Oh, let me tell you about Italian Wedding Soup! It’s one of those cozy dishes that wraps you in a warm hug from the first spoonful. Imagine tender meatballs swimming in a fragrant broth, with vibrant greens and little pasta pieces dancing around. I remember my grandmother making this soup every Sunday after church. The whole family would gather around the table, the smell filling the house and making our mouths water. It’s such a delightful combination of flavors and textures, and every bite reminds me of love, tradition, and those cherished moments with my family. It’s truly comfort food at its finest, perfect for any occasion, especially when you need a little extra warmth in your heart!
Ingredients for Italian Wedding Soup
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup small pasta (like acini di pepe)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor—trust me, it makes a difference! You can even add a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you’re feeling adventurous!
How to Prepare Italian Wedding Soup
Alright, let’s dive into this delightful process of making Italian Wedding Soup! I promise, it’s easier than you think and totally worth the effort. First up, we’ll start with the meatballs. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until just combined—don’t overdo it! Now, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about one inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Preparing the Meatballs
As those meatballs are baking, let’s move on to the soup base. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of chicken broth to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, toss in your diced carrots and the small pasta. Cook them together for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. This is the moment when everything starts to come together, and you can already taste the deliciousness!
Cooking the Soup Base
Now, here’s where the magic happens! Carefully add your baked meatballs into the pot, letting them mingle with the broth. Then, stir in the fresh spinach—what a vibrant pop of color! Let the soup simmer for about 5 more minutes. This allows the spinach to wilt down and the flavors to meld beautifully. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. You want every spoonful to be bursting with flavor!
Final Touches
Once everything is well combined and flavorful, serve it up hot! I love to sprinkle a bit more grated Parmesan on top for that extra touch. Wow, what a comforting bowl of goodness! This soup is perfect for sharing with loved ones, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it just as much as I do!
Tips for Success
To truly elevate your Italian Wedding Soup, here are some of my best tips! First, always use fresh herbs like basil or parsley if you can; they add such a lovely brightness to the flavor. If you’re not sure about seasoning, start with a little salt and pepper, then taste as you go. You can always add more, but it’s tough to take it away! And don’t forget, leftovers are a wonderful thing! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just a heads-up: the pasta might soak up some broth, so you can add a splash of water or broth when reheating to bring it back to life. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last drop of this comforting soup!
Variations on Italian Wedding Soup
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize your Italian Wedding Soup! Swap out the fresh spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different texture and flavor. You can also mix in some fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an added burst of freshness. If you want to change up the protein, try using turkey or chicken meatballs instead of beef and pork—delicious! And for a heartier version, throw in some cannellini beans for extra protein and creaminess. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this soup your own!
Nutritional Information for Italian Wedding Soup
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each comforting bowl of Italian Wedding Soup is estimated to be around 320 calories, with about 12 grams of fat and 20 grams of protein. It also packs in 30 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fiber, making it a hearty meal. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. This soup not only warms your soul but also nourishes your body—what’s not to love?
FAQ About Italian Wedding Soup
Got questions about Italian Wedding Soup? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Absolutely! Frozen meatballs are a great time-saver. Just add them directly to the soup and let them heat through as it simmers.
What if I don’t have small pasta?
Don’t stress! You can use any small pasta on hand, like orzo or even broken-up spaghetti. It’ll still taste amazing!
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
Is it okay to add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in some peas or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. It’s all about what you love!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just remember that the pasta will soak up some broth, so you may want to add a splash of water when reheating!
Why You’ll Love Italian Wedding Soup
- Warm, comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
- Deliciously flavorful with tender meatballs and fresh greens.
- Healthy and nutritious, packed with protein and vitamins.
- Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
- Great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day!
For more information on the nutritional benefits of soup, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in exploring more delicious pasta recipes, visit our pasta section for a variety of options!
And if you’re looking for a delightful dessert to pair with your meal, consider trying one of our dessert recipes!
Print
Italian Wedding Soup: 5 Reasons to Fall in Love Now
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting dish made with meatballs, greens, and broth.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup small pasta (like acini di pepe)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix beef, pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Form small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs for 20 minutes.
- In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil.
- Add carrots and pasta to the broth, cook until pasta is tender.
- Add spinach and baked meatballs, simmer for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: italian wedding soup, soup, comfort food, meatballs, greens
