Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Italian Wedding Soup is a timeless, comforting dish that brings together tender meatballs, delicate pasta, and nourishing greens in a flavorful broth. Despite its romantic name, the “wedding” refers to the beautiful marriage of ingredients rather than an actual celebration. This soup is light yet satisfying, making it perfect for both chilly evenings and lighter meals when you still want something hearty. I have made this soup countless times, and it never fails to deliver warmth and balance in every bowl. The homemade meatballs add richness, while the broth stays clean and savory rather than heavy. It is a wonderful make-ahead recipe, ideal for busy weeks, and it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
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Italian Wedding Soup (Comforting, Hearty, and Full of Flavor)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting classic made with tender meatballs, leafy greens, vegetables, and small pasta simmered in a flavorful broth, perfect for a hearty yet light meal.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup acini di pepe or small pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach or escarole, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients and mix gently until just combined.
- Form mixture into small bite-sized meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Carefully add meatballs to the boiling broth and cook for 8–10 minutes until cooked through.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 7–9 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach or escarole and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
Notes
- Keep meatballs small for authentic texture.
- Escarole is traditional, but spinach works well.
- The soup thickens as it sits; add more broth when reheating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground Meat
A combination of ground beef and ground pork creates tender, flavorful meatballs. You may also use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and keep them soft and moist during cooking.
Eggs
Eggs provide structure to the meatballs while maintaining a tender texture.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan adds savory depth and enhances the flavor of the meatballs.
Garlic
Garlic infuses both the meatballs and the broth with aromatic flavor.
Fresh Parsley
Parsley adds freshness and balances the richness of the meatballs.
Salt
Salt is essential for seasoning both the meatballs and the soup base.
Black Pepper
Black pepper provides mild heat and rounds out the flavor.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is used for lightly browning the meatballs and adding richness to the soup.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth forms the base of the soup, delivering a light yet savory foundation.
Carrots
Carrots add subtle sweetness and color to the broth.
Celery
Celery enhances the aromatic base and adds balance.
Onion
Onion contributes depth and mild sweetness to the soup.
Small Pasta
Acini di pepe or orzo are traditional choices that complement the delicate texture of the soup.
Spinach
Spinach adds freshness, color, and nutritional value. Escarole can also be used for a more traditional version.
Directions
Begin by preparing the meatballs. In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, then roll into small, bite-sized meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Lightly brown the meatballs in batches, turning gently to avoid breaking them. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the meatballs back to the pot and simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in the pasta and cook according to package instructions until tender. Add the spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt gently.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: approximately 50 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat. If the soup thickens, add extra broth or water as needed.
Variations and Customizations
Italian Wedding Soup is easy to adapt. For a lighter version, use ground chicken or turkey and reduce the cheese slightly. I tested this version and found it still deeply satisfying.
You can replace spinach with escarole for a more traditional flavor. Kale also works well if you prefer a heartier green.
For a richer broth, add a small Parmesan rind while simmering and remove it before serving. This adds depth without heaviness.
If you prefer a low-carb option, omit the pasta and add extra greens or zucchini slices instead.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate nutrition per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 18 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Small Meatballs
Keep meatballs small for balanced bites and quicker cooking.
Do Not Overmix
Overmixing makes meatballs dense.
Brown Gently
Light browning adds flavor without drying them out.
Add Pasta Carefully
Pasta absorbs broth, so add more liquid if reheating.
Finish with Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan enhances flavor just before serving.
FAQs
Why is it called Italian Wedding Soup?
The name refers to the harmonious combination of ingredients, not an actual wedding.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day.
What pasta works best?
Acini di pepe and orzo are traditional and ideal.
Can I freeze Italian Wedding Soup?
Yes, freeze without the pasta for best texture.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make it gluten-free.
Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Yes, but homemade meatballs offer better flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting, well-balanced dish that brings together tender meatballs, nourishing greens, and delicate pasta in a flavorful broth. It is easy to prepare, satisfying to eat, and perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. This classic soup is a reminder that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly special.
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