Italian Wedding Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and hearty flavors together in one delicious bowl. This timeless dish combines tender meatballs, fresh greens, and savory broth, creating a satisfying experience that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re craving something light yet filling or looking to share a family favorite at the dinner table, Italian Wedding Soup delivers on flavor, texture, and pure comfort every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Savory Broth: The brothy base is deeply flavorful, simmered with meat, herbs, and vegetables that melt together perfectly.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with greens, tender meatballs, and pasta or grains, it’s nutritious and satisfying.
- Cozy and Warming: Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need a comforting pick-me-up.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily swap ingredients or adjust flavors to suit dietary needs or personal tastes.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults tends to love this soothing and flavorful soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Italian Wedding Soup lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each contributing to layers of taste, texture, and vibrant color. Let’s break down what you need to create this soul-satisfying dish.
- Ground Meat: Typically a mix of beef and pork for juicy, flavorful mini meatballs.
- Fresh Greens: Escarole or spinach add a slightly bitter, crunchy element and brighten the bowl.
- Broth: Homemade or quality store-bought chicken broth forms the delicious base.
- Small Pasta: Acini di pepe or orzo offer delightful bite-sized texture in the soup.
- Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh parsley, garlic, and a pinch of nutmeg give depth and warmth.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions create a classic soffritto that flavors the broth.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami richness when stirred in or sprinkled on top.
Variations for Italian Wedding Soup
One of the greatest things about Italian Wedding Soup is its versatile nature, making it easy to personalize. Whether you want to experiment with flavors, cater to dietary needs, or add an unexpected twist, you’ve got plenty of options.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace meatballs with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based protein balls to keep it cozy and meatless.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to bring some heat to the comforting mix.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Swap traditional pasta for gluten-free varieties or use small grains like quinoa for a hearty bite.
- Leafy Green Substitutions: Kale, Swiss chard, or even mustard greens can replace escarole for different flavor profiles.
- Meatball Variations: Use turkey, chicken, or lamb to tailor the soup to your preferred protein.
How to Make Italian Wedding Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, beaten egg, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Form into small, bite-sized meatballs, around one inch in diameter. Set aside while you prepare the broth.
Step 2: Create the Flavorful Broth
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté chopped onions, celery, and carrots until softened and fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to enhance warmth and depth.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs in Broth
Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering broth. Let them cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to brown evenly and cook through without breaking apart.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Greens
Stir in the pasta of choice, typically acini di pepe or orzo, and cook until tender. Finally, add fresh greens such as escarole or spinach, allowing them to wilt slightly but retain a bright color and bite.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Pro Tips for Making Italian Wedding Soup
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and basil elevate the flavor far beyond dried herbs.
- Meatball Size Matters: Keep meatballs small so they cook quickly and fit perfectly in each spoonful.
- Don’t Overcook Greens: Add leafy greens last to maintain their color and texture.
- Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling the broth too hard to keep it clear and flavorful.
- Homemade Broth Advantages: Using homemade chicken broth boosts flavor authenticity and adds richness.
How to Serve Italian Wedding Soup
Garnishes
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil make perfect garnishes to add a final burst of flavor and freshness.
Side Dishes
Serve Italian Wedding Soup alongside crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the savory broth and complete your comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in individual bread bowls or rustic mugs for a charming, cozy presentation that’s sure to impress your guests or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Italian Wedding Soup keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to deepen and settle.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup without pasta or greens to maintain ideal texture; add fresh greens and pasta when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding broth or water if needed to loosen thickened soup, and finish with fresh pasta and greens for best results.
FAQs
Is Italian Wedding Soup actually served at weddings?
Despite its name, Italian Wedding Soup is not traditionally served at weddings; the “wedding” refers to the marriage of flavors between the meat and greens.
Can I make Italian Wedding Soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute meatballs with vegetarian alternatives like seasoned plant-based balls or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
What is the best green to use in Italian Wedding Soup?
Escarole is classic for its slightly bitter crunch, but spinach, kale, or Swiss chard all work beautifully depending on your preference.
Can I use store-bought broth?
Absolutely! High-quality store-bought chicken broth works well, though homemade broth adds more depth and richness.
How long does it take to make Italian Wedding Soup?
From start to finish, including prepping and cooking, it usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Final Thoughts
Italian Wedding Soup is truly a comfort classic, uniting simple ingredients into a bowl full of warmth, flavor, and happiness. Whether for a weeknight meal or a special family gathering, this soup invites you to savor every spoonful. Give it a try and discover why it’s beloved across kitchens and hearts alike.
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Italian Wedding Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs substitutions)
Description
Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting and hearty soup featuring tender mini meatballs, fresh greens like escarole or spinach, small pasta, and a savory chicken broth enriched with vegetables and herbs. This classic Italian-American dish combines rich flavors and textures to deliver warmth and satisfaction, perfect for chilly evenings or family meals.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Broth and Vegetables
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Greens
- 1/2 cup small pasta (acini di pepe or orzo)
- 4 cups fresh greens (escarole or spinach), chopped
Garnishes
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Extra virgin olive oil, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, beaten egg, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small, bite-sized meatballs, about one inch in diameter. Set aside.
- Create the Flavorful Broth: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Cook the Meatballs in Broth: Carefully drop the prepared meatballs into the simmering broth. Let them cook gently for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to brown evenly and ensure they are cooked through without breaking apart.
- Add Pasta and Greens: Stir in the pasta and cook until tender according to package instructions. Add the fresh greens last, allowing them to wilt slightly while retaining their bright color and some texture.
- Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle soup into bowls, sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garnish with chopped parsley, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like parsley and basil for enhanced flavor.
- Keep meatballs small for quick cooking and easy spoonfuls.
- Add leafy greens at the end to maintain color and texture.
- Simmer broth gently to keep it clear and flavorful.
- Homemade chicken broth adds extra richness to the soup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg