If you have ever wished for a cozy, comforting soup that brings family and friends together around the table, this Italian Wedding Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic soup features tender meatballs swimming in a fragrant, savory broth, dotted with bright vegetables and delicate pasta. It’s a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that’s surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your go-to recipe for those chilly evenings or anytime you crave a warm, satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Italian Wedding Soup Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward but essential ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor, color, and texture. From the savory meatballs to the fresh spinach and tender pasta, every element plays a delightful role in creating this hearty soup.
- Ground pork and ground beef: These provide the rich base for the flavorful meatballs that are the heart of the soup.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder to keep the meatballs tender and cohesive.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Add aromatic depth both in the meatballs and the soup itself.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Gives a subtle nutty flavor and helps bind the meatball mixture.
- Plain breadcrumbs: Keep the meatballs light and tender instead of dense.
- Whole milk: Moistens the breadcrumbs and enriches the meatballs.
- Salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning: Create the perfect seasoning balance for the meatballs and broth.
- Onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- Carrot (peeled and thinly sliced): Contributes color, natural sweetness, and texture.
- Fresh spinach (coarsely chopped): Adds vibrant color and a fresh, healthy finish to the soup.
- Unsalted butter: Used for sautéing vegetables to release their flavors gently.
- Dry acini de pepe pasta or orzo: Tiny pasta shapes that hold broth well and complement the meatballs.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid base that ties the whole soup together.
- Olive oil: For browning the meatballs and adding extra richness.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving): A finishing touch that adds umami and a touch of indulgence.
How to Make Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
Start by combining ground pork, ground beef, egg, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Mixing them by hand helps you feel the perfect consistency. Then gently shape the mixture into 18 to 20 meatballs or even more if you want mini ones. These meatballs carry the soul of the soup, so handling them with care ensures they stay tender once cooked.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add half the meatballs and cook them, turning occasionally, until nicely browned on all sides. This step locks in flavors and adds a satisfying caramelized note. Remove them to a plate and brown the rest in the same way. Browning meatballs separately and in batches keeps them from overcrowding and steaming.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add butter to the pot and toss in the finely chopped onions and thinly sliced carrots. Sauté them gently until soft and golden, about 6 to 7 minutes. This slow cooking unlocks their natural sweetness, forming a flavor base for the soup. Then add minced garlic and give it about a minute more to infuse the whole mixture with fragrant warmth.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta in Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and add the acini de pepe pasta. Bring everything to a boil and let it cook for about 5 minutes. The broth should start to smell like the cozy Italian kitchen of your dreams, and the pasta will get a head start on absorbing those savory flavors.
Step 5: Simmer Meatballs and Season
Gently return the browned meatballs to the simmering soup, stirring carefully so they don’t break apart. Add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, then reduce to a low boil and let the soup cook for another 7 to 9 minutes until the pasta is tender but still has a bit of bite. This slow simmer melds the flavors beautifully and ensures meatballs are cooked through without drying.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Spinach
Finally, stir in the coarsely chopped fresh spinach and cook for about a minute until wilted. The spinach adds a fresh punch of color and a healthy green boost, rounding out this comforting bowl perfectly. Serve it piping hot with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
How to Serve Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly grated Parmesan is the classic garnish, adding salty richness that melts into every spoonful. You can also sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley for a bright herbal note, or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving gives a smooth, fruity finish that’s divine.
Side Dishes
A warm crusty loaf of Italian bread or a garlic baguette pairs perfectly, great for soaking up the flavorful broth. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich soup. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto platter will complete the Italian dining experience elegantly.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve this Italian Wedding Soup Recipe in charming individual bowls or mini crocks for a dinner party? Garnish each with a tiny meatball on a cocktail skewer as an appetizer twist. Another fun idea is to prepare the meatballs separately and serve them as finger foods alongside cups of the broth with pasta and greens for a playful variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the meatballs and pasta immersed in the broth to maintain moisture. Before reheating, give it a good stir to redistribute flavors and check seasoning, as it may need a little fresh seasoning after chilling.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. To avoid mushy pasta, you can freeze the meatballs and broth separately from the pasta if you wish. Otherwise, freeze the entire soup in portioned containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Make sure to leave some headspace in containers to allow the soup to expand as it freezes.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat to prevent the meatballs from drying out. Add a splash of water or broth if it looks too thick. Avoid microwaving at high heat as it can make the pasta rubbery. Reheat until piping hot throughout, and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use all beef instead of pork and beef mixed?
Absolutely! Using all ground beef is fine and will still result in delicious meatballs. The pork adds a bit of extra tenderness and fat, but you can easily substitute or even use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
What can I substitute for acini de pepe pasta?
If you can’t find acini de pepe, orzo is a great substitute – it’s similar in size and shape and cooks quickly. Small pastina or even tiny ditalini pasta will also work well.
Is this soup really served at Italian weddings?
Despite the name, Italian Wedding Soup isn’t traditionally served only at weddings. The term comes from the “marriage” of flavors between the meat and greens. It’s a beloved Italian-American classic that you can enjoy any day of the year.
Can I make the meatballs in advance?
Yes! You can prepare and shape the meatballs a day ahead and keep them refrigerated, covered. When ready to cook, brown them as usual. This makes mealtime easier for busy days.
How do I keep the meatballs tender and not dry?
Use a mixture of pork and beef along with breadcrumbs and milk to keep the meatballs moist. Avoid overmixing the meat mixture and be gentle when shaping them. Cooking them in the broth rather than frying fully helps as well.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Wedding Soup Recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl—comforting, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a recipe that delivers big on taste without fuss. I hope you give it a try soon and find it becomes one of your treasured kitchen staples, perfect for any season or occasion.
