Italian Wedding Soup: A Deliciously Easy Comfort Dish

Italian Wedding Soup is a beloved classic that brings together tender meatballs, nutritious greens, and delicate pasta in a rich, savory broth. 

Contrary to popular belief, the name "wedding" doesn’t refer to actual marriage ceremonies but rather to the perfect “marriage” of ingredients that make this soup so delicious. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that can serve as a satisfying meal for lunch or dinner.

In this article, we’ll walk you through a traditional Italian Wedding Soup recipe while answering frequently asked questions to help you master this heartwarming dish.

What Makes Italian Wedding Soup Special?

Italian Wedding Soup is known for its balance of flavors and textures. The meatballs provide savory richness, while the greens offer a light, fresh contrast. The small pasta (traditionally acini di pepe) adds a soft, comforting texture, all enveloped in a flavorful broth. It's a wholesome, nutritious dish that's not only filling but also easy to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef or ground pork (or a mix of both)
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup acini di pepe pasta (or other small pasta like orzo or ditalini)
• 5 oz fresh spinach or escarole, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until all the ingredients are well-incorporated. Form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter). You should get around 30-40 meatballs, depending on size.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook the meatballs for about 3-4 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are browned on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage since they will finish cooking in the broth. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. If needed, add a little more olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

Pour the chicken broth into the pot, and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, as these add incredible flavor to the soup. Once the broth is simmering, add the browned meatballs back into the pot, and cook for 10 minutes, allowing them to finish cooking in the broth.

Step 5: Add the Pasta and Greens

Stir in the acini di pepe (or your pasta of choice) and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Next, add the chopped spinach (or escarole) and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, just until the greens are wilted. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil if desired. The Parmesan adds a salty richness, while the fresh herbs give a pop of color and brightness to the dish.

Tips for the Perfect Italian Wedding Soup

1. Don’t skip browning the meatballs: Browning the meatballs in the pot before simmering them in the broth adds depth of flavor and gives the soup a richer taste.
2. Choose your greens wisely: While spinach is the most common green used in this soup, you can also use escarole, kale, or Swiss chard. Each adds its unique flavor profile and texture.
3. Use homemade broth if possible: A good-quality broth can make a huge difference in this soup. If you have time, homemade chicken broth will elevate the flavors significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use different types of meat for the meatballs?

Yes! While traditional Italian Wedding Soup is typically made with a combination of ground pork and beef, you can customize it based on your preferences. Ground chicken or turkey work well as leaner options, and you can even use sausage for extra flavor.

2. Can I make the soup in advance?

Absolutely. Italian Wedding Soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. You can make the soup up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, you may need to add a little more broth since the pasta tends to absorb liquid over time.

3. Can I freeze Italian Wedding Soup?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta, as the pasta can become mushy when thawed and reheated. To freeze, make the soup up until the point where you would add the pasta, then cool it completely. Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup, reheat it, and cook the pasta separately to stir in before serving.

4. What can I use instead of acini di pepe pasta?

If you can’t find acini di pepe, you can substitute other small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or even tiny shells. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as different types of pasta may cook at different rates.

5. Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! To make Italian Wedding Soup gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs and substitute gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

6. How can I make the soup heartier?

If you’re looking to bulk up the soup, you can add more vegetables like zucchini, potatoes, or even chickpeas. Some people also like to add extra meatballs for a more substantial meal.

7. What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami richness to the soup, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can use Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a hard, aged cheddar as a substitute. Each of these cheeses will provide a slightly different flavor, but they’ll still work well in the soup.

8. How can I add more flavor to the broth?

If you want a deeper flavor, consider adding a Parmesan rind to the broth while it simmers. The rind will infuse the soup with a rich, cheesy flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. You can also add a bay leaf or a splash of white wine for extra complexity.

Conclusion

Italian Wedding Soup is a heartwarming dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or preparing meals for the week, this classic recipe will deliver comforting flavors every time. The tender meatballs, fresh greens, and delicate pasta come together in a perfectly balanced soup that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With our step-by-step guide and answers to common questions, you’ll be able to make this delightful soup with confidence.