If you’re looking for a heartwarming and flavorful soup, Authentic Italian Wedding Soup is your perfect choice. This dish is a classic, cherished for its tender meatballs, rich broth, and nourishing vegetables. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe will become your go-to comfort meal.
Why It’s Called Italian Wedding Soup
The name “Italian Wedding Soup” doesn’t refer to weddings but rather to the harmonious marriage of flavors between the meat and greens. This soup symbolizes a perfect blend of hearty and fresh ingredients, creating a delightful balance in every spoonful.
Ingredients for Authentic Italian Wedding Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this comforting dish:
Meatballs
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Italian-style breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| Milk | ¼ cup |
| Ground beef | ½ pound |
| Italian sausage | ½ pound |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ½ cup + extra for serving |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Soup Base
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion (chopped) | ½ medium |
| Celery (chopped) | 2 sticks |
| Carrots (peeled & chopped) | 3 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Chicken broth | 8 cups |
| Italian seasoning | ½ teaspoon |
| Acini de pepe or orzo | ½ cup |
| Fresh baby spinach | 5 ounces |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Mash with a fork until smooth.
- Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix gently using your hands, ensuring not to overwork the mixture.
- Form small 1-inch meatballs, about 40–45 total. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Sear the Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add the meatballs in batches and sear them for about 5 minutes per batch until browned on the outside. They’ll finish cooking in the soup. Set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 7–8 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Build the Soup
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the Italian seasoning.
- Return the seared meatballs to the pot.
- Increase the heat and bring the soup to a boil.
5. Cook the Pasta
- Once boiling, add the uncooked pasta.
- Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the Spinach
- Stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt into the soup.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serving Your Italian Wedding Soup
Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has meatballs, pasta, and vegetables. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Tips for Perfect Italian Wedding Soup
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh spinach, high-quality broth, and freshly grated Parmesan elevate the flavors.
2. Don’t Overwork the Meatballs
Gentle mixing ensures tender meatballs that won’t fall apart in the soup.
3. Customize Your Greens
If you don’t have spinach, try kale or escarole as substitutes.
FAQs About Italian Wedding Soup
1. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Can I Freeze Italian Wedding Soup?
Absolutely! Freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. Can I Use Store-Bought Meatballs?
For convenience, you can use pre-made meatballs, but homemade ones add an authentic touch.
4. What’s the Best Pasta for This Soup?
Acini de pepe and orzo are traditional choices, but any small pasta works.
5. Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
6. Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Zucchini, leeks, or peas can add extra flavor and nutrients.
Conclusion: A Soup Worth Celebrating
Authentic Italian Wedding Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a bowl of warmth, flavor, and tradition. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, this soup is bound to impress.
Try It Today!
Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food. Share your results with family and friends—they’ll thank you for introducing them to this timeless classic!
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Authentic Italian Wedding Soup Recipe: A Classic Comfort Dish
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Warm up with this Authentic Italian Wedding Soup, a flavorful blend of tender meatballs, fresh greens, and delicate pasta in a savory broth. Perfect for cozy dinners, meal prepping, or sharing with loved ones, this soup combines simplicity with heartwarming tradition.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ pound Italian sausage
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup acini de pepe or orzo pasta (or gluten-free small pasta)
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 2 minutes to absorb.
- Add ground beef, Italian sausage, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
- Roll into small 1-inch meatballs (about 40–45). Place on a parchment-lined tray.
Step 2: Sear the Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs in batches, searing each batch for about 5 minutes until browned on the outside. Remove and set aside (they’ll finish cooking in the soup).
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 7–8 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 4: Build the Soup
- Pour in chicken broth and add Italian seasoning. Stir well.
- Return the seared meatballs to the pot.
- Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
- Once boiling, add the uncooked pasta and reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Add the Spinach
- Stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt into the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
