The Best Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Italian Wedding Soup is a cozy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. You’ll love how easy it is to make, with simple ingredients that come together in one pot.
- Hearty and flavorful – tender meatballs, fresh veggies, and tiny pasta swim in a savory broth.
- Quick to prepare – ready in under an hour, making it a great choice for busy nights.
- Family-friendly – kids and adults alike will enjoy the delicious blend of textures and tastes.
Recipe
Italian Wedding Soup is a classic comfort dish featuring meatballs, greens, and pasta in a savory broth. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days and family gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cups chopped escarole or spinach
- 1 cup acini di pepe or small pasta
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- In a large pot, bring chicken broth and water to a boil. Add carrots, celery, and onion. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Carefully add meatballs to the simmering broth. Cook for 10 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through.
- Stir in escarole or spinach and acini di pepe pasta. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.
Notes:
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef and pork.
- Escarole adds a slightly bitter flavor, while spinach offers a milder taste. Choose based on preference.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Large pot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Time:
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Cuisine:
Italian
Serving:
Serves 6-8
Nutrition
Italian Wedding Soup is a nutritious dish packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving Italian wedding soup with crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful broth. A simple side salad with fresh greens adds a revitalizing contrast to the meal. It’s the perfect balance that makes the whole experience feel complete.
Crusty Bread Pairings
There’s nothing quite like tearing into a warm loaf of crusty bread, its golden crust giving way to a soft, airy center. I love serving thick bread slices alongside Italian wedding soup—they’re perfect for soaking up every last drop of that rich broth. For extra flavor, try pairing them with simple dipping sauces like garlic-infused olive oil or a tangy balsamic glaze. The contrast of crunchy bread and velvety soup is pure comfort. Sometimes, I’ll even toast the slices lightly for extra texture. Trust me, it’s a game-changer. Just don’t forget to save room for seconds!
Side Salad Options
A fresh, crisp side salad can turn a bowl of Italian wedding soup into a full, balanced meal. I love pairing mine with a simple green salad—just toss together romaine, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes with a light vinaigrette. It’s invigorating and lets the soup shine. For something heartier, a Caesar salad is my go-to. The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons add a nice contrast to the soup’s savory broth. Whichever salad you choose, it’s an easy way to add more veggies to your meal. Plus, it’s quick to throw together while the soup simmers. Perfect combo!
