Discover the ultimate comforting classic, this Italian wedding soup recipe. It features a heartwarming broth, tender tiny meatballs, and fresh leafy greens, creating a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. This traditional Italian favorite is perfect for family dinners and makes a wonderful addition to your recipe collection. Embrace the joy of simple, flavorful home cooking with this comforting soup.
Why You’ll Love This Wedding Soup Recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this wedding soup recipe for its incredible flavors and satisfying warmth.
- Delicious & Comforting: Enjoy a rich, savory broth brimming with delightful textures.
- Simple to Make: Our step-by-step guide ensures even beginners can achieve perfect results.
- Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to fit your family’s preferences and dietary needs.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This traditional Italian wedding soup is always a hit, making it ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein for a nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients for this comforting wedding soup recipe. These fresh components ensure a truly authentic and delicious experience.
For the Meatballs:
- 8 oz. lean ground beef
- 8 oz. ground pork
- 1/2 cup fresh white bread crumbs (from fresh bread not dried)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 1/2 tsp minced fresh oregano (or 3/4 tsp dried)
- 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Soup:
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/4 cups chopped carrots
- 1 1/4 cups chopped yellow onion
- 3/4 cup chopped celery
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (1 1/2 Tbsp)
- 5 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup dry acini di pepe (or orzo pasta)
- 6 oz fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- Finely shredded Parmesan, for serving
Serving: 6
Notes & Substitutions
Meat choices offer flexibility. You can use all beef, all pork, ground turkey, or a combination for your homemade wedding soup. Fresh white breadcrumbs are key for tender meatballs; dried breadcrumbs can make them dense. For pasta, acini di pepe is traditional, but orzo, pastina, or even small broken spaghetti work wonderfully. Fresh baby spinach provides a mild flavor, but escarole or kale are excellent alternatives. Always choose a high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth to control the overall saltiness of your classic wedding soup. A good broth base enhances the entire dish. Don’t forget fresh Parmesan cheese for serving; it adds a salty, umami finish.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this fantastic wedding soup recipe. Gather these essentials before you begin. You will need a large mixing bowl for preparing the meatballs. A large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot is essential for simmering the soup base. A baking sheet, lined with parchment paper if preferred, works well for browning the meatballs. Lastly, have essential kitchen utensils like measuring cups, spoons, a sharp knife, and a sturdy spoon or ladle ready.
Instructions
Making this wedding soup recipe is a rewarding experience. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and comforting meal.
For the Meatballs
Begin by preparing your flavorful meatballs. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, fresh white bread crumbs, chopped fresh parsley, minced fresh oregano, shredded Parmesan cheese, and the large egg. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix all ingredients gently but thoroughly until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make your meatballs tough. Form the mixture into small, uniform meatballs, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter. Aim for consistency to ensure even cooking. Heat the olive oil in your large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides for 3-5 minutes. They don’t need to be cooked through, just nicely browned. Remove the browned meatballs from the pot and set them aside on a plate.
For the Soup Base
Next, build the rich, aromatic soup base. In the same pot with the residual oil from the meatballs, add the chopped carrots, yellow onion, and celery. Sauté these vegetables over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Pour in all five cans of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with your spoon. This adds incredible depth of flavor to your homemade wedding soup.
Assemble & Finish
Now, bring all the delicious components together. Add the dry acini di pepe or orzo pasta to the simmering broth. Cook the pasta according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until it reaches an al dente texture. Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking. Once the pasta is nearly done, return the browned meatballs to the soup. Stir in the roughly chopped fresh baby spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the meatballs are heated through. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning generously with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Your flavorful wedding soup is now ready to serve!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
For the best results, remember these expert tips. Don’t overmix your meatball mixture; a light hand ensures tender, not tough, meatballs. To achieve perfect tiny meatballs, use a small cookie scoop or roll them between your palms.
Adding a Parmesan cheese rind while simmering the broth can significantly enhance its depth of flavor. Learn more about the culinary uses of Parmesan rinds to maximize your cooking.
Avoid overcooking the pasta, as it will continue to soften in the hot broth. Always adjust seasoning generously before serving your Italian wedding soup; bland soup is easily fixed with more salt and pepper. If your soup tastes a bit flat, a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Serve this comforting wedding soup hot, garnished with extra finely shredded Parmesan cheese. A side of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth. Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup (without pasta, as it can get mushy when thawed) for up to 3 months. When reheating, add freshly cooked pasta if desired. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free small pasta or omit the pasta entirely. To make a vegetarian version of this classic wedding soup, swap the meatballs for pre-made vegetarian “meatballs” or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth. Explore different leafy greens like finely chopped escarole or baby kale for varied textures and flavors.
Nutrition Information
This homemade wedding soup recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients. You control the quality, ensuring a nutritious and satisfying meal. Loaded with lean protein from the meatballs, vitamins from fresh vegetables, and beneficial carbs from the pasta, it’s a balanced dish. Enjoy the comfort of knowing you’re serving a meal rich in flavor and good-for-you components.
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 cups | 320 | 25g | 15g | 25g |
(Approximate values based on ingredients listed)
FAQ
What is Italian Wedding Soup?
As explained by culinary historians, the name ‘wedding soup’ comes from a translation of the Italian phrase ‘minestra maritata,’ which refers to the harmonious ‘marriage’ of flavors between the ingredients, not an actual wedding ceremony. Delve deeper into the history and meaning of Italian wedding soup.
It’s a traditional Italian-American soup featuring a clear chicken broth, tiny meatballs, small pasta, and green vegetables like spinach or escarole. The “wedding” refers to the “marriage” of flavors between the ingredients, not an actual wedding ceremony.
Can I make this wedding soup recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and broth separately a day in advance. Cook the pasta and add the spinach just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
How do I prevent soggy pasta in my soup?
Cook the pasta al dente and add it to the soup just before serving. If making ahead, store cooked pasta separately and add it to individual bowls as you reheat the soup.
What if I don’t eat pork?
You can easily substitute the pork with additional ground beef or ground turkey. Ensure you adjust seasoning as needed to compensate for any flavor differences.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to include finely diced zucchini, green beans, or even a handful of chopped bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients in your comforting soup.
Conclusion
This classic Italian wedding soup recipe offers a delightful blend of rich flavors and comforting warmth, perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and always a family favorite. Embrace the joy of cooking this cherished dish and create wonderful memories around your table. Enjoy every hearty, wholesome spoonful of this timeless meal.
