What Is Italian Wedding Soup? A Heartwarming and Flavorful Dish
Italian wedding soup is a comforting dish featuring tender homemade meatballs, fresh vegetables, and acini di pepe pasta in a savory chicken broth for a satisfying and nourishing meal. Its appeal lies in the harmony of flavors and textures, making it perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a homemade treat to enjoy at home. Whether you’re craving something hearty or light, Italian wedding soup delivers both taste and warmth. Naturally adaptable, it can be made gluten-free, low-carb, or vegan to suit diverse dietary needs. With its timeless charm and versatility, this soup is a favorite for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
This Italian wedding soup recipe stands out for its vibrant flavors and effortless preparation. The combination of juicy meatballs, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic broth creates a dish that feels indulgent yet remains wholesome. It’s ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special celebrations. The recipe is naturally nut-free and easily adapted for gluten-free or lower-sodium diets. Plus, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a side salad for a complete meal. Whether you’re surprising guests or treating yourself, this soup impresses with its simplicity and charm.
Key Ingredients for Making Perfect Italian Wedding Soup
To create flawless Italian wedding soup, gather these essentials: ground beef (½ pound, 90/10), mild Italian ground pork sausage (½ pound), Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (½ cup), grated Parmesan cheese (⅓ cup), beaten egg (1 large), parsley (¼ cup, finely chopped), garlic (2 cloves, finely minced), salt (1 teaspoon), black pepper (¼ teaspoon), olive oil (2 tablespoons). For the soup, use olive oil (1 tablespoon), white onion (½ small, diced), carrots (3 medium, peeled and diced), celery (3 ribs, diced), garlic (3 cloves, finely minced), chicken broth (8 cups), acini di pepe pasta (1 cup), salt (½ teaspoon), black pepper (¼ teaspoon), red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional), baby spinach (3 cups, roughly chopped), parsley (optional, chopped). For dietary needs, swap traditional pasta with gluten-free alternatives or substitute plant-based ingredients for vegan options. These ingredients ensure a soup that’s rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Fresh herbs and high-quality produce are key to achieving the best taste and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Italian Wedding Soup
Making Italian wedding soup is simple and rewarding. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Scoop out 2 teaspoons of the mixture at a time and roll into meatballs. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook half the meatballs for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining oil and meatballs. In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir in onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 3–4 minutes until tender. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Bring to a boil. Gradually add pasta while stirring to avoid clumping. Stir in salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and meatballs. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 7–9 minutes until pasta is tender. Toss in spinach and stir until wilted (2–3 minutes). Serve immediately with additional red pepper flakes and parsley if desired.
Tips for Achieving the Best Texture and Flavor in Italian Wedding Soup
For the best Italian wedding soup, use fresh herbs like parsley for maximum aroma and flavor. Avoid overcooking the meatballs to maintain their juiciness. Taste the soup after adding spinach and adjust seasoning if needed. If the soup feels too salty, dilute slightly with water or unsalted broth. Use high-quality chicken broth and fresh produce for maximum depth and richness. These small details ensure a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfectly textured every time.
How to Customize Your Italian Wedding Soup for Unique Twists
Make Italian wedding soup your own with creative variations. For a low-carb option, substitute acini di pepe with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Add depth with extra red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or chili powder. Swap ground beef and sausage with turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for variety. Stir in diced tomatoes, kale, or roasted garlic for added complexity. You can also sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or drizzle pesto on top for extra flair. These adaptations keep the soup exciting while maintaining its comforting essence.
Serving Suggestions: Pairing Italian Wedding Soup with Drinks or Sides
Italian wedding soup pairs beautifully with sides and beverages that enhance its rich, savory notes. Serve it alongside crusty bread, garlic knots, or a side salad for a complete meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil for visual appeal. Beverage-wise, chilled sparkling water, red wine, or herbal tea complements the soup’s bold flavors. These pairings turn a simple dish into a memorable dining experience.
Storage Tips: How to Store and Preserve Leftover Soup
Store leftover Italian wedding soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. To prevent sogginess, store pasta separately and add just before reheating. Proper storage ensures your soup stays flavorful and ready to enjoy again.
See Also:
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Wedding Soup
Q: Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
A: Yes, but homemade meatballs offer better flavor and texture.
Q: What can I substitute for acini di pepe pasta?
A: Small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini work well for similar results.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking labels on other ingredients.
Q: How do I prevent the soup from becoming too salty?
A: Use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt gradually after tasting.
Q: Can I prepare the soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; reheat just before serving.
Why Italian Wedding Soup Is a Must-Try for Any Occasion
Italian wedding soup shines for its simplicity, versatility, and universal appeal. It transforms pantry staples and fresh ingredients into a dish that feels special yet requires minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, feeding your family, or simply craving something hearty, this recipe delivers consistent satisfaction. With endless room to customize through proteins, vegetables, or seasonings, it invites creativity while staying rooted in tradition. One bite offers heartiness, richness, and pure joy. That’s why this soup deserves a permanent place in your culinary repertoire.
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Italian Wedding Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Italian wedding soup is a comforting dish featuring tender homemade meatballs, fresh vegetables, and acini di pepe pasta in a savory chicken broth. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a nourishing homemade treat. Easily made gluten-free, low-carb, or vegan.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
– ½ lb ground beef (90/10)
– ½ lb mild Italian ground pork sausage (substitute turkey or plant-based sausage for dietary needs)
– ½ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
– ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large beaten egg
– ¼ cup parsley, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 1 tsp salt
– ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Soup:
– 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
– ½ small white onion, diced
– 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
– 3 ribs celery, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 8 cups chicken broth (use low-sodium broth if preferred)
– 1 cup acini di pepe pasta (substitute gluten-free pasta, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles for dietary needs)
– ½ tsp salt
– ¼ tsp black pepper
– ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
– Parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Scoop out 2 teaspoons of the mixture at a time and roll into meatballs.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook half the meatballs for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining oil and meatballs.
- In the same pot, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Stir in onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 3–4 minutes until tender. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Bring to a boil. Gradually add pasta while stirring to avoid clumping.
- Stir in salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and meatballs. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 7–9 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Toss in spinach and stir until wilted (2–3 minutes). Serve immediately with additional red pepper flakes and parsley if desired.
Notes
– Use fresh herbs: Parsley enhances aroma and flavor. Substitute dried herbs if needed, but use half the amount.
– Prevent sogginess: Store pasta separately and add just before reheating leftovers.
– Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze portions for longer storage; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
– Customizations: Add diced tomatoes, kale, or roasted garlic for variety. Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or drizzle pesto on top for extra flair.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian / Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 6 servings per recipe)
- Calories: ~300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg