Italian Wedding Soup the Ultimate Comfort Food
Italian Wedding Soup the ultimate comfort food, bringing together tender meatballs, hearty greens, and delicate pasta in a rich, flavorful broth. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or craving something warm and satisfying, this classic soup feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s simple to make, yet packed with homemade goodness that reminds you of family gatherings and cherished traditions. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and delicious, this Italian Wedding Soup will quickly become a favorite at your table!
ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP WILL BE A FAMILY FAVORITE:
- I make this soup for my family because the meatballs and pasta create a comforting meal that everyone loves.
- It’s rPeasy to prepare with a slow cooker or Instant Pot, which is perfect for busy days when I need a quick home-cooked meal.
- The rich broth and fresh veggies make it a nutritious and tasty choice, and my kids always give it a thumbs up, making dinner time feel special.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
MEATBALLS:
- ½ Pound Ground Beef: Adds rich, hearty flavor.
- ½ Pound Ground Pork: Gives the meatballs a juicy texture and slightly sweeter taste.
- ½ Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, cheesy flavor.
- ¼ Cup Panko Bread Crumbs: Helps hold the meatballs together and keeps them light.
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Chopped Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright flavor.
- 1 Egg: Binds the meatball mixture.
- 1 Tbsp Tomato Paste: Adds rich, savory depth.
- 1 Tsp Ground Fennel: Gives a hint of unique flavor, similar to licorice.
- 1 Tsp Dried Oregano: Brings classic Italian seasoning.
- 4 Cloves Minced Garlic: Packs in lots of savory flavor.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Seasons the meatballs perfectly.
SOUP BASE:
- 3 Tbsp Olive Oil (or butter or avocado oil): Used to cook the veggies and start building flavor.
- 1 Chopped Onion: Adds a sweet, savory base.
- 3 Chopped Carrots: Brings a bit of natural sweetness and color.
- 3 Chopped Celery Stalks: Adds flavor and texture to the soup.
- ½ Tsp Red Pepper Flakes: A little heat to spice things up.
- 1 Tsp Dried Oregano: More classic Italian herb flavor.
- 1 (8 oz) Bag Baby Spinach: Adds healthy greens to the soup.
- 4 Cloves Minced Garlic: Boosts the savory flavor.
- ½ Tsp Salt: Seasons the soup.
- ½ Tsp Black Pepper: Adds a little spice.
- 12 Cups Chicken Stock: The heart of the soup, giving it rich flavor.
- 1 Cup Orzo Pasta (or ditalini or acini de pepe): Makes the soup more filling.
- 1 Lemon (zested and juiced just before serving): Adds a fresh, bright flavor to finish off the soup.
HOW TO PREPARE WEDDING SOUP?
Time needed: 1 hour
- Prepare the Meatballs:
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Mix the meatball ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine ½ pound ground beef, ½ pound ground pork, ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup panko bread crumbs, 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley, 1 egg, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp ground fennel, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Season with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
- Form the meatballs:
Using your hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. - Bake the meatballs:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. Set them aside. - Soup Base:
Sauté the vegetables: While the meatballs bake, heat 3 tbsp olive oil (or butter or avocado oil) in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion, 3 chopped carrots, and 3 chopped celery stalks. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. - Add seasonings:
Stir in ½ tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. - Add spinach:
Stir in 1 (8 oz) bag of baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. - Add chicken stock:
Pour in 12 cups of chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. - Add Pasta and Meatballs:
Once the spinach is wilted, add 1 cup orzo (or ditalini or acini de pepe pasta) and the baked meatballs to the pot. Cook everything together for about 8-10 minutes until the pasta is tender and the flavors meld. - Finish with lemon:
Just before serving, add the zest and juice of 1 lemon to brighten the flavor. - Serve and enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it warm, perhaps with a slice of crusty bread on the side!
This hearty Italian Wedding Soup is sure to warm you up and fill your home with delicious aromas!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Yes, you can! Bake the meatballs, then refrigerate them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to make the soup, simply add the pre-cooked meatballs during the last few minutes of cooking to heat them through.
To prevent meatballs from falling apart, make sure to thoroughly mix the ingredients and bake them before adding to the soup. The egg and breadcrumbs act as binders to help the meatballs hold their shape.
Cooking the pasta directly in the soup is convenient and adds flavor to the pasta. However, if you plan on having leftovers, you might prefer to cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl when serving. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy over time.
To increase the spice level, you can add more red pepper flakes or include a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the vegetables. To reduce the heat, simply omit the red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.
WHAT ARE A COUPLE ALTERNATIVE COOKING METHODS?
The Slow Cooker and Instant Pot are both excellent choices for making Italian Wedding Soup. The Slow Cooker allows you to set it up in the morning and let it cook slowly throughout the day, with the pasta and spinach added towards the end for a flavorful, hands-off meal. The Instant Pot offers a quicker alternative, using the sauté function to cook the vegetables before pressure cooking the soup for a fast, flavorful result. Both methods ensure a delicious soup with minimal effort.
