The Cozy Comfort of Homemade Italian Wedding Soup
This heartwarming Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful blend of homemade meatballs and fresh greens, simmering in a savory chicken broth that nourishes both body and soul. With just 30 minutes of preparation and packed with wholesome ingredients, you can serve a delicious family-friendly meal that will warm hearts and bellies. Let me guide you through this treasured recipe that’s perfectly suited for cozy evenings at home.
Italian Wedding Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A heartwarming blend of homemade meatballs and fresh greens, simmering in savory chicken broth.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- ½ lb. ground pork
- 1 egg (beaten)
- ½ 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
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 1 ¼ cups carrots (diced)
- 2 celery ribs (diced)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¾ cup acini de pepe pasta (uncooked)
- 4–5 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs about one inch in diameter.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the chicken broth and Italian seasoning to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Carefully place the meatballs into the simmering broth. Let them cook for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the acini de pepe pasta and let it cook according to package instructions, usually about 7 minutes.
- Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
For extra flavor, sear the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the broth. Use homemade chicken broth for a richer flavor. If desired, add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Why You’ll Love this Italian Wedding Soup
There’s something magical about a bowl of Italian Wedding Soup that brings everyone together. Perhaps it’s the savory aroma wafting through your kitchen or the comforting taste of tender meatballs and fresh veggies that make this soup a family favorite. This recipe is an invitation to gather around the table, share stories, and enjoy the flavors of Italy, all from the comfort of your home.
How to Make Italian Wedding Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- ½ lb. ground pork
- 1 egg (beaten)
- ½ 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
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 1 ¼ cups carrots (diced)
- 2 celery ribs (diced)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¾ cup acini de pepe pasta (uncooked)
- 4-5 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Directions:
Stove Top Method (see notes for Crock Pot & Instant Pot Methods)
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs about one inch in diameter.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the chicken broth and Italian seasoning to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Carefully place the meatballs into the simmering broth. Let them cook for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the acini de pepe pasta and let it cook according to package instructions, usually about 7 minutes.
- Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and season with salt and pepper to taste.
How to Serve Your Italian Wedding Soup
Ladle generous portions of the warm soup into bowls and sprinkle with a touch of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Pair with crusty bread or a light salad, and you have a delightful meal that sings of comfort and home-cooked love. This soup is great for a weeknight dinner but can also steal the show at a special gathering.
How to Store Your Leftovers
Store any leftover Italian Wedding Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you anticipate having leftovers, consider keeping the pasta separate from the soup to prevent it from becoming mushy over time. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to enjoy it again just as it was intended.
Tips for Making the Best Italian Wedding Soup
- For extra flavor, sear the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the broth.
- Use homemade chicken broth if possible; it elevates the soup with a depth of flavor that store-bought broth might not match.
- If you prefer a heartier soup, add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers!
Delicious Variations to Try
If you’re feeling creative, consider using turkey instead of beef and pork for a healthier spin. Add in some cannellini beans for extra protein or swap out the acini de pepe pasta for small shells or orzo.
FAQs
What can I use if I can’t find acini de pepe?
You can substitute with any small pasta such as ditalini or orzo, though cooking times may vary.
Can this soup be frozen?
Absolutely! Freeze the soup in portions, but remember to add the pasta fresh when you’re ready to enjoy the soup after thawing.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Omit the meatballs and use vegetable broth, adding in more vegetables or even lentils for heartiness.
Gather your loved ones and experience the comforting embrace of Italian Wedding Soup. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a lovingly crafted tradition, perfect for bringing family together around the table. Enjoy this cozy delight with friends and family, because food is best when shared!
