Italian Wedding Soup: Perfect Homemade Recipe Ready in 45 Min

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Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup is a hearty, nutritious comfort food that brings families together around the dinner table. This beloved recipe combines tender meatballs, fresh greens, and small pasta in a rich chicken broth, creating a satisfying meal that’s both budget-friendly and packed with essential nutrients. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this soup costs approximately $12-15 to make and serves four people generously.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Nutrient-dense ingredients like spinach and lean ground beef provide iron, protein, and vitamins essential for energy and immune support
  • Budget-friendly recipe that feeds a family of four for under $15, making it perfect for meal planning and stretching grocery dollars
  • Versatile comfort food that works for weeknight dinners, Sunday family meals, or when hosting guests during cooler months
  • Quick 50-minute total time from prep to table, with most of the cooking being hands-off simmering
  • Freezer-friendly leftovers that taste even better the next day, perfect for busy families who meal prep

Why This Italian Wedding Soup Recipe Works

This Italian Wedding Soup recipe delivers restaurant-quality results through a few key techniques. Browning the meatballs first creates a flavorful foundation that infuses the entire broth with rich, savory notes.

The combination of ground beef and pork sausage provides the perfect balance of lean protein and flavor. Using low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the salt content while building layers of taste.

Adding the pasta directly to the soup ensures it absorbs the delicious broth flavors. The fresh spinach wilts perfectly in the hot soup, maintaining its nutritional value while adding vibrant color and earthy taste.

Italian Wedding Soup food photograph 1

What You’ll Need for Italian Wedding Soup

Ingredients

IngredientQuantity (Approx)Purpose / Notes
Ground beef1/2 lbLean protein base for meatballs
Pork sausage1/2 lbAdds flavor and fat to meatballs
Fresh parsley1/4 cup choppedBrightens meatball flavor
Medium carrot1 dicedAdds sweetness and nutrients
Fresh spinach or kale2 cups choppedProvides vitamins and color
Small pasta1 cupAcini di Pepe or similar small shape
Low-sodium chicken broth6 cupsSoup base with controlled sodium
Garlic cloves2 mincedAromatic base flavor
Salt and pepperTo tasteSeasoning balance
Olive oilFor cookingBrowning and sautéing fat

Tools

ToolPurpose
Large mixing bowlCombining meatball ingredients evenly
Baking sheetHolding formed meatballs before cooking
Large heavy-bottomed potBrowning meatballs and simmering soup
Wooden spoonStirring without scratching pot surface
LadleServing soup into bowls neatly

How to Make Italian Wedding Soup

StepInstructions
1. Form MeatballsIn a large bowl, mix ground beef, pork sausage, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined. Roll into one-inch meatballs and place on baking sheet.
2. Brown MeatballsIn a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and brown meatballs on all sides. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Sauté VegetablesSauté diced carrots and garlic in the same pot until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add BrothAdd chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
5. Combine and SimmerStir in small pasta and greens along with browned meatballs. Simmer until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes.
6. Final SeasoningTaste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Don’t overmix the meatball mixture – this keeps them tender and prevents tough, dense meatballs that can ruin the soup’s texture
  • Use a small cookie scoop to form uniform meatballs quickly, ensuring even cooking and professional presentation
  • Brown meatballs in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, which steams rather than browns and reduces flavor development
  • Add pasta during the last 10 minutes to prevent overcooking and mushy texture that can make the soup unappetizing
  • Reserve some fresh parsley for garnish to add a pop of color and fresh herb flavor just before serving

Serving and Storage Tips for Italian Wedding Soup

Serving Tips

Serve Italian Wedding Soup immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor experience. Ladle into warmed bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Pair with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks for a complete meal. This soup works beautifully as a starter for dinner parties or as a main course for casual family dinners.

Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so add extra broth when reheating. Freeze portions without pasta for up to 3 months, adding fresh pasta when reheating.

Italian Wedding Soup food photograph 2

Mistakes to Avoid while making Italian Wedding Soup

Avoid overcooking the pasta, which creates a mushy texture that ruins the soup’s appeal. Add pasta during the final 10 minutes of cooking time to maintain proper texture.

Don’t skip browning the meatballs, as this step develops crucial flavor compounds that make the difference between good and exceptional soup. The caramelized exterior adds depth to the broth.

