Italian Wedding Soup

This Italian Wedding Soup is the perfect comfort food, featuring tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and hearty spinach in a savory chicken broth. With ingredients like acini de pepe pasta, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, this classic soup is perfect for cozy nights at home or feeding a crowd. Easy to make on the stovetop, this soup is filled with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Italian recipe or a comforting soup that’s quick and satisfying, this Italian Wedding Soup will become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• ½ lb. ground beef (85% lean)
• ½ lb. ground pork
• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 ¼ cups carrots, diced
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ¾ cup acini de pepe pasta (uncooked)
• 4-5 cups fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Make the Meatballs:
   In a bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture. Shape it into ¾-inch meatballs.
2. Brown the Meatballs:
   Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for about 2 minutes per side. They will cook through in the soup later. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside.
3. Prepare the Soup:
   Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 6 minutes, until the vegetables soften. If needed, add a splash of olive oil during cooking.
4. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the pot. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, then add the browned meatballs back into the pot. Let the soup simmer gently.
6. Cook the Pasta:
   In a separate pot, cook the acini de pepe pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the serving bowls. (If you don’t anticipate leftovers, you can cook the pasta directly in the soup.)
7. Finish the Soup:
   Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
8. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and serve hot.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Wedding Soup is the perfect blend of savory, hearty flavors with tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and wilted spinach in a flavorful broth. It’s comforting, easy to make, and perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week. The added Parmesan cheese on top gives each bowl a rich, satisfying finish.

Tips

• Meatball Texture: Be sure not to overwork the meat mixture when making the meatballs. This keeps them light and tender.
• Pasta Cooking Tip: Cook the pasta separately to prevent it from absorbing too much broth if there are leftovers.
• Don’t Skip the Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a burst of color and nutrition to the soup, but be sure to add it last to prevent overcooking.

Variations and Substitutions

• Meatball Mix: Feel free to substitute the pork with turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can also add more herbs like oregano for extra flavor.
• Greens: If you prefer a different leafy green, you can use kale, escarole, or Swiss chard instead of spinach.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free pasta variety like quinoa or rice pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits.

Can I freeze Italian Wedding Soup?
The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, it’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta. Add freshly cooked pasta after reheating for the best texture.

Can I cook the pasta in the soup?
If you plan to serve the soup immediately and don’t anticipate leftovers, you can cook the pasta in the soup. However, it may absorb some of the broth over time, so it’s best to keep the pasta separate if you plan to store leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Bread: Pair this soup with a slice of crusty Italian bread or garlic bread for a full meal.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with extra fresh parsley or basil to add freshness.
• Side Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.