You’ve probably heard about Italian Wedding Soup, but it’s not just for weddings. This cozy bowl of goodness is what happens when tiny meatballs and tender pasta decide to throw a party in a perfectly seasoned broth.
If you’ve been settling for canned soup, you’re about to level up your comfort food game. Trust me, once you learn to make this at home, you’ll wonder why you waited so long. Ready to discover your new favorite soup?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pure comfort in every spoonful – tender meatballs and pasta in a crystal-clear broth create the perfect combination of hearty and soothing flavors.
- Quick and simple preparation – ready in under an hour with minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
- Budget-friendly ingredients – uses basic pantry staples and affordable proteins, stretching your grocery budget without sacrificing taste.
- Meal-prep friendly – makes excellent leftovers and can be prepared ahead, with components stored separately for optimal freshness.
- Family-approved nutrition – packed with protein from meatballs, fiber from vegetables, and wholesome carbohydrates from pasta, making it a complete meal that even picky eaters enjoy.
Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
As a chef and father, Italian Wedding Soup holds a special place in my heart. My daughters love helping me roll the tiny meatballs, and the rich broth with tender vegetables brings comfort on cold evenings.
This classic Italian-American soup combines delicate meatballs, fresh vegetables, and small pasta in a flavorful chicken broth.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground meat (½ pork, ½ beef)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 eggs
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 1 cup acini di pepe pasta
- 1 diced carrot
- 1 diced celery stalk
- 1 diced onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
The combination of pork and beef creates perfectly balanced meatballs, while acini di pepe pasta adds traditional texture. You can substitute escarole for spinach, or use all beef if preferred. Israeli couscous works well in place of acini di pepe.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Mix ground meats, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, 1 egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Form into ½-inch meatballs.
- Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add broth and bring to a simmer.
- Drop meatballs into simmering broth.
- Cook pasta separately according to package directions.
- Beat the remaining egg in a small bowl.
- Slowly pour the beaten egg into the soup while stirring.
- Add spinach and cooked pasta.
- Simmer 5 minutes before serving.
Additional Tips
Cook pasta separately to prevent it from absorbing too much broth. I often make double batches of meatballs for my meal prep, freezing half for later use.
Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly. My professional tip: adding a Parmesan rind during simmering creates an incredible depth of flavor.
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Nutritional Guide
Nutritional Guide (Per Serving)
Italian Wedding Soup
Calories: 320
Protein: 18g
Total Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 680mg
*Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
The meatballs can be prepared and frozen in advance. Making a double batch is recommended for future use.
Escarole or spinach?
While escarole is the traditional choice, spinach is a more practical alternative, especially for families with children who may be particular about greens.
Why’s it called “wedding soup”?
The name comes from the Italian word “maritare” meaning “to marry,” which refers to the way the flavors combine in the soup, not actual weddings.
Must-have garnish?
Fresh-grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is the essential garnish for authentic Italian Wedding Soup.
Final Thoughts
Making Italian Wedding Soup might seem intimidating at first, but trust me—once you’ve tackled it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. As a chef and dad, I’ve made this soup countless times, and it always brings smiles to fancy dinner parties and casual family meals.
The key is to make it your own. Play with the seasonings, swap out greens, or try different meat combinations. My kids love helping roll the meatballs, and it’s become our special Sunday tradition. Remember: good broth, well-seasoned meatballs, and fresh ingredients are non-negotiable. Everything else? That’s where the fun begins!
