Description
Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting classic that brings together tender homemade meatballs, tiny pasta, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful broth into one satisfying bowl. Despite its name, the soup isn’t traditionally served at weddings—instead, the name refers to the “marriage” of delicious ingredients that blend perfectly together. This hearty soup features juicy bite-sized meatballs, fresh spinach, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and delicate pasta simmered in a rich chicken broth. Finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and herbs, every spoonful is warm, nourishing, and full of comforting flavors. It’s an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or meal prep since the flavors become even better the next day. Serve it with crusty bread and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a restaurant-quality meal everyone will love.
Ingredients For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup acini di pepe or pearl pasta
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a tray.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil and cook the meatballs in batches for about 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly browned on all sides. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage because they will finish cooking in the broth. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the olive oil if needed. Stir in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Soup
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and stir well, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Add the Italian seasoning and bring the broth to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Add the Meatballs
Carefully return the browned meatballs to the simmering broth. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes so the meatballs cook through and become tender.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
Add the acini di pepe pasta directly into the soup. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook according to the package directions, usually 8–10 minutes, until tender.
Step 7: Finish with Spinach
Stir in the chopped spinach during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. The spinach will wilt quickly while keeping its bright green color and fresh flavor.
Step 8: Taste and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve hot with warm crusty bread or garlic bread.
Tips & Notes
- Small meatballs cook faster and are easier to enjoy in every spoonful.
- Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale if preferred.
- If preparing ahead, cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze the soup without the pasta for the best texture, then add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Q&A
Q: Why is it called Italian Wedding Soup?
The name refers to the perfect “marriage” of meat, vegetables, broth, and pasta rather than an actual wedding celebration.
Q: Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes. Fully cooked frozen mini meatballs work well and save preparation time.
Q: What pasta works best?
Acini di pepe is the traditional choice, but orzo, ditalini, or small shells are excellent substitutes.
Servings & Nutrition
Servings: 6
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 760mg