What are some of my favorite Italian wedding soup recipes? Is it the best? I remember my grandma making huge batches of this every winter, and the whole house would smell. Is it savory, hearty, and just… soul-warming? If you love Chicken Noodle Soup but want something with a little more depth and personality, this is the recipe. Italian Wedding Soup Recipe is *exactly* what you need. What are some of the best meatballs in a bowl? What are some good reasons to eat chicken broth?
What is Italian wedding soup?
What is Italian wedding soup? Is it served at weddings? The name comes from the Italian phrase “minestra maritata,” which roughly translates to “married.” What is the best combination of meatballs and greens? How do you make a delicious broth? It’s essentially a broth-based soup packed with tiny meatballs, leafy greens (usually boiled eggs), and spinach (typically kale) ( What are some of the best pastas to serve with escarole or spinach? It’s a staple in Italian-American cuisine and if you are lucky enough to have it, is it gonna be ok? My family loves it, and I’m sure yours will too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There are so many reasons why I adore this Italian Wedding Soup Recipe, but let me break it down for you. First of all, the flavor is just incredible. The tiny meatballs are seasoned perfectly and add a rich, meaty depth to the broth. Then you have the slightly bitter greens that balance it all out. It’s an umami bomb! Secondly, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Sure, the meatballs take a little bit of time, but honestly, it’s a pretty hands-off process. This one’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. What I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily swap out the greens for whatever you have on hand (kale works great too!). Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies for the kids (they won’t even notice!). And if you’re looking for a budget-friendly meal, this recipe is definitely a winner. A little meat goes a long way in this soup, and the other ingredients are super affordable. I actually think it tastes better the next day, after all the flavors meld together. If you love a good minestrone soup, or even a hearty chicken and vegetable soup, you are going to absolutely adore this.
How do I make Italian wedding soup?
Quick Overview
How do I make Italian Wedding Soup? First, you’ll Whip Up some tiny meatballs, brown them lightly, and then simmer them in a flavorful broth. Chicken broth with veggies. Next, you’ll add in your greens, and finally, some acini di pepe pasta. What is the best way to cook pasta? The whole process takes about an hour, but it’s mostly hands-off simmering time, so you can get the best results. What are other things done while cooking? I promise you it will be worth every minute!
Ingredients
For Meatballs: What are
* 1 pound ground beef (I use lean, but you can use whatever you like)
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I like to use Italian seasoned)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff) (in a bowl)
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Soup:
* 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best, so you can control the salt)
* 1 cup carrots, diced
* 1 cup celery, diced
* 1 medium onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (or more, to taste)
* 10 ounces frozen spinach, chopped, thawed, and squeezed dry (or fresh spinach chopped)
* 1/2 cup acini di pepe pasta (or other small pasta)
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
What are the Steps to
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and salt. Set aside. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the meatballs will be tough.
Step 2: Roll the Meatballs
Roll the meat mixture into tiny meatballs, about 1/2 inch in diameter. This part takes a little patience, but it’s worth it! I always do this while watching TV, makes the time fly. Place meatballs on a plate or baking sheet.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Set aside. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point, just get some color on them. Remove meatballs from the pot and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the carrots, celery, and onion to the pot and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the onion and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Add Broth and Seasoning
Add the chicken broth and stir to combine. Add salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Add the Meatballs
Gently add the browned meatballs to the soup. Simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Step 7: Add the Greens
Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 8: Add the Pasta
Add the acini di pepe pasta to the soup and cook according to package directions, or until the pasta is cooked through.
Step 9: Serve
Italian Wedding Soup is served in a bowl. Top with Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
Italian Wedding Soup is a hearty and comforting meal, but it also pairs well with other dishes. With a variety of sides. If you’re serving it for lunch, a simple side salad is always good. For a more substantial dinner, crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious flavor. What is the best grilled cheese sandwich? I always make garlic bread for my kids. They love it!
For Lunch: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the richness of the soup.
For Dinner: Serve with warm, crusty Italian bread for dipping. Don’t forget the butter!
For a Crowd: A platter of assorted Italian cheeses and olives makes a great appetizer.
For an extra touch: A sprinkle of Red Pepper flakes adds a little kick.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Italian Wedding Soup
Okay, I’ve made this Italian Wedding Soup Recipe *a lot* of times, so I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. First of all, don’t skip the browning step for the meatballs. It adds so much flavor to the soup. If you’re short on time, you can skip the browning step and add the meatballs directly to the soup, but it won’t be quite as flavorful. Another tip is to make sure you squeeze all the excess water out of the spinach (if using frozen). Otherwise, it will make the soup watery. This is super important, I promise! For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth. It makes a huge difference! I also like to add a Parmesan cheese rind to the soup while it’s simmering. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Just be sure to remove it before serving.
Meatball Size: Keep the meatballs small (about 1/2 inch). They should be bite-sized and cook quickly.
Broth Choice: Use good quality chicken broth. It’s the base of the soup, so it’s worth investing in.
Green Variety: Escarole is traditional, but spinach, kale, or even chard work well too. Use what you like!
Pasta Timing: Add the pasta towards the end, so it doesn’t get mushy. No one likes mushy pasta.
Parmesan Rind: Adding a Parmesan rind to the broth while simmering adds a ton of flavor. Remove before serving.
Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to season generously. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Italian Wedding Soup is great for meal prepping because it stores really well. To store, let the soup cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld together even more as it sits, making it even tastier the next day. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Just be aware that the pasta might get a little softer after freezing and thawing. To reheat, simply warm the soup in a pot over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it occasionally to ensure even heating. I always make a double batch so I have leftovers for lunch!
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The flavors improve over time!
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if needed.
Pasta Consideration: The pasta will absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Italian Wedding Soup Recipe is more than just a soup; it’s a bowl of comfort, a taste of home, and a reminder of family traditions. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold day, nourish your body, and bring a smile to your face. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s one of those recipes that you’ll make again and again, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. It always makes me so happy to share my favorite dishes with you all. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other soup recipes, like my Creamy Tomato soup or my hearty lentil soup. They’re all equally delicious and easy to make. Happy cooking!
Best 7 Tips to Perfect Your Italian Wedding Soup Recipe!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef Lean ground beef recommended
- 0.5 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 6 cups Chicken Broth Low sodium
- 1 cup Ditalini Pasta
- 5 oz Spinach Fresh, chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
- Bring chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Add the meatballs and cook for about 10 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Add ditalini pasta and cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Serve hot and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
