Italian Wedding Soup Secrets for Perfect Joy

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of simmering broth hitting the kitchen on a chilly evening. This Italian Wedding Soup warms the heart and soul, and it’s loved for good reasonit’s both cozy and nourishing, perfect for family gatherings.

Picture mini meatballs, vibrant greens, and tender pasta dancing in a rich broth. This dish comes together quickly and is like a hug in a bowl, ready in 30 minutes! It’s made with pantry staples, so you won’t have to hunt for anything exotic. Just wholesome ingredients that make it as comforting as your grandma’s version, but with a modern twist.

I started making this soup during the winter of 2015, a way to bring warmth on frigid nights. My daughter’s eyes lit up when she first tasted it, saying it reminded her of our family dinners. I learned that browning the meatballs slightly before adding them to the soup really enhances the flavor. After years of recipe testing, this cozy dish remains a family favorite!

Olivia Farnsworth

Italian Wedding Soup Ultimate Cozy Family Recipe

This Italian Wedding Soup combines tender homemade meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a savory parmesan-rich broth for a comforting and hearty meal. Perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a wholesome and flavorful soup, it features Mini Meatball Italian Wedding Soup crafted with Homemade Italian Wedding Soup Acini Pepe pasta for authentic taste and texture. Enjoy the goodness of easy Italian Wedding Soup meatballs simmered in a classic broth.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 421

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 slice soft bread about ¾ cup fluffed bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons water
• ½ lb ground beef
• ½ lb ground pork
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese fresh if possible
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 large carrots peeled and chopped
• 2 ribs celery sliced
• 1 medium onion finely diced
• 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 bay leaf
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional but add nice flavor
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 Parmesan rind optional but delicious!
• 1 cup small pasta I used ditalini but orzo or anything very small will work about 90 grams
• 2 cups fresh chopped spinach

Method

 

1. Break the bread into small pieces and pulse in a food processor until finely crumbled, then mix in the water and let it rest briefly
2. In a bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and soaked bread until just mixed
3. Form the mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs and lay them on a plate
4. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the meatballs on all sides until browned, about 2 minutes per side, then remove and set aside
5. Using the same pot, toss in the chopped carrots, celery, and onion and cook in the meatball remnants for about 5 minutes until soft
6. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes if you like, cooking for another minute until fragrant
7. Pour in the chicken broth and add the Parmesan rind, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits, then bring everything to a simmer
8. Let the soup cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables are nearly tender
9. Stir in the small pasta and browned meatballs, cover, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 10 minutes or until the pasta is just tender
10. Finally, fold in the fresh spinach until wilted, then serve the soup hot

Notes

• For less soup fat, bake meatballs at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until browned instead of searing
• This meatball recipe can be doubled or more for freezing and quick meal prep
• Store soup in the fridge for up to 4 days; consider cooking pasta separately to prevent sogginess
• Freezing is possible but omit pasta until reheating
• Prepare meatballs and chop vegetables ahead to save time

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cozy Comfort: Italian Wedding Soup feels like a warm hug on the coldest days. It’s filled with savory meatballs and vibrant veggies, reminding you of cherished family meals.
• Quick and Easy: With just 50 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this delightful dish any night of the week!
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with nutritious ingredients like spinach and lean meat, this soup is hearty yet health-conscious.
• Adaptable: Swap in your favorite small pasta or incorporate different vegetables based on what you have on hand.

Key Ingredients and Tools

Gather these wholesome ingredients to create your Italian Wedding Soup:

• Ground beef and pork for rich, flavorful meatballs.
• Fresh parmesan cheese adds that cheesy umami goodness.
• Chopped vegetables bring vibrancy and texture.
• Low-sodium chicken broth is the perfect base for simmering.
• Small pasta like ditalini for a cozy finish!

And don’t forget your kitchen tools:

• Large skillet for browning your meatballs.
• Soup pot or Dutch oven for the soup.
• Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions.

How It Works Step-by-Step

1. Prepare Meatballs: Tear a slice of soft bread into pieces and blend with water. Mix with ground beef, pork, cheese, egg, and seasonings. Shape into small balls.
2. Brown the Meatballs: In a large pot, heat oil and brown meatballs on both sides. They don’t need to be fully cookedjust golden and flavorful!
3. Cook the Veggies: Sauté carrots, celery, and onion in the same pot, soaking up all that meatball goodness before adding garlic and spices.
4. Add Broth and Rind: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the parmesan rind for extra depth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Combine and Finish: Stir in the pasta and browned meatballs, letting everything cook together until the pasta is al dente. Finally, fold in fresh spinach.

Troubleshooting & Helpful Tips

Don’t fret if things don’t go perfectly! Here’s a quick guide:

• Meatballs Falling Apart? Make sure to combine the ingredients gently without overmixing, and allow them to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cooking.
• Too Thick? If your soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Not Enough Flavor? A little extra Italian seasoning or a touch more salt can elevate the broth beautifully!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve warm, and enjoy with a cozy piece of crusty bread for that perfect meal!

Here are some tips for enjoying your delicious soup:

Nourishment Note

This Italian Wedding Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a bowl full of nourishment for the body and soul. With a balance of protein, veggies, and wholesome broth, it supports both comfort and health. Enjoy it without guilt and savor the delight it brings to your family’s table!

Expert Says

Italian wedding soup is a delightful blend of flavors and nutrients. The combination of lean meatballs and vibrant greens not only enhances taste but also provides protein and essential vitamins. Incorporating a variety of leafy greens can elevate its nutritional profile, making this dish both comforting and healthful.

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The Heartwarming Adventure of Italian Wedding Soup

After many attempts, I finally perfected my Italian Wedding Soupa recipe that started with a kitchen disaster when I accidentally added way too much salt. Through trial and error, I captured the comforting blend of tender meatballs and fragrant herbs that reminds me of family gatherings. It’s now a cozy hug in a bowl.

FAQs ( Italian Wedding Soup )

Conclusion

You’ll love how this Italian Wedding Soup turns outcomforting, rich, and ready in just 30 minutes. The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like a warm embrace, perfect for cozy family evenings.

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick, or swap in kale for spinach if that’s your jam! And remember, if you have leftovers, just store them in an airtight container; warm them gently on the stove for a delightful second round.

I’d love to hear how your soup turns out! Did you grow up with a version of this? Share your photos and storieslet’s keep the warmth going! Be sure to save this recipe for your loved ones; it’s bound to become a cherished favorite.