MEATBALL SOUP RECIPE ADD-IN AND VARIATIONS:
- Ground Meat Substitution: Swap the ground pork for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use all ground beef if preferred.
- Pasta Alternative: Replace orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, acini de pepe, or use gluten-free pasta. For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice instead.
- Spinach Swap: If you don’t have fresh spinach, use kale, Swiss chard, or frozen spinach (thawed and drained).
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the meatballs with plant-based meat alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
- Dairy-Free Meatballs: Omit the Parmesan cheese in the meatballs, or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative with a cheesy flavor.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Increase the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or cayenne, or omit the red pepper flakes entirely for a milder version.
WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH HEALTHY ITALIAN MEATBALL SOUP?
Italian Wedding Soup is usually served with some crusty bread, like a baguette or garlic bread, which is great for soaking up the broth. A simple side salad with a light dressing goes well with the soup’s rich flavors, and sprinkling some extra Parmesan on top adds a nice touch. If you want to make it a heartier meal, pair it with some cured meats, olives, and cheeses. A squeeze of lemon or a glass of white wine also helps bring out the flavors, making the meal even more satisfying.
HOW DO YOU STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER ITALIAN MEATBALL SOUP?
You can store leftover Italian Wedding Soup in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot all the way through. You can also use the microwave, heating it in short bursts and stirring in between. If the pasta or veggies get too soft, you might want to add a bit of fresh pasta or greens when you reheat.
CAN LEFTOVER ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP BE FROZEN FOR LATER?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Italian Wedding Soup. Just let it cool completely, then put it in a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of space at the top. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. The pasta and veggies might get a bit softer after freezing, so you might want to add some fresh pasta or greens when you reheat it for better texture.
LOOKING FOR MORE WARM AND HEALTHY SOUP RECIPES? TRY THESE!
Easy Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Vegetarian Soup: It’s perfect for chilly days or when you want something cozy. With lots of veggies and yummy flavors, this soup is comforting and delicious.
Red Pepper Smoked Gouda Pumpkin Soup: A velvety symphony of roasted red peppers, creamy pumpkin, and, smoky notes of Gouda cheese. This comforting bowl of goodness is a testament to the magic that happens when simple, wholesome ingredients come together.
The Best Garden Fresh Zucchini Soup: This recipe transforms humble zucchini into a silky, rich soup that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. With a handful of simple ingredients, this soup captures the essence of summer’s bounty in every spoonful.
Cheddar Cauliflower Soup: The soup combines onions, carrots, and cauliflower in a creamy cheesy broth because the result is a hearty soup full of goodness that is so satisfying. Everyone will love this soup even your kids will eat it!
Italian Wedding Soup the Ultimate Comfort Food
Equipment
- Large Dutch Oven 6 Qt
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- ½ Pound Ground Beef
- ½ Pound Ground Pork
- ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese (shredded)
- ¼ Cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 2 Tbsp Parsley (fresh)(chopped)
- 1 Egg
- 1 Tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 Tsp Fennel (ground)
- 1 Tsp Oregano (dried)
- 4 Cloved Garlic (minced)
- Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper (to taste)
Soup Base:
- 3 Tbsp Olive Oil (butter or avocado oil)
- 1 Onion (chopped)
- 3 Carrots (cleaned and chopped)
- 3 Stalks Celery (cleaned and chopped)
- ½ Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 Tsp Oregano (dried)
- 1 (8 oz) bag Baby Spinach
- 4 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- ½ Tsp Salt
- ½ Tsp Black Pepper
- 12 Cup Chicken Stock (bring to simmer)
- 1 Cup Orzo Pasta (ditalini or acini de pepe pasta)
- 1 Lemon Zested (add just before serving)
- 1 Lemon Juiced (add just before serving)
Instructions
- Meatballs: Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ½ pound ground beef, ½ pound ground pork, ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup panko bread crumbs, 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley, 1 egg, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp ground fennel, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Season with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
- Form the meatballs: Using your hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. Set them aside.
- Soup Base: Sauté the vegetables: While the meatballs bake, heat 3 tbsp olive oil (or butter or avocado oil) in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion, 3 chopped carrots, and 3 chopped celery stalks. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add seasonings: Stir in ½ tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add spinach: Stir in 1 (8 oz) bag of baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add chicken stock: Pour in 12 cups of chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add pasta and meatballs: Once the spinach is wilted, add 1 cup orzo (or ditalini or acini de pepe pasta) and the baked meatballs to the pot. Cook everything together for about 8-10 minutes until the pasta is tender and the flavors meld.
- Finish with lemon: Just before serving, add the zest and juice of 1 lemon to brighten the flavor.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it warm, perhaps with a slice of crusty bread on the side!
- This hearty Italian Wedding Soup is sure to warm you up and fill your home with delicious aromas!