Italian Wedding Soup – sweet dreams kitchen

This classic Italian Wedding Soup recipe features savory meatballs nestled in a delicious broth filled with spinach and pasta. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this dish offers warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Its easy preparation makes it suitable for both weeknight meals and festive occasions, ensuring that everyone at the table will enjoy its rich flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, even novice cooks can create a delightful meal.
Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese enhances the taste profile.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a hearty soup or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutritious Choice: Packed with veggies and lean meat, it’s a wholesome option for any diet.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make the perfect Italian Wedding Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right tools ensures an efficient cooking process and helps achieve great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: This is essential for simmering the broth and cooking all ingredients evenly.
Mixing bowl: Great for combining the meatball ingredients before shaping them.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently.
Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes cutting ingredients much easier, saving you time during prep.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your delicious Italian Wedding Soup:

For the Meatballs

1 Tablespoon olive oil
½ lb. ground beef (85% lean)
½ lb. ground beef
1 egg (beaten)
1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/3 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

For the Soup Base

1 yellow onion (diced)
1 ¼ cups carrots (diced)
2 celery ribs (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
8 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

For the Finish

¾ cup acini de pepe pasta (uncooked)
4-5 cups fresh spinach
Salt/Pepper (to taste)
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

How to Make Italian Wedding Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, beaten egg, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Form small meatballs about one inch in diameter.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until vegetables are softened.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, add meatballs carefully into the broth.
Lower heat to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Spinach

Stir in acini de pepe pasta and let cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Add fresh spinach near the end of cooking time until wilted.

Step 5: Serve

Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Enjoy your flavorful Italian Wedding Soup, perfect for sharing at any occasion!

How to Serve Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

Serve slices of warm, crusty bread alongside your soup for dipping. The bread complements the broth perfectly.

Topped with Extra Parmesan

Sprinkle additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor. This adds a delightful richness.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil before serving. This not only brightens the dish visually but also enhances its freshness.

As a Main Course

Enjoy the soup as a filling main course. Pair it with a side salad for a balanced meal.

In a Bread Bowl

For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This presentation adds flair and makes for easy cleanup!

How to Perfect Italian Wedding Soup

Creating the perfect Italian Wedding Soup is all about attention to detail and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the overall flavor of your soup significantly.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook acini de pepe pasta al dente before adding it to the soup, as it will continue to cook in the broth.
Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout cooking to achieve the perfect balance.
Make Meatballs Ahead of Time: Prepare and chill your meatballs before adding them to the soup; this helps them hold their shape during cooking.
Let It Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer gently for deeper flavors. A longer simmer develops richer taste notes.
Experiment with Greens: While fresh spinach is traditional, you can also try kale or Swiss chard for different textures and flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Wedding Soup

Pairing side dishes with Italian Wedding Soup can enhance your meal’s flavor and texture. Consider these excellent options:

Garlic Bread
This classic side is perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth.
Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
Roasted Vegetables
Seasonal veggies seasoned and roasted add depth and color, making your meal more vibrant.
Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a light, refreshing option that complements the hearty soup.
Bruschetta
Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil gives a flavorful bite that pairs well with each spoonful of soup.
Stuffed Peppers
These can be filled with rice or quinoa and herbs, making them both filling and delicious alongside your soup.
Mixed Green Salad
A simple salad dressed lightly allows you to enjoy fresh flavors without overshadowing the main dish.
Quinoa Salad
Nutty quinoa mixed with veggies offers a nutritious side that balances out the richness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Italian Wedding Soup can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

Overcooking the meatballs: If you cook the meatballs too long, they can become dry. Ensure you cook them just until they’re no longer pink inside.
Ignoring seasoning: Not seasoning the broth properly can lead to a bland soup. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
Using pre-cooked pasta: Adding already cooked pasta will make it mushy. Use uncooked acini de pepe to get the perfect texture.
Skipping fresh ingredients: Using dried herbs instead of fresh can diminish flavor. Always opt for fresh herbs when possible for vibrant taste.
Not adjusting broth quantity: Make sure you have enough broth to balance the ingredients. Adjust according to your desired soup consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow soup to cool completely before sealing the container.

Freezing Italian Wedding Soup

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Leave space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Italian Wedding Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in a covered dish, and heat until warm throughout.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until heated through.
Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Italian Wedding Soup.

What is Italian Wedding Soup?

Italian Wedding Soup is a hearty dish made with meatballs, vegetables, and pasta served in a savory broth.

How long does it take to make Italian Wedding Soup?

This soup typically takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, including preparation and cooking time.

Can I use different meat for Italian Wedding Soup?

Yes! You can easily substitute ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor profile.

Is there a vegetarian version of Italian Wedding Soup?

Absolutely! You can replace meatballs with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I store leftover Italian Wedding Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Wedding Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. With its savory meatballs and vibrant vegetables, it’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite greens or using different types of pasta!