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Classic Italian Wedding Soup

Classic Italian Wedding Soup: Comfort in Every Delicious Bowl

This Classic Italian Wedding Soup is a heartwarming blend of tender meatballs, fresh spinach, and petite pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Soups
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
  • 1 cup Italian Breadcrumbs Can be replaced with panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
  • 1 large Egg For a vegan option, try a flaxseed or chia seed egg.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Garlic powder works as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Consider Italian seasoning or thyme as alternatives.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust according to your taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Adjust according to your taste.
Soup Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with vegetable or canola oil.
  • 1 medium Onion (diced) Shallots are a mild-flavored alternative.
  • 2 medium Carrots (sliced) Substitute with parsnips for a different flavor.
  • 2 stalks Celery (sliced) Leeks can be used for a different twist.
  • 8 cups Chicken Broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Soup Finish
  • 1 cup Small Pasta (e.g., acini de pepe or orzo) Gluten-free pasta shapes or small rice can be alternatives.
  • 4 cups Fresh Spinach (chopped) Kale or Swiss chard can be used as substitutes.
  • 1 teaspoon Additional Salt For final taste adjustments.
  • 1 teaspoon Additional Pepper For final taste adjustments.

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • soup pot
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Spoon

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently using your hands until just combined.
  2. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a plate for easy transfer later.
Cooking
  1. Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
  2. Sauté the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes, until softened and the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring to a gentle boil. Carefully add the prepared meatballs, ensuring they are submerged.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the meatballs are firm and cooked through.
  5. Stir in the small pasta and increase the heat to medium. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and al dente.
  6. Once the pasta is cooked, add the chopped fresh spinach to the soup. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Taste your soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 24gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Avoid tough meatballs by not over-mixing. Consider preparing meatballs a day in advance to enhance flavors. Check ingredient labels for gluten-free options when necessary.

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