Italian Wedding Soup is a heartwarming dish with tender meatballs, delicate pasta, and fresh spinach. The combination of savory meat and vibrant vegetables in a flavorful broth makes this a timeless favorite. Ideal for chilly days or cozy nights in, this soup is both comforting and satisfying. This recipe is perfect for meal prep, as it stores and freezes beautifully. Serve it alongside some crusty bread for dipping, and you’ve got a wholesome, delicious meal that the whole family will love. Customize it with your favorite small pasta varieties and enjoy the depth of flavors in every spoonful.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Meatballs:
- ½ lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- ½ lb. ground pork
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
- Soup:
- 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
- To Garnish:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
- In a bowl, gently combine ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Roll into ¾-inch balls.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for about 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer.
- Add the meatballs back into the soup and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the pasta separately according to package directions. Drain and add it to serving bowls.
- Stir spinach into the soup and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Ladle the soup over the pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan. Serve hot!
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 328 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Delicious Tradition: Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup, known for its savory meatballs, fresh spinach, and tender pasta in a flavorful broth, is a classic dish loved by many. Despite its name, this soup is not traditionally served at weddings in Italy. Instead, the term “wedding” comes from the Italian phrase “minestra maritata,” meaning “married soup.” The phrase refers to the beautiful “marriage” of flavors between the greens and the meat rather than to an actual matrimonial event.
This soup is a timeless comfort food, perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, and cozy evenings at home. Over the years, it has evolved into a versatile recipe with regional and personal variations, making it adaptable to a wide range of palates and preferences. Whether you choose to make it on the stove, in a Crock Pot, or in an Instant Pot, the result is a hearty, satisfying meal that can be made ahead of time and even frozen for later enjoyment.
The History of Italian Wedding Soup
The origins of Italian Wedding Soup are believed to go back to the kitchens of Southern Italy, where hearty soups were a staple of everyday life. Initially, this dish was made with a variety of available vegetables, greens, and meat, often combined with leftovers to create a wholesome meal. The concept of combining meat and leafy greens reflects the ingenuity of home cooks, who could make the most of simple, accessible ingredients. While it has since gained popularity around the world, Italian Wedding Soup retains its rustic, homey charm.
In the United States, Italian Wedding Soup became especially popular thanks to Italian-American communities, who brought their cherished recipes with them as they settled across the country. Over time, it has been adapted to include different types of pasta, meatballs, and greens, but the core components—meatballs, broth, pasta, and greens—remain unchanged.
Variations of Italian Wedding Soup
One of the most delightful aspects of Italian Wedding Soup is its flexibility. The basic formula of broth, meatballs, greens, and pasta can be customized to suit different tastes, dietary needs, and ingredient availability.
- Meatball Variations: Traditional Italian Wedding Soup typically includes a combination of ground pork and beef for the meatballs. However, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version. Some recipes also incorporate Italian sausage for a spicier kick.
- Pasta Choices: Acini di pepe, a small, round pasta, is the classic choice for this soup. However, other small pasta varieties such as orzo, ditalini, or pastina also work beautifully. The pasta is often cooked separately and added to the soup to avoid it absorbing too much broth during storage, which keeps the texture light and enjoyable.
- Greens: While spinach is most commonly used, you can experiment with other leafy greens like kale, escarole, or even Swiss chard. Frozen spinach is also a handy option if fresh is not available, making this soup adaptable to different seasons and grocery trips.
- Broth Enhancements: While chicken broth is typically used as the base, you can elevate the flavor with small additions like a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a dash of hot sauce, or even a bit of mustard powder. These subtle ingredients enhance the broth’s complexity without overpowering the natural flavors of the meatballs and greens.
Health Benefits of Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup isn’t just delicious—it’s also nutritious. The combination of lean meats, vegetables, and broth creates a well-rounded, balanced meal that’s rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Spinach, for example, is a powerhouse of nutrients, offering vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron and calcium. The meatballs provide a healthy dose of protein, while the pasta adds just the right amount of carbohydrates for energy.
This soup is also a great option for those looking to manage portion sizes or control calorie intake. The broth base makes it filling and satisfying without being overly heavy. And because you can easily customize it with leaner meats or extra vegetables, it can be adapted to suit a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions.
Cooking Methods: Stove Top, Crock Pot, and Instant Pot
One of the best things about Italian Wedding Soup is its versatility in preparation. Whether you prefer the hands-on experience of cooking on the stove or the convenience of a slow cooker or Instant Pot, this soup can be easily adapted to your preferred cooking method.
- Stove Top Method: This is the traditional way of preparing Italian Wedding Soup, and it gives you full control over the process. You can brown the meatballs to create extra flavor, soften the vegetables just right, and adjust the seasoning as needed. The slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Crock Pot Method: If you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach, the Crock Pot is a great option. You can brown the meatballs first to deepen their flavor, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and let them simmer for several hours. This method is perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a warm, ready-to-eat meal.
- Instant Pot Method: For a faster version of this classic dish, the Instant Pot is your best friend. You can brown the meatballs directly in the pot using the sauté function, then pressure cook everything in a fraction of the time it would take on the stove. It’s a great option when you’re craving Italian Wedding Soup but are short on time.
Serving and Storage Tips
Italian Wedding Soup is a perfect make-ahead meal. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3-4 months. If you’re planning to freeze it, it’s a good idea to keep the pasta separate and cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve the soup. This way, the pasta doesn’t become soggy from sitting in the broth for an extended period.
When serving, garnish the soup with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and pair it with a side of crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the rich, savory broth, making every bite more satisfying. You can also serve the soup with a light salad to balance out the meal.
Why Italian Wedding Soup is a Family Favorite
There’s something universally comforting about a warm bowl of Italian Wedding Soup. The rich, savory broth combined with tender meatballs, fresh spinach, and delicate pasta creates a symphony of flavors and textures that are hard to resist. It’s a dish that satisfies both the heart and the stomach, making it a perfect meal for any time of year.
Families love Italian Wedding Soup not only for its taste but also for its adaptability. It’s easy to prepare, can be made in large batches, and is versatile enough to cater to different tastes and dietary needs. Plus, it freezes well, meaning you can always have a hearty meal ready when you need it most.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Italian Wedding Soup is much more than its name suggests. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that has evolved from humble beginnings to become a beloved classic around the world. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing weeknight dinner, a meal-prep-friendly option, or a dish to impress guests, Italian Wedding Soup delivers. Its balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and versatility make it a go-to recipe that can be enjoyed time and time again.
