This Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting blend of savory meatballs, fresh spinach, and tender pasta, all simmered in a rich chicken broth. Perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners, this dish brings warmth and flavor to any occasion. The delightful combination of ingredients makes it a standout choice that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Italian Wedding Soup comes together in just 50 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Flavor Packed: With its blend of herbs and spices, this soup offers a rich taste that elevates simple ingredients into something special.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite greens or pasta shapes to make the recipe your own.
- Comfort Food: The hearty meatballs and nourishing broth create a cozy dish that warms the soul.
- Makes Great Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this delicious Italian Wedding Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering the broth and cooking the meatballs evenly.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining meatball ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Useful for beating the egg smoothly into the meat mixture.
- Ladle: Helps serve the soup easily without spilling.
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!
Ingredients:
– 1 Tablespoon olive oil
– ½ lb. ground beef (85% lean)
– ½ lb. ground pork
– 1 egg (beaten)
– 1/2 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)
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 8 cups chicken broth
– 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
– ¾ cup acini de pepe pasta (uncooked)
– 4-5 cups fresh spinach
– salt/pepper (to taste)
– Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
How to Make Italian Wedding Soup
Step 1: Prepare Meatballs
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined. Form small meatballs about one inch in diameter.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and remaining minced garlic. Sauté until vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Cook Meatballs
- Carefully add the meatballs to the pot with sautéed vegetables.
- Brown them on all sides for about five minutes.
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings
- Pour in chicken broth and stir in Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a boil; then reduce heat to low and let simmer for about ten minutes.
Step 5: Cook Pasta and Spinach
- Stir in acini de pepe pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Add fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking until wilted.
Step 6: Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Italian Wedding Soup!
How to Serve Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup is a warm and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Italian Bread: Serve slices of crusty Italian bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Pair with garlic-infused breadsticks to complement the soup’s rich flavors.
Topped with Cheese
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for added richness.
- Mozzarella Balls: Add small mozzarella balls for a delightful texture and cheesy flavor.
Accompanied by Salad
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the warm soup.
- Spinach Salad: A simple spinach salad with balsamic vinaigrette complements the spinach in the soup.
With a Splash of Lemon
- Fresh Lemon Wedge: Offer lemon wedges on the side to squeeze into the soup for a burst of acidity.
- Lemon Zest: Grate some lemon zest over the top before serving to brighten up the flavors.
How to Perfect Italian Wedding Soup
To make your Italian Wedding Soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Start with fresh vegetables and herbs for enhanced flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and seasonings to your preference.
- Simmer Longer: Let the soup simmer longer for deeper flavors; it’s worth the wait!
- Make Ahead: Prepare it ahead of time; it tastes even better after sitting overnight in the fridge.
- Store Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze portions of soup for quick meals; just add fresh spinach when reheating.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Wedding Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Italian Wedding Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some delightful options:
- Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots infused with garlic; perfect for soaking up leftover broth.
- Antipasto Platter: A colorful platter featuring cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables adds variety.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring earthy flavors that complement the soup beautifully.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms filled with herbs and cheese offer a delightful bite alongside the soup.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with olives, cherry tomatoes, and Italian dressing makes a great side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Italian Wedding Soup can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong meat: Select high-quality ground beef and pork. Using lean meat might result in dry meatballs.
- Overcooking the pasta: Ensure you add the pasta at the right time. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and ruin the soup’s texture.
- Not seasoning adequately: Taste as you cook! Insufficient salt and pepper can lead to bland soup, so adjust according to your preference.
- Ignoring fresh ingredients: Fresh parsley and spinach elevate the dish. Dried herbs won’t provide the same vibrant flavor.
- Skipping the cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth. Avoid pre-grated cheese, as it often lacks flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Make sure to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Italian Wedding Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion as it freezes.
Reheating Italian Wedding Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place soup in an oven-safe dish, and heat until warm throughout.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl; cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Italian Wedding Soup that may help you.
Can I use different types of meat for Italian Wedding Soup?
Yes, you can experiment by using ground turkey or chicken. This will change the flavor but can still be delicious!
What is the best way to serve Italian Wedding Soup?
Serve hot with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Can I make Italian Wedding Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it properly!
How do I customize my Italian Wedding Soup?
Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or green beans. You can also try different pasta shapes or even omit pasta for a low-carb option.
Final Thoughts
Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that warms your heart. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. We encourage you to try this comforting recipe and make it your own!
Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup is a heartwarming dish that perfectly blends savory meatballs, fresh spinach, and tender pasta in a rich chicken broth. This comforting soup is ideal for family dinners or cozy weeknight meals, bringing warmth and flavor to every occasion. With its delightful combination of ingredients, Italian Wedding Soup is sure to become a favorite at your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
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)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¾ cup acini de pepe pasta (uncooked)
- 4-5 cups fresh spinach
- salt/pepper (to taste)
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs by mixing ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form small meatballs.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions, carrots, celery, and remaining garlic until tender.
- Add meatballs to the pot and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir in Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the acini de pepe pasta and cook until al dente. Add spinach during the last few minutes until wilted.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
