Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

If you have never tasted Italian Wedding Soup before, you are truly in for a treat. This heartwarming bowl brings together tender meatballs, vibrant greens, and delicate pasta floating in a rich, savory broth that feels like a warm hug from nonna herself. The combination of fresh ingredients and simple techniques makes Italian Wedding Soup an unforgettable comfort food that’s perfect for sharing any day of the year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Italian Wedding Soup lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the juicy meatballs to the bright spinach and the perfectly seasoned broth.

• Olive oil: For browning meatballs and softening veggies, adding a subtle fruity richness.
• Ground beef and ground pork: These provide a juicy, flavorful base for the tender meatballs.
• Egg (beaten): Acts as a binder to keep the meatballs tender yet firm.
• Italian breadcrumbs: Adds texture and holds the meatballs together without heaviness.
• Parmesan cheese (grated): Brings nutty, salty depth right into the meatball mix and as a garnish.
• Garlic (minced): Punches up the aroma and gives a bold, warm flavor both in the meatballs and soup.
• Fresh parsley (finely chopped): Refreshes the palate with a hint of herbal brightness.
• Salt and pepper: Essential to season and enhance every component perfectly.
• Yellow onion, carrots, and celery (diced): The classic soffritto base creates a naturally sweet and savory broth foundation.
• Chicken broth: The soul of the soup, providing comforting depth and richness.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds warmth and complexity.
• Acini de pepe pasta: Tiny, lovely little pasta pearls that soak up all the glorious flavors.
• Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a mild, fresh bite that balances the hearty meatballs.

How to Make Italian Wedding Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Start by gently combining ground beef and pork with the beaten egg, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender. Shape into ¾-inch balls — these little gems will be the stars of your soup.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs in batches for about two minutes. They don’t need to cook through at this stage since they will finish cooking in the soup later. Once browned, remove and set aside—this step locks in flavor and creates a lovely texture on the outside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook them gently over medium heat for around six minutes until they soften and become fragrant. If the pot looks dry, splash in a little more olive oil. This step builds the savory base that makes Italian Wedding Soup so aromatic.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Italian Seasoning

Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for just one minute to release their fragrance without burning. This infuses the broth with that unmistakable Italian charm.

Step 5: Simmer the Broth and Meatballs

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and nestle the browned meatballs back into the pot. The meatballs will finish cooking gently, soaking up all the lovely broth flavors as they simmer.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta Separately

While your soup simmers, boil the acini de pepe pasta in a separate pot until just al dente. Drain well. Adding the pasta separately prevents it from soaking up too much broth during storage so you can enjoy perfect texture even if you have leftovers.

Step 7: Wilt in the Spinach

Just before serving, stir in fresh spinach into the simmering soup and cook for about two minutes until wilted. The bright green leaves add freshness and a lovely contrast to the rich broth and savory meatballs.

How to Serve Italian Wedding Soup

Garnishes

Always top off your Italian Wedding Soup with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully and adds an irresistible nutty finish that ties the entire dish together. For extra flair, a few chopped fresh parsley leaves or a crack of black pepper makes the presentation pop.

Side Dishes

This soup is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but if you want to elevate the meal, serve it with a side of crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up every last drop of broth. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can brighten the plate and add a crisp texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve Italian Wedding Soup in individual rustic bowls with small skillets of Parmesan crisps on the side for a fun crunch. Or, ladle the soup into clear glass mugs for a charming, Instagram-worthy way to showcase those colorful layers of meatballs, pasta, and spinach.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Italian Wedding Soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta separate if you can; this way, you preserve the ideal texture in both the pasta and soup when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze Italian Wedding Soup, but it’s best to do so without the pasta since it can become mushy after thawing. Freeze the soup and meatballs in a sealable container for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stove over low to medium heat until warmed through. Add freshly cooked pasta or reheat the stored pasta separately and combine just before serving to keep the perfect texture intact. A quick stir-in of fresh spinach at this step revitalizes the soup’s vibrant flavors.

FAQs

What is Italian Wedding Soup?

Italian Wedding Soup is a traditional Italian-American dish featuring tender meatballs, small pasta, fresh greens, and a flavorful broth. Despite its name, it’s not served at weddings but named for the “marriage” of ingredients that complement each other perfectly.

Can I make Italian Wedding Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the meatballs with plant-based alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. Adding beans can also boost protein and keep the soup satisfying.

What pasta can I use instead of acini de pepe?

Small pasta shapes such as orzo, Israeli couscous, or tiny star noodles work well as substitutes if you can’t find acini de pepe. The key is choosing something small that integrates seamlessly with the other ingredients.

How long does Italian Wedding Soup take to make?

The stove top method usually takes about 40 to 50 minutes including prep and cooking. It’s a fairly quick soup that suits weeknight dinners but also special occasions thanks to its comforting, elegant flavors.

Can I prepare Italian Wedding Soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! You can brown the meatballs in a skillet then finish cooking in a slow cooker with the vegetables and broth for a few hours. The Instant Pot method speeds things up with sauté and pressure cook settings, making it convenient without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give Italian Wedding Soup a try—it’s one of those dishes that feels like home no matter where you are. With its comforting blend of savory meatballs, nutritious greens, and soul-warming broth, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep returning to again and again. Grab a big bowl, invite your favorite people, and dig into this timeless, heartful classic.

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