This Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting dish that brings together savory meatballs, fresh spinach, and tender pasta in a rich broth. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe stands out with its heartwarming flavors and easy preparation. Whether you’re cooking on the stove or using a crock pot, this soup will surely become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of meatballs, veggies, and broth creates a satisfying taste that warms the soul.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a hearty main dish or a delightful starter at gatherings. It’s perfect for any occasion!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with spinach and lean meats, this soup offers nutrition without sacrificing taste.
- Crock Pot Friendly: Prepare it in advance using your crock pot for a hassle-free meal that’s ready when you are.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather these essential tools. Having the right equipment will simplify the process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Crock pot (optional)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering the broth and cooking all ingredients evenly.
- Crock pot: Perfect for slow cooking; just set it and forget it for an easy meal.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining meatball ingredients smoothly before forming them into balls.
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!
For the Meatballs
- 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)
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
For the Soup Base
- 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
For Serving
- 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 the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Form small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add meatballs to the pot in batches; brown on all sides for about 5 minutes.
- Remove browned meatballs from the pot and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
- In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.
- Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add browned meatballs back to the pot along with Italian seasoning.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Cook Pasta and Spinach
- Stir in acini de pepe pasta; cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- In the last few minutes of cooking, add fresh spinach until wilted.
Step 6: Serve
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Italian Wedding Soup, perfect for sharing with loved ones!
How to Serve Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve hot, buttery garlic bread for a savory complement.
- Italian Breadsticks: Thin and crispy, these are perfect for dipping into the soup.
Add Extra Toppings
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top for added flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over each bowl just before serving.
Create a Salad Bar
- Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the hearty soup.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing pairs well with the flavors of the soup.
How to Perfect Italian Wedding Soup
To achieve the best results with your Italian Wedding Soup, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the soup’s flavor significantly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Cook Meatballs Separately: Browning meatballs before adding them to the broth adds depth to the flavor.
- Add Pasta Last: To prevent overcooking, add acini de pepe pasta in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Experiment with Greens: While spinach is traditional, try kale or Swiss chard for a different twist.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a bit after cooking can help meld the flavors together.
Best Side Dishes for Italian Wedding Soup
Complement your Italian Wedding Soup with these delicious side dishes. They enhance your meal while keeping it simple and enjoyable.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing contrast.
- Antipasto Platter: A variety of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables offer a flavorful start.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with olive oil add color and nutrition to your table.
- Focaccia Bread: Soft, herb-infused focaccia makes for a delightful bread option alongside your soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms stuffed with cheese and breadcrumbs provide a rich appetizer choice.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with vinaigrette brings a nice balance to the warm soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Italian Wedding Soup can be straightforward, but a few common mistakes can lead to unsatisfactory results. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Skipping the Meatball Seasoning: Failing to season your meatballs can result in bland flavors. Always ensure you include herbs and spices in the meat mixture for depth.
Using Low-Quality Broth: A poor-quality broth can ruin the entire soup. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken broth to enhance the flavor.
Overcooking the Spinach: Overcooked spinach loses its vibrant color and nutrients. Add the spinach at the end of cooking to keep it fresh and bright.
Neglecting Pasta Cooking Time: Cooking pasta directly in the soup can lead to mushy noodles. Consider cooking pasta separately or adjust timing to prevent overcooking.
Ignoring Proper Storage: Not storing leftovers correctly can affect taste and safety. Always cool the soup before refrigerating or freezing, and use airtight containers.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Italian Wedding Soup in an airtight container.
- It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Italian Wedding Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Italian Wedding Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Italian Wedding Soup?
Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting dish that features savory meatballs, greens like spinach, and small pasta, all simmered in a flavorful broth.
Can I make Italian Wedding Soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day before serving and reheat it just before enjoying.
Is there a vegetarian version of Italian Wedding Soup?
Absolutely! You can create a vegetarian version by using plant-based meat substitutes and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How do I customize my Italian Wedding Soup?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices! Carrots, zucchini, or even beans work well alongside the traditional ingredients.
What should I serve with Italian Wedding Soup?
Italian Wedding Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal experience.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Wedding Soup recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or when entertaining guests. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or make it ahead of time for convenience. Try this comforting dish today!
Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines savory meatballs, tender pasta, and fresh spinach in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this cozy comfort food is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutritious ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- ½ lb ground beef (85% lean)
- ½ lb ground pork
- 1 egg (beaten)
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup acini de pepe pasta (uncooked)
- 4-5 cups fresh spinach
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 1¼ cups carrots (diced)
- 2 celery ribs (diced)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form small meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Return meatballs to the pot with Italian seasoning and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in acini de pepe pasta; cook according to package instructions until al dente. Add spinach until wilted just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
