Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Italian Wedding Soup is the ultimate comfort in a bowl, combining savory homemade meatballs, vibrant vegetables, delicate pasta, and flavorful broth into one harmonious medley. Perfect for cozy family dinners or for impressing friends, this dish brings out the best in simple ingredients and delivers joyous, homespun flavor that feels like a warm hug. Whether it’s a chilly night or a celebration, Italian Wedding Soup will bring everyone to the table eager for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about how a handful of everyday ingredients transform into a soul-soothing bowl of Italian Wedding Soup. Each element matters, from the tender meatballs to the colorful veggies and that final flourish of cheese, building irresistible flavor and hearty texture.

• Lean ground beef (8 oz.): Brings rich, meaty flavor to form the backbone of your mini meatballs.
• Ground pork (8 oz.): Adds juiciness and mild sweetness, making the meatballs extra tender and delicious.
• Fresh white bread crumbs (1/2 cup): Use fresh, soft bread crumbs for the lightest, fluffiest meatballs.
• Chopped fresh parsley (1/4 cup): Vibrant color and freshness really boost the herby notes of the soup.
• Minced fresh oregano (1 1/2 tsp): Lends that distinctly Italian aroma; dried can work in a pinch, but fresh is next-level.
• Finely shredded parmesan (1/2 cup): This gives both the meatballs and the soup savory depth and a gentle creaminess.
• Large egg (1): Acts as a binder for the perfect meatball texture, never dry or crumbly.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the meat mixture and bringing out all the flavors.
• Olive oil (2 Tbsp): Divided for browning meatballs and sauteing veggies—never skimp on a good quality oil.
• Chopped carrots (1 1/4 cups): Adds natural sweetness and lovely color to every spoonful.
• Chopped yellow onion (1 1/4 cups): Brings subtle, rounded sharpness to your aromatic base.
• Chopped celery (3/4 cup): Infuses each bite with gentle herbal flavor and a satisfying bit of crunch.
• Garlic, minced (4 cloves): When it hits the hot oil, it fills your kitchen with that irresistible scent of home cooking.
• Low-sodium chicken broth (5 cans, 14.5 oz each): A hearty foundation, ready to soak up all the other flavors.
• Dry acini di pepe or orzo pasta (1 cup): These tiny pasta shapes make each spoonful pop with texture—simply comforting.
• Fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped (6 oz): Wilts beautifully into the hot broth, finishing the soup with bright color and freshness.
• Finely shredded parmesan, for serving: The crowning glory—don’t skip it!

How to Make Italian Wedding Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by combining the lean ground beef and ground pork in a large mixing bowl. Add in your fresh breadcrumbs, parsley, oregano, parmesan, egg, and don’t forget a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Using your hands, gently toss and break up the mixture just until everything is evenly combined. You want the mixture to be tender, not overworked, so handle it as little as possible for perfectly soft meatballs.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Once your mixture is ready, form it into very small meatballs, about 3/4 inch to 1 inch in diameter. This size is perfect for Italian Wedding Soup, so every bite gets a little meatball magic. Arrange them on a large plate as you go to keep things orderly.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Gently add half of the meatballs, turning occasionally to brown on at least two or three sides, which should take about four minutes. Don’t worry about cooking them through—they’ll finish in the soup. Transfer browned meatballs to a paper-towel-lined plate, then repeat with the rest. Your kitchen should already smell amazing!

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

While your meatballs brown, grab a large soup pot and heat the second tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high. Add the carrots, onions, and celery, sautéing for six to eight minutes until they start to soften and sweeten. Add minced garlic and give it another minute—this is where the flavor base of your Italian Wedding Soup really comes alive.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the chicken broth and season to taste with a bit more salt and black pepper. Bring it all to a gentle boil. Stir in the dry pasta and your lovely browned meatballs, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let everything simmer, stirring occasionally, for about ten minutes until the pasta is tender and meatballs are cooked through. Add the chopped spinach during the last minute—just enough time for it to wilt and turn a vibrant green. Your Italian Wedding Soup is ready to ladle into bowls!

How to Serve Italian Wedding Soup

Garnishes

There’s nothing like a generous shower of freshly grated parmesan cheese to finish each bowl of Italian Wedding Soup. A scattering of extra chopped parsley adds festive green vibrance, and if you’re feeling bold, a few grinds of black pepper right on top just before serving works wonders. For a hint of zest, a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice can wake up the flavors delightfully.

Side Dishes

While Italian Wedding Soup is hearty enough to stand alone, it pairs beautifully with a chunk of crusty Italian bread, perfect for dipping. A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette balances the meal, and if you’re setting a festive table, a few marinated olives or a plate of roasted vegetables make perfect companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring a little flair to your table by serving Italian Wedding Soup in mini Dutch ovens or elegant soup bowls for a special occasion. For gatherings or potlucks, ladle the soup into espresso cups for charming single-serve appetizers. Add tiny herb bouquets or edible flowers to the side of each bowl for a playful pop of color that will make every guest smile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Italian Wedding Soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually meld and deepen as they sit, so the soup becomes even more delicious as leftovers. Just be sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing up.

Freezing

Italian Wedding Soup freezes beautifully, especially if you haven’t added the pasta yet (to prevent it from getting too soft). Simply ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving an inch of space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat and add freshly cooked pasta for best texture.

Reheating

Gently warm leftovers in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. For quicker lunches, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave—just keep an eye out and stir halfway through to ensure everything heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of beef and pork in Italian Wedding Soup?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean, flavorful swap if you’d like to lighten up your Italian Wedding Soup a bit. Just watch the cooking time, as turkey meatballs tend to cook a touch faster and can dry out if overcooked.

What other greens can I use besides spinach?

If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping spinach with kale, escarole, or even Swiss chard. Just be aware that sturdier greens may need a couple of extra minutes to become perfectly tender within the soup.

Can I make this Italian Wedding Soup gluten-free?

Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free bread for the meatballs and choose a gluten-free small pasta or even rice to keep things allergy-friendly without compromising flavor.

How can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

You can shape and brown the meatballs a day in advance. Store them in the fridge in an airtight container, then drop them into the hot broth when it’s time to assemble the soup. They’ll finish cooking as the soup simmers.

Why is it called Italian Wedding Soup?

Despite the name, Italian Wedding Soup isn’t traditionally served at weddings. The “wedding” refers to the lovely marriage of flavors between the greens and the meat, a perfect union brought to life in every bowl!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for true comfort and a little Italian flair, there’s nothing quite like a homemade pot of Italian Wedding Soup. Full of old-world charm and modern-day coziness, it’s the kind of soup that makes ordinary days feel special. Try making it soon—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your table will be filled with happy faces!

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