Are you looking for a comforting, hearty meal that warms you from the inside out? Look no further than Italian Wedding Soup! This delightful soup brings together rich flavors, tender meatballs, and fresh greens, creating a dish that’s simply irresistible.

Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want to treat yourself to something special, this soup is perfect for any occasion.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Italian Wedding Soup is a family favorite for many reasons.

First, the combination of flavors is amazing.

The meatballs are tender and flavorful, thanks to a blend of ground meats, herbs, and cheese.

Then, you have the vibrant greens that add freshness and color.

This dish is not only delicious but also quite versatile.

It can become a comforting weeknight meal or a delightful dish to serve at gatherings.

Once you experience the warmth of this soup, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients

To whip up a pot of this incredible Italian Wedding Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

16 ounces (450 g) ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or a combination)
1 large egg
½ cup dried breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ cup (43 g) grated parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a meatless version)
2 cups fresh spinach or kale
1 cup small pasta (like acini di pepe or orzo)

How To Make Italian Wedding Soup

Making Italian Wedding Soup is simple and fun! Follow these easy steps to create a dish that your family will love.

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, large egg, dried breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, fresh oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Mix everything together until well combined.

You can use your hands to really get in there, making sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Once your mixture is ready, take a small portion of it and roll it into bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Place the meatballs on a baking sheet or plate as you go.

This recipe should yield around 20-25 meatballs, depending on their size.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil.

Once it’s hot, add the meatballs to the pot in batches.

Cook them for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned on all sides.

You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point.

Once browned, transfer them to a plate.

Step 4: Make the Soup Base

In the same pot, add the chicken or vegetable broth.

Scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom from the meatballs – that’s where the flavor is! Bring broth to a simmer over medium-high heat.

Step 5: Add the Pasta

Once the broth is simmering, add your pasta.

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 6-8 minutes.

Step 6: Add the Meatballs and Greens

While the pasta is cooking, add the browned meatballs back to the pot.

Then, once the pasta is almost ready, add the fresh spinach or kale.

Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the greens are wilted and the meatballs are cooked through.

Step 7: Serve It Up!

Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

If it’s lacking something, a little more salt or a sprinkle of black pepper can work wonders.

Ladle your delicious Italian Wedding Soup into bowls, garnish with extra grated parmesan, and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. This will help them stay tender and juicy!
If you want to add more flavor, sauté some onions or carrots in the pot before adding the broth.
Feel free to swap in your favorite greens if spinach or kale isn’t your thing; swiss chard or collard greens can also work well.
Make a double batch and freeze half for easy meals later.

Variations and Customizations

For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or pork.
Add carrots, celery, or peas to the soup for more veggies.
Try using gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.
For a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover Italian Wedding Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier! If you wish to freeze it, let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

It can be frozen for about 2-3 months.

When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

FAQ

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making my own?

Absolutely! Frozen meatballs are a great time-saver.

Just add them to the pot when you’re ready to simmer the broth, and they’ll heat through nicely.

Is this soup good for meal prep?

Yes! Italian Wedding Soup holds up well for meal prep.

Just store individual portions in the fridge or freezer and enjoy throughout the week.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply use vegetable broth, omit the meatballs, and add more vegetables.

You can also use plant-based ground meat for a tasty vegetarian version.

What kind of pasta works best in this soup?

Small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, orzo, or ditalini work best.

They fit perfectly in each spoonful and cook quickly in the broth.

Conclusion

Italian Wedding Soup is a classic dish that blends flavors and textures beautifully.

From the savory meatballs to the fresh greens and hearty broth, each bowl is a delight.

It’s perfect for cozy dinners and special occasions alike.

Plus, with its simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip it up anytime.

So grab your pot and get started, because this recipe is sure to bring smiles all around the table! Enjoy your cooking and savor each comforting spoonful.