Heartwarming Italian Wedding Soup Recipe for Cozy Gatherings

Steaming bowls of comfort dance with hearty flavors in this classic Italian wedding soup recipe that brings rustic Italian traditions to your dinner table.

Tender meatballs nestle alongside delicate pasta and vibrant greens, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Each spoonful carries the warmth of generations-old cooking techniques passed down through Italian kitchens.

The soup balances rich, savory notes with bright, fresh ingredients that sing of home-cooked authenticity.

Delicate herbs and carefully seasoned meatballs elevate this dish from simple meal to culinary experience.

Robust and satisfying, this soup promises to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and warmth.

Gather your ingredients and prepare to savor a bowl of pure, comforting deliciousness that connects you to Italy’s cherished culinary heritage.

FAQs

• What kind of meat works best for the meatballs?

Ground beef mixed with ground pork creates the most flavorful and tender meatballs. The combination provides better texture and richer taste compared to using just one type of meat.

• Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare meatballs 1-2 days in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the soup when ready to serve. This helps develop deeper flavors and saves cooking time.

• Is there a substitute for wine in the broth?

Chicken or vegetable broth works perfectly if you want to skip wine. For added depth, you can use a splash of apple cider vinegar or extra broth to maintain the liquid volume.

• How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?

Mix ingredients gently and avoid overmixing.

Italian Wedding Soup Standouts

• Dive into a heartwarming soup packed with juicy meatballs, tender pasta, and fresh vegetables that wrap you in pure culinary love.
• Swap ingredients like kale for spinach or use ground turkey instead of beef to match your dietary preferences and kitchen staples.
• Prepare a delicious meal that comes together smoothly, satisfying hungry family members with minimal cooking skills required.
• Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and weeknight dinners, this soup delivers restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques.

Italian Wedding Soup Ingredients

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: A flavorful combination of meats that creates tender and juicy meatballs.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatball ingredients together and provides richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and savory depth to the meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides structure and helps keep the meatballs moist.
• Herbs, Garlic: Brings aromatic and savory flavors to the meatballs.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the meatballs.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a flavorful base.
• Onions, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that provide a robust and aromatic foundation.
• Chicken Broth, Beef Broth, Water, Wine: Creates a rich and complex liquid base for the soup.
• Bay Leaf, Salt, Pepper: Adds depth and seasoning to the soup broth.

• Pasta: Small pasta that adds texture and substance to the soup.
• Spinach: Provides a fresh, green element and nutritional boost to the soup.
• Grated Cheese: Optional topping for extra flavor and richness when serving.

Kitchen Tools for Italian Wedding Soup

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining meatball ingredients and mixing thoroughly.
• Baking sheet: Lined with foil for easy meatball baking and cleanup.
• Wire rack: Placed over baking sheet to help meatballs brown evenly.
• Large pot: Perfect for sautéing vegetables and simmering soup.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping vegetables.
• Cheese grater: For freshly grated parmesan cheese topping.

How to Make Italian Wedding Soup

Step 1: Craft Savory Meatballs

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F.

• Egg
• Fresh herbs
• Minced garlic

• Ground meat
• Grated parmesan
• Breadcrumbs
• Salt

Roll the mixture into delightful bite-sized meatballs, each about an inch in diameter.

Step 2: Roast Meatballs to Golden Perfection

Arrange meatballs on a greased rack placed over a foil-lined baking sheet.

Slide into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Step 3: Kickstart the Soup Base

Warm oil in a large pot over medium heat.

• Diced onions
• Chopped carrots
• Sliced celery

Cook until the vegetables become tender and fragrant, approximately 8 minutes.

Step 4: Build Rich Broth Layers

• Chicken broth
• Beef broth
• Water
• White wine
• Bay leaf
• Salt
• Pepper

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil.

Step 5: Cook Pasta to Al Dente

Add pasta to the bubbling broth and cook until it reaches perfect al dente texture, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 6: Final Flourish

• Fresh spinach
• Roasted meatballs

Simmer until spinach wilts and flavors meld.

Serve with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated cheese.

Pro Tips for Italian Wedding Soup

• Add grated parmesan and fresh herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the meat mixture's taste profile.
• Use a mix of ground beef and pork for juicier, more tender meatballs that won't crumble during cooking.
• Adjust broth amount based on desired thickness, adding more liquid if soup seems too dense.
• Prepare meatballs and chop vegetables in advance, storing separately to save time on cooking day.
• Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.

Italian Wedding Soup Twists

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Use gluten-free pasta to create a celiac-friendly version of this classic soup.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap meatballs with lentil or quinoa balls. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Increase protein content by adding extra meatballs or using ground turkey instead of beef.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, swap herbs for fresh oregano and mint. Include a splash of lemon juice for a brighter, zestier flavor profile.

Serving Italian Wedding Soup

• Perfect Pasta Pairing: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth and add extra texture to the meal.
• Elegant Entertaining: Present in wide, shallow bowls garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of parmesan for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Family-Style Feast: Set the soup in a large central serving dish, allowing everyone to help themselves and enjoy the hearty meatballs and tender pasta together.
• Wine Companion: Pair with a light, crisp white wine like pinot grigio or a medium-bodied red such as chianti to complement the rich flavors of the soup.

Italian Wedding Soup Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Meatballs and broth maintain best quality when frozen separately.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth or water to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming and meatballs reach 165°F internal temperature.

Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian wedding soup blends tender meatballs with delicate greens in a rich, comforting broth. Generations of Italian families have cherished this classic dish, inviting you to savor its warmth and tradition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 0.75 pound ground beef (85-90% lean)
• 0.5 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh sage, finely chopped
• 4 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Broth and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 0.5 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
• 0.33 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup small pasta (ditalini)
• Parmigiano Reggiano for serving

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Instructions

1. Craft delicate meatballs by whisking egg with aromatic herbs and minced garlic in a mixing bowl. Incorporate ground meat, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasoning. Gently shape into compact 1-inch spheres.
2. Arrange meatballs on a lightly greased elevated rack positioned over a foil-lined baking sheet. Roast at 350°F for 15-18 minutes until golden and crisp exterior develops.
3. Establish soup foundation by warming olive oil in a substantial pot. Sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until vegetables soften and release fragrant aromatics, approximately 8 minutes.
4. Construct flavor profile by introducing chicken and beef broths, water, white wine, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Elevate temperature until liquid reaches a vigorous boil.
5. Introduce small pasta shapes, allowing them to simmer and cook until achieving perfect al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes.
6. Integrate fresh spinach leaves and prepared meatballs into the bubbling liquid. Reduce heat and allow spinach to gently wilt. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

• Customize meatballs by using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still delivers delicious flavor.
• Enhance gluten-free requirements by substituting breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free panko for binding meatballs.
• Boost vegetable nutrition by adding extra greens like kale or Swiss chard alongside spinach for more depth and nutrients.
• Prep meatballs ahead of time and freeze uncooked for quick weeknight meal preparation, saving time and maintaining fresh taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg