The Best Homemade Wedding Soup Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This wedding soup recipe is a comforting classic that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. You’ll love how it brings warmth to any meal, whether it’s a cozy dinner or a special occasion.
- Hearty and wholesome: Filled with tender meatballs, fresh veggies, and tiny pasta, every spoonful is satisfying.
- Simple to prepare: With straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can whip up this delicious soup.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: The savory broth and rich ingredients make it a hit with family and friends.
Recipe

Wedding soup is a classic Italian-American dish that combines meatballs, greens, and pasta in a flavorful broth. This comforting soup is perfect for family gatherings or cozy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups chopped escarole or spinach
- 1 cup acini di pepe or small pasta
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and shape into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add chopped onion and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Gently add meatballs to the broth and simmer for 10 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Add chopped escarole or spinach and pasta to the pot. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes: _Make sure_ meatballs are evenly sized for consistent cooking. Fresh greens can be substituted with frozen spinach if preferred.
Equipment: Large pot, mixing bowl.
Time: Prep time: 15 minutes; Cooking time: 25 minutes.
Cuisine: Italian-American.
Serving: Serves 6.
Nutrition
This hearty soup is packed with nutrients from its wholesome ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional value per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 850mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving wedding soup with classic bread pairings, like crusty Italian loaf or warm garlic bread, because they soak up the broth so well. A fresh salad on the side, maybe with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette, adds a nice crunch to balance the soup’s heartiness. It’s a simple combo, but trust me, it makes the meal feel complete.
Classic Bread Pairings
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of wedding soup, but let’s be honest—it’s even better with the perfect bread to soak up every last drop. My go-to is crusty Italian bread, toasted just enough to stay crunchy while dipping. A slice of cheesy garlic bread adds a rich, savory twist that complements the soup’s flavors beautifully. Sometimes, I’ll grab a soft, fluffy dinner roll for a simpler pairing. And if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll whip up some homemade focaccia with herbs and olive oil. Each bite feels like a cozy hug, making the meal complete.
Fresh Salad Options
When I’m serving wedding soup, I love balancing its hearty warmth with something light and fresh, like a crisp salad. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette brightens the meal, while a classic Caesar adds creamy richness. For something colorful, I toss cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion with a tangy balsamic dressing. If I want extra crunch, I add toasted almonds or croutons. A spinach and strawberry salad with goat cheese is another favorite—it’s sweet, savory, and invigorating. Whatever I choose, the key is keeping it light so the soup stays the star. A fresh salad just makes everything better!