This Italian Wedding Soup recipe is a delightful blend of savory meatballs, fresh spinach, and tender pasta in a rich broth. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this soup is sure to impress. Its comforting flavors and easy preparation make it a favorite among home cooks. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction that comes with every bowl!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in no time.
- Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of meatballs, vegetables, and broth creates a comforting meal that warms the soul.
- Versatile: This Italian Wedding Soup can be made on the stove or in a crock pot, making it suitable for any cooking style or schedule.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vegetables and protein, this soup is not just delicious but also nutritious.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: The soup stores well in the fridge, making it an ideal choice for leftovers or meal prepping.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this delightful dish, you will need a few essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure your soup turns out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for simmering the soup evenly while allowing enough space for all ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: Useful for combining meatball ingredients before shaping them, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
Ingredients
This classic Italian Wedding Soup recipe has savory meatballs in a flavorful broth with spinach and pasta! It’s easy to make on the stove top or in the crock pot!
Meatballs
- 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)
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 1 ¼ cups carrots (diced)
- 2 celery ribs (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Broth & Pasta
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¾ cup acini de pepe pasta (uncooked)
Greens & Seasoning
- 4-5 cups fresh spinach
- Salt/pepper (to taste)
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
How to Make Italian Wedding Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.
- Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until vegetables are soft.
Step 3: Add Broth and Meatballs
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Carefully add the prepared meatballs to the pot.
- Stir gently to avoid breaking the meatballs.
Step 4: Cook the Soup
- Add Italian seasoning to the pot.
- Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Spinach
- Stir in acini de pepe pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- In the last few minutes of cooking, add fresh spinach until wilted.
Step 6: Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top!
How to Serve Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette – A warm baguette is perfect for dipping into the savory broth.
- Garlic Bread – Flavorful garlic bread adds a delicious touch and complements the soup’s taste.
Topped with Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan sprinkled on top elevates the flavors.
- Mozzarella Balls – Adding soft mozzarella can make the soup even creamier and more indulgent.
Accompanied by Salads
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad provides a crunchy contrast to the soup’s warmth.
- Mixed Green Salad – Light greens with vinaigrette offer a refreshing balance.
Garnished with Herbs
- Extra Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the presentation and flavor.
- Basil Leaves – Torn basil leaves add an aromatic touch that enhances the Italian essence.
How to Perfect Italian Wedding Soup
For an authentic taste of Italian Wedding Soup, consider these helpful tips to elevate your cooking.
- Use Quality Meat – Choose high-quality ground beef and pork for tastier meatballs.
- Don’t Skimp on Broth – Opt for homemade chicken broth if possible; it significantly boosts flavor.
- Experiment with Greens – While spinach is classic, adding kale or Swiss chard can add variety.
- Cook Pasta Separately – Cook acini de pepe pasta separately to avoid it becoming mushy in the soup.
- Adjust Seasoning – Taste as you go; adjusting salt and pepper ensures balanced flavors.
- Let It Rest – Allowing the soup to sit for a bit before serving helps meld all flavors together.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Wedding Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Italian Wedding Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and garlic adds a fresh kick.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a light complement.
- Antipasto Platter – A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and peppers makes for a hearty side.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies provide an earthy flavor that pairs well with the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with rice, meat, or cheese offer a filling side choice.
- Focaccia Bread – Soft focaccia infused with herbs can be delightful when dipped into the broth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Italian Wedding Soup can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough salt or herbs can lead to bland soup. Always taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
- Overcooking the meatballs: If cooked too long, meatballs can become tough. Cook them just until they’re no longer pink in the middle for optimal tenderness.
- Neglecting fresh ingredients: Using stale or dried-out vegetables can affect flavor. Always choose fresh ingredients for the best taste and texture.
- Not using enough broth: A hearty soup needs a good amount of broth. Make sure you have at least 8 cups for a rich and flavorful base.
- Forgetting about pasta cooking times: Adding pasta too early can lead to mushy noodles. Add it towards the end of cooking to ensure it remains al dente.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Italian Wedding Soup in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Italian Wedding Soup
- Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers.
- It can be kept for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Italian Wedding Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat soup in an oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes or until hot.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Italian Wedding Soup?
Italian Wedding Soup is a traditional Italian dish made with meatballs, greens, and pasta all simmered in a flavorful broth.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freeze it for later enjoyment.
What other greens can I use instead of spinach?
You can substitute kale or Swiss chard if you prefer different greens in your Italian Wedding Soup.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version of Italian Wedding Soup, replace meatballs with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Wedding Soup recipe offers comforting warmth with every spoonful. Its versatility allows for various ingredient swaps, making it perfect for any occasion. Try your hand at this delightful dish and enjoy customizing it to fit your taste!
Italian Wedding Soup
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of Italian Wedding Soup, a classic dish that beautifully combines savory meatballs, fresh spinach, and tender pasta in a rich broth. This nourishing soup is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. With its delightful flavors and easy preparation, it’s a favorite among both seasoned chefs and novice cooks alike. Enjoy each bowl filled with heartwarming goodness that satisfies the soul!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- ½ lb ground beef (85% lean)
- ½ lb ground pork
- 1 egg (beaten)
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4-5 cups fresh spinach
- ¾ cup acini de pepe pasta (uncooked)
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 1¼ cups carrots (diced)
- 2 celery ribs (diced)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Gently add meatballs to the pot without breaking them.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and simmer for about 20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
- Add acini de pepe pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
