Italian Wedding Soup captures the heart and soul of Italian cuisine. Its rich, savory flavors blend beautifully in this hearty dish, making it a favorite for gatherings and family dinners. This soup combines tender meatballs, crisp vegetables, and flavorful broth, ensuring each spoonful is a delight.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup is comforting and nourishing, perfect for any season. The combination of meatballs, vegetables, and pasta can satisfy the entire family. It’s also easy to make, allowing home cooks of all skill levels to enjoy it without much hassle.

Plus, the versatility in ingredients means you can adjust it to match your family’s preferences. You can make it in large batches, making it ideal for meal prep or cozy gatherings.

How to Make Italian Wedding Soup

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 cups chicken broth
1 cup small pasta (like acini di pepe or orzo)
1 bunch fresh spinach, washed and chopped
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the meatballs and cook for about 5 minutes.
Add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the pot. Simmer for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Add the pasta to the soup and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve hot, topped with grated Pecorino Romano cheese.

How to Serve Italian Wedding Soup

Serve Italian Wedding Soup hot in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Pecorino Romano cheese. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks. Enjoying it as a starter for a larger Italian meal is also a delightful option.

How to Store Italian Wedding Soup

To store leftover Italian Wedding Soup, let it cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing the soup. Use freezer-safe containers and keep it frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until hot.

Italian Wedding Soup

A comforting and nourishing soup featuring tender meatballs, crisp vegetables, and flavorful broth, ideal for gatherings and family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley Fresh herbs enhance flavor.
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Soup

12 cups chicken broth
1 cup small pasta (like acini di pepe or orzo)
1 bunch fresh spinach Washed and chopped.
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic Minced.
1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese For serving.

Instructions

Preparation

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Cooking

In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the meatballs and cook for about 5 minutes.
Add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the pot. Simmer for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Add the pasta to the soup and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve hot, topped with grated Pecorino Romano cheese.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. Consider adding seasonal vegetables for a twist.

Keyword comfort food, Family Dinner, Hearty Soup, Italian Wedding Soup, Meatball Soup

Tips to Make Italian Wedding Soup Perfect

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor of the soup.
Experiment with Meat: While ground beef is traditional, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue cooking when added to the hot soup.
Add More Greens: If you love greens, feel free to add kale or swiss chard along with spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
Seasonal Variations: Feel free to incorporate seasonal vegetables for variety, such as zucchini in summer or butternut squash in autumn.

Flavor Variations

Italian Wedding Soup is highly customizable. Here are some variations to try:

Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Delight: Stir in some cream or additional cheese to make it extra creamy and rich.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, basil, or oregano to change the soup’s flavor profile.
Different Pasta: While acini di pepe and orzo are traditional, try using small shells or even gluten-free pasta for a different texture.

Pro Tips for Success

Chill the Meat Mixture: If time allows, chill the meatball mixture before forming them. This helps them hold their shape during cooking.
Saute Vegetables First: For a richer flavor, sauté the carrots, celery, and onions in olive oil before adding them to the broth.
Balance Flavors: Taste the soup before serving. Sometimes, a bit more salt or a splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors beautifully.

FAQs About Italian Wedding Soup

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Italian Wedding Soup ahead of time. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage.

2. What type of pasta is best for Italian Wedding Soup?

Small pasta works best for Italian Wedding Soup. Acini di pepe, orzo, or even small shells are excellent choices. Their small size helps them blend well with the meatballs and vegetables.

3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, you can skip the meatballs and sauté additional vegetables in the broth. Use vegetable broth and add protein like beans or lentils for a nourishing twist.

Final Thoughts

Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting and delicious dish that brings warmth to any table. With its simple ingredients and heartwarming flavors, it’s no wonder that this soup is a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a gathering, this recipe is sure to please everyone. Enjoy making and sharing it with loved ones!