A weeknight-friendly, protein-packed soup featuring savory baked vegan meatballs, tender pasta, and creamy white beans in a flavorful vegan chicken broth. Bright vegetables and just-wilted spinach add freshness, while oven-baking delivers crisp, golden meatballs without the mess.
Preheat oven to 375℉ (190℃). Drizzle 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil onto a bare baking sheet.
In a medium bowl, mix 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup plain, unsweetened non-dairy milk; let sit 2 minutes to soften.
Add 14 oz crumbled plant-based sausage, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley, 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; mix very well.
Roll mixture into mini meatballs (about 1 teaspoon each; 50 to 60 total). Scatter on the oiled sheet and gently shake so meatballs are coated in oil.
Bake until deeply browned, about 20 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through.
Meanwhile, warm 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion and sauté until golden, about 4 minutes.
Add 4 chopped carrots and 4 ribs chopped celery; sauté until starting to soften, about 2 minutes.
Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Add 8 cups vegan chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add 3/4 cup dried ditalini pasta; cook until tender per package directions (about 10 minutes for ditalini).
Add 2 cans (14 fl oz/398 ml each) drained and rinsed cannellini beans 5 minutes before the pasta is done.
Remove from heat and stir in 4 cups chopped spinach just until wilted. Season with freshly ground black pepper and additional salt to taste.
Divide baked meatballs among bowls, ladle soup over top, and garnish with shredded vegan parmesan if using. Serve immediately.