Print

Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup
Print Recipe

Italian Wedding Soup is a classic Italian-American soup that combines tender meatballs, fresh greens, small pasta, and rich chicken broth into a comforting and hearty dish. Perfect for chilly days or a light yet satisfying meal, this soup offers a harmonious blend of flavors that nourish both body and soul and can be easily customized to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1/2 pound ground beef (or a combination of beef and pork)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, for browning

Soup Base

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1–2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta and Greens

  • 1/2 cup small pasta (acini di pepe, orzo, or similar)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach or escarole, chopped

Garnishes

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh Italian parsley
  • Extra virgin olive oil (optional)
  • Lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, then form into small, bite-sized meatballs about one inch in diameter.
  2. Brown the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a touch of olive oil and brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a light crust, but are not cooked through. This adds flavor and ensures they stay tender inside.
  3. Simmer the Broth: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper, and add aromatics like garlic and onions if desired for extra depth.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Add small pasta such as acini di pepe to the simmering broth and cook until just tender, usually around 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Add Meatballs and Greens: Gently scoop browned meatballs into the soup and simmer for another 10 minutes to cook through. In the final few minutes, stir in fresh spinach or escarole until wilted, adding vibrant color and fresh flavor.
  6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. Serve piping hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley for that classic Italian Wedding Soup finish.

Notes

  • Mix meatballs lightly to avoid tough texture.
  • Use homemade or high-quality chicken broth for richer flavor.
  • Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness as it will soften further in the soup.
  • Add greens last to preserve their color and texture.
  • Let soup rest a few minutes off heat before serving to deepen flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian Wedding Soup, meatballs, chicken broth, spinach soup, comfort soup, Italian soup, easy soup recipe

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/italian-wedding-soup/