Cozy Italian Wedding Soup: A Heartwarming Recipe

Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful bowl of warmth, filled with tender meatballs, fresh greens, and a savory broth that dances on your palate. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as it simmers; it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl, especially when the weather outside is less than inviting.

There’s something magical about Italian Wedding Soup that brings back memories of Sunday dinners at my grandma’s house. Surrounded by family, we would eagerly await the meal that would bloom into laughter and shared stories. This soup isn’t just food; it’s tradition, comfort, and pure joy wrapped in one delicious serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Italian Wedding Soup is easy to prepare and packed with flavor to warm your heart
  • Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any table
  • Perfect for cozy family dinners or gathering with friends, it’s versatile enough to adapt ingredients based on what you have on hand
  • Everyone will be asking for seconds after tasting this delightful dish!

I remember the first time I made Italian Wedding Soup for friends—they were blown away! Everyone wanted the recipe and couldn’t stop raving about it.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Ground Meat (Beef or Pork): Choose high-quality meat for juicy meatballs that add richness to your soup.

  • Fresh Spinach or Kale: Opt for bright green leaves—they bring color and nutrients to the dish.

  • Carrots: Use fresh carrots for natural sweetness and crunch; they brighten up the soup.

  • Onions: Finely chopped onions enhance flavor; sauté them until translucent to release their sweetness.

  • Chicken Broth: A good quality broth forms the base; homemade is best but store-bought works well too.

  • Parmesan Cheese: Grated cheese adds a salty depth; sprinkle some on top before serving for extra flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Italian Wedding Soup

How to Make Italian Wedding Soup

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep them tender.

Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and carrots; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. The kitchen should smell inviting at this point.

Add the Broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. This step fills your home with a comforting aroma that makes everyone curious about what’s cooking.

Add the Meatballs: Carefully drop your prepared meatballs into the boiling broth one by one. Cook until they are fully cooked through—about 15 minutes of simmering magic.

Add Greens and Seasonings: Stir in fresh spinach or kale along with dried herbs like thyme and oregano. Allow them to wilt into the soup—this takes just a couple of minutes!

Finish with Parmesan Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese for added creaminess. Serve hot with extra cheese on top if desired—it’s a delightful finishing touch!

Now sit down with your loved ones (or just yourself) and enjoy this comforting bowl of Italian Wedding Soup! Each spoonful offers warmth and happiness—a true culinary embrace!

You Must Know

  • Italian Wedding Soup is not just a dish; it’s a hug in a bowl
  • The combination of tender meatballs, fresh greens, and savory broth makes it irresistible
  • Remember, the scent alone will bring everyone to the table, eager for a taste

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by making your meatballs and browning them in a pan. While they cook, simmer your broth with vegetables. This way, flavors meld beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the greens! Spinach or kale work wonders. You can even add a splash of lemon for brightness or some crushed red pepper for heat.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on medium heat, adding broth if necessary to revive the soup’s glory.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfect meatballs, ensure your mixture is moist but not too wet; breadcrumbs help absorb excess liquid
  • Always taste your broth before serving; seasoning makes all the difference
  • Don’t skip the greens; they add freshness and texture that balance the dish beautifully

Sometimes I find myself reminiscing about my Nonna’s kitchen, filled with laughter and rich aromas while making this delightful soup together—a memory I cherish deeply.

FAQ

What kind of meat should I use for Italian Wedding Soup?

Use a mix of ground beef and pork for rich flavor and tenderness in your meatballs.

Can I make Italian Wedding Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day after flavors have melded overnight.

Is it necessary to add pasta to the soup?

While pasta adds heartiness, you can leave it out or substitute with quinoa for a gluten-free option.

Print
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Italian Wedding Soup


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  • Author: Ann Foster
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

Italian Wedding Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines tender meatballs, vibrant greens, and a flavorful broth, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings. This delightful soup not only warms your belly but also evokes cherished memories of family gatherings and laughter around the dinner table. Simple to prepare yet packed with flavor, it’s sure to impress everyone who takes a spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare meatballs by mixing ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form into small balls.
  2. In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onions and carrots in olive oil until softened (about 5 minutes).
  3. Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Carefully drop in the meatballs and simmer until cooked through (about 15 minutes).
  5. Stir in greens and cook until wilted (2 minutes).
  6. Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese before serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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Ann Foster

Chef & Blogger

Hi, I’m Ann Foster! Born and raised in California’s Central Valley, I found my passion for cooking in my grandmother’s kitchen. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, I traveled across the country exploring new flavors and cooking techniques. This website is my passion project—where I share delicious recipes meant to bring people together, one meal at a time. Welcome to my culinary journey!

Chef Ann