Recipe of the Week: Creamy Chicken Meatball Alphabet Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp canola mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp bread crumbs

• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 lb. lean ground chicken

• 3/4 cup alphabet pasta

• 2 tbsp canola oil

• 1 cup chopped onion

• 1 cup chopped celery

• 1 cup chopped carrots

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

• 28 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained

• 6 oz. can tomato paste

• 2 tsp Italian spice

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). In bowl, combine canola mayonnaise, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder and chicken; mix well. Shape into bite-size balls and arrange in 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Bake meatballs in oven for about 20 to 25 minutes or until cooked through. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions, rinse, drain and set aside.
In large saucepan, heat canola oil and sauté onion, celery and carrots for about five minutes or until crisp-tender. Add garlic; sauté for one minute longer. Add broth, tomatoes, tomato paste and Italian spice; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. With hand blender or food processor, blend soup until smooth. Add pasta and meatballs. Reheat and serve.
Preparation time: 15 minutes: total time: one hour, 5 minutes.

Makes eight servings, 210 calories each.

- Canadian Food Focus