Together-Forever Soup

Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Step 2 -Line a jelly roll pan with foil, then coat it with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 3 -In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, the egg, the garlic, and 1/4 cup of the Romano and stir until it is blended, but not overmixed.

Step 4 -Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of the prepared pan and pat it into a 7x7-inch square.

Step 5 -Bake the chicken mixture until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F and is no longer pink, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 6 -While the chicken mixture is baking, in a 5-quart saucepot over high heat, add the chicken broth, the water, and the carrots and bring to a boil.

Step 7 -Stir the pastina into the broth mixture and return it to a boil.

Step 8 -Reduce the heat to medium. Cover the saucepan and cook the broth mixture, about 5 minutes.

Step 9 -Stir the spinach into the broth mixture and cook, about 4 minutes.

Step 10 -Cut the chicken mixture into 6 strips, then cut each strip crosswise into 6 squares.

Step 11 -Add the chicken pieces, the salt, and the pepper to the soup and stir to combine. Cook until the meat is heated through.

Step 12 -Serve the soup garnished with the remaining Romano cheese.