Italian Wedding Soup
There’s something so comforting about a bowl of Italian Wedding Soup. The marriage of tender meatballs, vibrant greens, and a flavorful broth makes it a dish that warms both the heart and the stomach. This soup is a frequent request in my home, especially during cooler months when everyone craves something hearty yet light.
The best part? It’s versatile! You can swap in your favorite greens, use store-bought broth, or even make it ahead of time. Whether it’s served as a starter or the main event, this soup always brings smiles to the table.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Why is it called Italian Wedding Soup?
A: The name doesn’t refer to actual weddings but rather the “marriage” of flavors—specifically the harmonious combination of meat and greens in the soup.
Q: Can I use pre-made meatballs?
A: Absolutely! While homemade meatballs add a personal touch, store-bought ones can save time and still taste great.
Q: What kind of pasta works best?
A: Small pastas like acini di pepe, orzo, or ditalini are traditional, but any small shape will work.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! The flavors deepen as it sits. Just cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating to avoid it becoming mushy.
Q: What are the best greens for this soup?
A: Escarole is classic, but spinach, kale, or even Swiss chard are excellent alternatives.
What You Need to Make Italian Wedding Soup
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (acini di pepe or orzo)
- 4 cups fresh greens (escarole, spinach, or kale), chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Italian Wedding Soup
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the meatballs gently into the simmering soup, being careful not to overcrowd. Let them cook for about 10–12 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta to the pot and cook according to the package instructions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Add the Greens
Stir in the fresh greens and let them wilt for 2–3 minutes. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Tips for Making the Best Italian Wedding Soup
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta if needed.
- Double the Recipe: Freeze half of the soup (without pasta) for a quick meal later.
- Keep the Pasta Separate: If you expect leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual servings to avoid it soaking up too much broth.
- Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes to the meatballs for extra flavor.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This soup is my go-to for chilly nights. The homemade meatballs really elevate the dish!” – Laura
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I love how easy this recipe is. The flavors are so comforting!” – Michael
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I used kale instead of escarole, and it was delicious. Highly recommend!” – Sofia
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect balance of flavors. My kids devoured the meatballs!” – Hannah
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made this for meal prep, and it reheats beautifully. Definitely making it again.” – Ryan
Printable Recipe
Italian Wedding Soup
A comforting classic, Italian Wedding Soup features tender meatballs, vibrant greens, and delicate pasta in a rich broth. Perfect for cozy meals!
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (acini di pepe or orzo)
- 4 cups fresh greens (escarole, spinach, or kale), chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set aside.
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the meatballs gently into the simmering soup, being careful not to overcrowd. Let them cook for about 10–12 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- Add the pasta to the pot and cook according to the package instructions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Add the Greens
- Stir in the fresh greens and let them wilt for 2–3 minutes. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
Do you love comforting, flavorful dishes like this Italian Wedding Soup? Share the recipe with your family and friends! Snap a photo, tag me on social media, and let me know how it turned out. There’s nothing better than spreading the joy of cooking and gathering around a warm bowl of soup.
