Italian Wedding Soup

I used to work for Buca di Beppo years ago; they served Italian Wedding Soup for special occasions. This is my version of it, and the best part--it's a cinch to make! (Wedding Soup is a very old, almost religious tradition in Italy. The Italians throw small pasta--pastini--instead of rice or birdseed; thus,it is honored in this soup. It is considered good luck for the bride and groom to consume this soup, preferably in the presence of loved ones, either the day before or the day of their wedding.)

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 15
• Yields: 5 quarts

Ingredients

• 12  ounces bulk Italian sausage, rolled into tiny meatballs
• 12  ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2  tablespoons olive oil (optional)
• 1⁄4 cup  fresh minced garlic
• 1⁄2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1  cup  roasted red pepper, diced
• 3  quarts chicken broth
• 4  cups  cooked Orzo pasta (al dente, can substitute Acini di Pepe)
• 8  cups  fresh  baby spinach leaves
• 1  cup  grated romano cheese (can substitute parmesan)
•  salt, to taste
•  pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a large stockpot over medium high heat, saute meatballs and chicken until cooked through. (I usually start with the meatballs, then remove them while I cook the chicken in their fat. If there isn't enough fat to saute chicken, that's when to add an appropriate amount of olive oil.).
2. When meatballs and chicken have finished cooking, add the garlic, red pepper flakes and diced red pepper. Saute over medium heat for one minute.
3. Add chicken broth and bring to soft boil over medium high heat.
4. Add spinach and cooked pasta and heat until spinach wilts.
5. Salt and pepper to taste.
6. Ladle into bowls, and garnish each serving with 1-2 tbls. grated cheese. You may also garnish with additional roasted red peppers, if desired.
7. NOTE: Do not add the pasta until right before serving, or it will get large and mushy from absorbing a lot of the broth. If making the soup in advance, omit the pasta until you're ready to serve. Then, heat the mix and add the pasta as directed.