Italian Wedding Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy and heartwarming meal to share with loved ones, this Italian Wedding Soup is just the ticket! This classic dish brings together savory meatballs, fresh vegetables, and tender pasta in a comforting broth. It’s a recipe that warms your soul and fills your home with delightful aromas, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. You’ll quickly see why this Italian Wedding Soup has become one of my all-time favorites!

What makes this soup special is its wonderful balance of flavors and textures. The meatballs are tender and juicy, while the spinach adds a vibrant green touch. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can whip it up on the stovetop or let it simmer slowly in the crock pot while you go about your day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a handful of simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves meatballs, pasta, and broth—this soup is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-ahead convenience: This soup keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep!
• Comforting flavor: The combination of savory beef meatballs and fresh spinach creates a rich taste that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delightful Italian Wedding Soup. You might already have many of these items in your kitchen!

For the Meatballs

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• ½ lb. ground beef (85% lean)
• ½ lb. ground beef
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

For the Soup

• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 1 ¼ cups carrots (diced)
• 2 celery ribs (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ¾ cup acini de pepe pasta (uncooked)
• 4-5 cups fresh spinach
• Salt/pepper (to taste)
• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

Variations

One of the best things about Italian Wedding Soup is how flexible it can be! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Instead of beef, try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in some zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace meatballs with chickpea balls or omit them altogether and load up on veggies!
• Change the pasta: While acini de pepe is traditional, any small pasta will work beautifully—try ditalini or small shells!

How to Make Italian Wedding Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Start by mixing all the meatball ingredients together in a bowl. Use your hands to combine everything gently; this ensures they stay tender rather than tough. Once mixed, form them into small balls—about an inch in diameter works great! This step sets the stage for delicious flavor as they cook.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your meatballs in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan. Browning them adds depth to their flavor and gives them that lovely golden color. Cook until they are browned on all sides but not fully cooked through—they’ll finish cooking later in the broth.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Remove the browned meatballs from the pot and set them aside. In that same pot, add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened; this helps release their natural sweetness and builds layers of flavor for your soup base.

Step 4: Add Broth & Seasonings

Once your vegetables are tender, return the meatballs to the pot along with chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Bring everything to a gentle boil—this is where all those wonderful flavors meld together beautifully!

Step 5: Cook Pasta & Spinach

Stir in acini de pepe pasta and let it cook according to package instructions. When it’s almost done, toss in fresh spinach until wilted. This step adds vibrant color and nutrition while keeping your soup light.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning & Serve

Taste your soup before serving; add salt and pepper as needed to ensure perfect seasoning. Ladle into bowls and top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of yum! Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful Italian Wedding Soup!

Pro Tips for Making Italian Wedding Soup

Making Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful experience, and a few simple tips can elevate your dish to new heights!

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor that dried herbs can’t match, enhancing the overall freshness of your soup.
• Don’t skip the cheese: Adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the end not only enriches the broth but also brings a creamy texture that complements the meatballs perfectly.
• Customize the vegetables: Feel free to include other veggies like zucchini or peas for added nutrition and color, making your soup even heartier and more appealing.
• Make ahead for flavor: Prepare your soup a day in advance; letting it sit overnight in the fridge allows all those delicious flavors to meld beautifully.
• Adjust pasta cooking time: If you prefer al dente pasta, consider cooking it separately and adding it just before serving to avoid any mushiness.

How to Serve Italian Wedding Soup

Serving Italian Wedding Soup is as fun as making it! This dish is not only comforting but also versatile enough to impress guests or make a cozy family dinner. Here are some ideas to present this delightful soup:

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley on top adds vibrant color and freshness.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows guests to brighten their bowls with a squeeze of citrus, enhancing the flavors.
• Extra Parmesan: Providing additional grated Parmesan gives everyone the chance to customize their soup according to their taste.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the savory broth, making each bite even more satisfying.
• Caesar salad: The crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the warm soup, creating a balanced meal.
• Garlic knots: Soft and buttery garlic knots are an irresistible addition that complements the flavors of the soup beautifully.
• Roasted vegetables: A platter of colorful roasted vegetables can be a great side that offers additional nutrients while keeping things light and healthy.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a wonderful dining experience that highlights the charm of Italian Wedding Soup. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Italian Wedding Soup is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy hearty servings throughout the week. Making a large batch means you can savor its delightful flavors even on your busiest days!

Storing Leftovers

• Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If storing meatballs separately, keep them in another container for better texture.

Freezing

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers for storage.
• Label containers with the date and type of soup for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; just be sure to leave some space in the container as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through; add a splash of broth if needed.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Italian Wedding Soup.

What is Italian Wedding Soup?

Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting dish made with savory meatballs, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful broth. It’s named for its delicious combination of ingredients that marry together beautifully!

Can I make Italian Wedding Soup in advance?

Absolutely! This soup is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freeze portions for later use.

How do I make Italian Wedding Soup vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version of Italian Wedding Soup, substitute the meatballs with plant-based meat alternatives or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth as well!

What types of greens can I use instead of spinach?

While traditional recipes call for spinach, you can also use kale or Swiss chard for different flavors and textures. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Italian Wedding Soup! It’s not only warming and nutritious but also brings family and friends together around the table. Enjoy this comforting dish any night of the week, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Happy cooking!