For the Meatballs:

• 3/4 pound mild Italian sausage
• 3/4 pound 80/20 ground beef
• 2 slices Italian bread, torn into small pieces
• 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

For the Soup:

• 4 slices bacon or pancetta, diced (optional)
• 8 cups chicken stock
• 1 medium carrot, minced
• 1 celery stalk plus leaves, minced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 yellow onion, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup acini di pepe pasta, dried
• 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
• Parmesan rind (optional)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• Cracked black pepper, for garnish