Italian Wedding Soup is a classic Italian-American dish known for its hearty and comforting flavors. Despite its name, it isn’t served at weddings but celebrates the marriage of meat and greens. This soup combines tender meatballs, fresh spinach, and tiny pasta in a savory broth, making it a perfect meal for cozy family dinners or special occasions.
Why You Will Love the Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
Italian Wedding Soup offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s easy to make and loved by all ages. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- The savory meatballs add rich, comforting protein to the broth.
- Fresh spinach brings a vibrant color and a healthy dose of nutrients.
- Small pasta pearls absorb the flavorful broth perfectly.
- The broth is light yet deeply savory, creating a balanced taste.
- It’s versatile—easy to customize with your favorite herbs or veggies.
- This soup makes a nutritious and filling meal any time of year.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making them perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients You Will Need
Gather these simple and fresh ingredients for a traditional Italian Wedding Soup that’s full of flavor and nutrition:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup small pasta (acini di pepe or orzo)
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
How to Make Italian Wedding Soup
Follow these clear steps to create a delicious, homemade Italian Wedding Soup that your whole family will enjoy:
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Step 5: Add Broth and Bay Leaf
Pour in chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 7: Combine Meatballs and Spinach
Return meatballs to the pot. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
Step 8: Season and Serve
Remove bay leaf. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy.
Italian Wedding Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then set aside.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Pour in chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 6-8 minutes.
- Return meatballs to the pot. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Remove bay leaf. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
Serving Tips for Italian Wedding Soup
Make your Italian Wedding Soup experience even better with these simple serving tips:
- Serve with crusty garlic bread for soaking up the broth.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added richness.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Drizzle a bit of good-quality olive oil for extra flavor.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for color.
- Enjoy with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.
- Reheat leftovers gently to preserve the texture and taste.
Nutritional Benefits of Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup is both delicious and nutritious, making it a healthy choice. It provides a good balance of protein from the meatballs and vitamins from the spinach and vegetables. The broth hydrates and soothes, while the pasta adds energy-boosting carbohydrates. This soup is low in calories but rich in flavor, making it suitable for weight management. It also contains antioxidants from the fresh greens, which support overall immune health and well-being.
Conclusion
Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any meal. It’s a mix of tender meatballs, fresh greens, and savory broth that delivers warmth and nutrition. Try this recipe to enjoy a classic taste of Italy right at home.