Italian Wedding Soup

There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a steaming bowl of Italian Wedding Soup. With tender meatballs, wholesome greens, and delicate pasta swimming in a flavorful broth, this classic dish is the very definition of comfort food.

Italian Wedding Soup is a recipe that marries savory flavor with nourishing ingredients, creating a meal that satisfies both body and soul.

The tiny meatballs, fragrant broth, vibrant vegetables, and gentle pasta swirls offer a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

I still remember the first time I had Italian Wedding Soup—it was at my grandmother’s kitchen table on a snowy winter day.

She had learned the recipe from her mother, who passed it down from generations of Italian ancestry.

Despite the name, this soup wasn’t reserved for weddings; rather, the “wedding” in question referred to the beautiful union of ingredients.

The marriage of meat and greens in one harmonious dish symbolized balance, tradition, and warmth—something we all felt as we shared that bowl together.

This timeless dish has become a staple in my home ever since, often appearing on cold nights or whenever a little extra comfort is needed.

Why You’ll Love This

1. Perfectly Balanced Flavors
The beauty of Italian Wedding Soup lies in its delicate balance of flavors. The savory meatballs infuse the broth with depth, while the vegetables add freshness and the acini di pepe pasta offers a delightful texture. Each spoonful delivers a rich and satisfying experience without being overly heavy.

2. Nutritious and Wholesome
This soup packs in protein from the meatballs, fiber from the greens, and essential vitamins and minerals from the carrots and celery. It’s a great way to sneak in veggies, especially for kids, and offers a well-rounded meal in one bowl.

3. Easy to Make Ahead
Italian Wedding Soup stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers. You can even freeze portions for a quick and nourishing meal later. The meatballs and broth can be prepared in advance to save time during busy weeknights.

4. A Family Favorite
Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The comforting flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it a dinner table win every time. Plus, the mini meatballs make it fun to eat!

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Cuisine Type: Italian, Mediterranean
Servings: 6–8
Estimated Cost: $12–$15

Equipment Needed:

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet (for browning meatballs, optional)
• Slotted spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken or beef (or half pork, half beef)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Soup:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• ¾ cup acini di pepe or orzo pasta
• 4 cups baby spinach or escarole, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Extra grated Parmesan for serving (optional)

Optional/Alternative Items:

• Use kale instead of spinach for a heartier green
• Ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version
• Gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta for dietary needs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix, or the meatballs may turn out tough.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, form the mixture into tiny meatballs, about ¾-inch in size. Place them on a plate or baking sheet. You should get around 30–35 mini meatballs.

Step 3: Sear the Meatballs (Optional)
For extra flavor, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet and brown the meatballs for a few minutes before adding them to the soup. This step is optional but adds depth to the broth.

Step 4: Start the Soup Base
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Gently drop in the meatballs and reduce heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Step 6: Add Pasta and Greens
Stir in the pasta and cook for another 8–10 minutes until al dente. Finally, add the chopped spinach and simmer for another 1–2 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fat: 17g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Vitamin A: 90% DV
• Vitamin C: 25% DV
• Calcium: 10% DV
• Iron: 15% DV

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overmix the Meatballs
For tender, juicy meatballs, gently mix the ingredients just until combined. Overworking the mixture can make them dense and chewy.

2. Choose the Right Greens
Spinach offers a mild, soft texture, while escarole or kale adds more bite. Choose based on your preference, but always add them at the end to keep them vibrant and not overcooked.

3. Use Quality Broth
A good broth makes a big difference in flavor. Use homemade or a low-sodium, high-quality store-bought version for the best results.

4. Cook Pasta Separately for Storage
If you plan to store leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls. This keeps it from soaking up all the broth and getting mushy.

Common Questions

Can I make Italian Wedding Soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the soup up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat gently on the stove and consider adding a splash of broth to freshen it up.

Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely. Freeze the soup without the pasta for best results. When ready to serve, thaw and reheat, then add freshly cooked pasta.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta. Make sure your broth is gluten-free too, as some brands contain hidden gluten.

What can I use instead of acini di pepe?
Orzo, ditalini, or even small shells work well. You can also skip the pasta entirely for a low-carb version.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meatballs or white beans instead of meat. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in a parmesan rind during simmering for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Low-Carb Version: Omit the pasta and load up on greens and meatballs for a keto-friendly take.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Italian Wedding Soup is delicious all on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:

• Serve with a crusty slice of Italian bread or garlic toast.
• Pair with a simple side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
• A glass of Pinot Grigio or light Chianti complements the flavors beautifully.
• For a cozy dinner, follow with tiramisu or panna cotta for dessert.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best results, store pasta separately to prevent it from soaking up the broth. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

There’s a reason Italian Wedding Soup has stood the test of time—it’s cozy, comforting, and full of flavor in every spoonful.

Whether you’re cooking it up for a quiet night in or serving it to a group of loved ones, this soup brings people together in the most delicious way.

Give it a try, and let this timeless classic warm your kitchen and your heart.

Happy cooking!