find it, purée one cup of no-salt-added diced tomatoes in a blender or food processor instead. Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal your kids will ask for again and again."

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photo by Mary Jenny

Ready In:: 35mins
Ingredients:: 11
Serves:: 5

ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 leek, chopped (white and light green parts only)
1 carrot, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 (900 ml) package no-salt-added beef broth
1 cup bottled strained tomatoes (passata)
1 cup president's choice blue menu outer space pasta
24 frozen low-fat meatballs
1 cup packed Baby Spinach, coarsely chopped
salt & freshly ground black pepper

directions

1. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add leek, carrot, celery and zucchini. Cook while stirring occasionally until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes.
2. Add broth and passata; bring to a boil. Add pasta; stir occasionally until liquid returns to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer; cook 5 minutes.
3. Stir in frozen meatballs; return to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are heated through and pasta is tender but firm; about 7 to 9 minutes.
4. Stir in spinach, salt and pepper; cook until spinach is wilted, about one minute.
Chef's tip: Substitute a quarter cup frozen chopped spinach for fresh spinach, if that's what you have on hand.