For the Meatballs:

– ½ lb ground beef (90/10)

– ½ lb mild Italian ground pork sausage (substitute turkey or plant-based sausage for dietary needs)

– ½ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)

– ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 large beaten egg

– ¼ cup parsley, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 tsp salt

– ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Soup:

– 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)

– ½ small white onion, diced

– 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced

– 3 ribs celery, diced

– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 8 cups chicken broth (use low-sodium broth if preferred)

– 1 cup acini di pepe pasta (substitute gluten-free pasta, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles for dietary needs)

– ½ tsp salt

– ¼ tsp black pepper

– ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

– 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped

– Parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)