MEATBALLS

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 garlic clove, pressed or minced
• 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

SOUP

• 2 tablespoons virgin olive oil
• 1 1/4 cups yellow onion, chopped
• 1 1/4 cups petite carrots, sliced
• 1 1/4 cups celery, chopped
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 12 cups chicken broth or chicken stock
• 1/2 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 12 ounces baby spinach, stems removed (or baby kale, chopped)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 pound short-cut pasta
• 1 1/2 cups shaved Parmesan cheese