Resist the urge to make meatballs too large. One-inch meatballs cook evenly and are perfect for spooning. Larger meatballs may remain raw in the center while the outside overcooks.

Never add delicate greens too early in the cooking process. Spinach and kale should be added in the final minutes to prevent them from becoming bitter and losing their vibrant color.

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You Must Know

  • Ground meat temperature matters – use meat at room temperature for easier mixing and more even cooking throughout the meatballs
  • Pasta choice affects texture – Acini di Pepe, orzo, or small shells work best as they don’t overpower the other ingredients
  • Broth quality impacts final taste significantly – use low-sodium versions to control salt levels and choose organic when possible
  • Freezing changes pasta texture – if meal prepping, freeze soup without pasta and add fresh pasta when reheating for best results

Suggestions for Italian Wedding Soup

Transform this classic recipe by substituting ground turkey for a leaner option, or try mixing ground beef with Italian chicken sausage for different flavor profiles. Ultimate chicken casserole techniques can inspire creative variations.

Experiment with different greens like escarole, Swiss chard, or baby kale for varied nutritional profiles and flavors. Each green offers unique benefits and cooking characteristics.

For special occasions, add a splash of cream during the final minutes for richness, or incorporate roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Creamy pasta techniques can enhance the soup’s luxurious feel.

Consider making double batches for meal prep, as this soup improves in flavor overnight. Professional chefs often recommend this approach for deeper, more developed tastes.

Italian Wedding Soup food photograph 3

FAQs:


Can I make Italian Wedding Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and broth base up to 2 days ahead. Store them separately and combine when ready to serve, adding pasta and greens during the final cooking stage for best texture.


What's the best pasta shape for Italian Wedding Soup?

Acini di Pepe is traditional, but orzo, small shells, or ditalini work excellently. Choose small shapes that fit easily on a spoon and won’t overpower the meatballs and vegetables.


How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart in the soup?

Mix the meat gently without overworking, ensure meatballs are properly browned before adding to broth, and maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil to keep them intact.


Can I substitute the ground pork in this recipe?

Absolutely! Use all ground beef, ground turkey, or chicken sausage. You might need to add extra seasonings since pork sausage typically contains more spices than plain ground meats.


How long does Italian Wedding Soup last in the refrigerator?

Properly stored soup lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The pasta will absorb liquid over time, so add extra broth when reheating. Freeze without pasta for longer storage up to 3 months.


Conclusion

Italian Wedding Soup represents the perfect balance of nutrition, comfort, and affordability in one satisfying bowl. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results while accommodating busy family schedules and budget constraints.

The combination of protein-rich meatballs, nutrient-dense greens, and hearty pasta creates a complete meal that satisfies both adults and children. With proper technique and quality ingredients, you’ll create a soup that becomes a family favorite for years to come.

For more inspiration, check out these expert Italian Wedding Soup variations and traditional family recipes to expand your soup-making repertoire.

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Italian Wedding Soup


  • Author: Jennie Graham
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A hearty and comforting Italian Wedding Soup featuring tender homemade meatballs, fresh vegetables, and small pasta in a flavorful chicken broth. This classic soup combines ground beef and pork sausage meatballs with nutritious greens for a complete meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 lb Ground beef
  • 1/2 lb Pork sausage
  • 1/4 cup chopped Fresh parsley
  • 1 diced Medium carrot
  • 2 cups chopped Fresh spinach or kale
  • 1 cup Small pasta
  • 6 cups Low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 minced Garlic cloves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

  1. Form Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, pork sausage, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined. Roll into one-inch meatballs and place on baking sheet.
  2. Brown Meatballs: In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and brown meatballs on all sides. Remove from pot and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Sauté diced carrots and garlic in the same pot until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add Broth: Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
  5. Combine and Simmer: Stir in small pasta and greens along with browned meatballs. Simmer until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes.
  6. Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meatball mixture – this keeps them tender and prevents tough, dense meatballs that can ruin the soup’s texture
  • Use a small cookie scoop to form uniform meatballs quickly, ensuring even cooking and professional presentation
  • Brown meatballs in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, which steams rather than browns and reduces flavor development
  • Add pasta during the last 10 minutes to prevent overcooking and mushy texture that can make the soup unappetizing
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 385 calories
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Italian Wedding Soup, meatball soup, comfort food, Italian recipe, homemade soup, acini di pepe, spinach soup

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