If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful soup that’s perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions, Easy Italian Wedding Soup is just what you need! This classic Italian soup features tiny meatballs, tender greens, and a deliciously seasoned broth that brings it all together. It’s a warm, comforting bowl that’s perfect for family dinners or to impress guests at your next gathering.
What makes this soup so special is its balance of savory flavors—from the meatballs to the fresh greens, all in a light but flavorful broth. This Easy Italian Wedding Soup recipe is quick to make and can be enjoyed year-round!
This Easy Italian Wedding Soup features homemade meatballs, tender vegetables, and a savory broth, creating the perfect balance of flavors in each bite. Ready in just about 45 minutes, it’s ideal for a weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal.
With simple ingredients and easy prep, this soup is perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Exciting Story:
The first time I made Easy Italian Wedding Soup was for a family dinner during the winter months. I wanted to make something hearty and comforting, but didn’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. As the meatballs simmered in the broth, the entire house was filled with the delicious aromas of garlic, herbs, and fresh vegetables.
Once the soup was ready, the first bite was heaven—warm, flavorful, and so satisfying. The tender meatballs and hearty greens combined with the delicious broth created a bowl of pure comfort. This Easy Italian Wedding Soup has since become one of my go-to recipes for family gatherings and special occasions!
Why This Easy Italian Wedding Soup?
- Hearty and Flavorful: The combination of savory meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a delicious broth makes each spoonful satisfying.
- Quick and Easy: With just 45 minutes of cooking time, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste—add more greens, spices, or even different pasta!
How to Make Easy Italian Wedding Soup
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the ground beef and mix until everything is well combined. Roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and set them aside.
- Brown the Meatballs: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides for about 5 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point since they will finish cooking in the soup. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set them aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Make the Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the Meatballs: Return the browned meatballs to the pot and allow them to simmer in the broth for 10-12 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Add the Pasta and Greens: Once the meatballs are cooked through, add the small pasta and chopped spinach or kale to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy: Your Easy Italian Wedding Soup is ready to be served! Enjoy it with some crusty bread or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for an extra touch.
Tips For Easy Italian Wedding Soup
- Use Fresh Greens: Fresh spinach or kale adds a nice texture and flavor to the soup. If using kale, make sure to chop it into small pieces.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be careful not to overcook the pasta. Add it in the last 10 minutes of simmering to keep it from getting mushy.
Substitutions and Variations
- Different Meat: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meatballs and use vegetable broth with more vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to make the soup lighter.
- You can use lean turkey or chicken breast for the meatballs for a healthier protein option.
Closing For Easy Italian Wedding Soup
And there you have it! This Easy Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting, delicious, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender meatballs, flavorful broth, and hearty greens, it’s the ultimate bowl of comfort food. Don’t forget to let us know how your soup turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more comforting meals!
Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Italian Wedding Soup
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and broth ahead of time and refrigerate them. Simply reheat the soup and add the pasta and greens when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes! Brown the meatballs first, then add all the ingredients (except the pasta) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, and add the pasta and greens about 30 minutes before serving.
What can I substitute for the greens?
If you don’t like spinach or kale, you can use other greens like arugula, Swiss chard, or even collard greens.
Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Yes! You can use frozen or pre-cooked meatballs, but homemade meatballs add a lot more flavor.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth, skip the meatballs, and add more vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked?
The meatballs should be cooked through and no longer pink in the center. You can check with a meat thermometer (160°F) or cut one open to check.
How do I know when the pasta is done?
Add the pasta toward the end of cooking and check for tenderness after 8-10 minutes.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a green salad, or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes or beans to create a creamier texture.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! Freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
How can I enhance the flavor?
Add a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors and give it a bright, tangy kick.
Easy Italian Wedding Soup
Course: All Recipes, Dinner Recipe, Lunch Recipe, Soup Recipe4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound ground beef (or turkey, if you prefer)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 cup small pasta (like acini di pepe, orzo, or ditalini)
4 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Directions
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the ground beef and mix until everything is well combined. Roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and set them aside.
- Brown the Meatballs: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides for about 5 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point since they will finish cooking in the soup. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set them aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Make the Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the Meatballs: Return the browned meatballs to the pot and allow them to simmer in the broth for 10-12 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Add the Pasta and Greens: Once the meatballs are cooked through, add the small pasta and chopped spinach or kale to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy: Your Easy Italian Wedding Soup is ready to be served! Enjoy it with some crusty bread or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for an extra touch.