Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup is the ultimate comfort food for cozy nights, combining rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and a touch of warmth that feels like a hug in a bowl. This classic Italian-American dish brings together tender meatballs, fresh greens, delicate pasta, and savory broth to create a satisfying meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home. Whether you’re curling up after a long day or hosting an intimate dinner, Italian Wedding Soup offers all the tasty goodness and soul-soothing qualities you need for a perfect night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in a Bowl: Italian Wedding Soup warms you up quickly with its rich broth and tender meatballs.
• Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of savory broth, fresh herbs, and greens hits every delightful flavor note.
• Quick and Easy to Make: With a handful of simple ingredients, you can have this hearty soup ready in under an hour.
• Customizable to Your Taste: You can easily swap meats, greens, or pasta to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• A Family Favorite: This soup appeals to all ages, making it a great choice for sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Italian Wedding Soup lies in its straightforward but essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make this soup so inviting.

• Ground Meat: Typically a mix of beef and pork, it forms the flavorful meatballs that are the heart of the soup.
• Fresh Greens: Tender escarole or spinach adds a vivid green color and a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the meatballs.
• Small Pasta: Tiny shapes like acini di pepe or orzo integrate smoothly without overpowering the soup.
• Chicken Broth: A rich, savory base that infuses every spoonful with depth and warmth.
• Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh parsley, garlic, and sometimes a pinch of red pepper flakes bring brightness and subtle spice.
• Grated Parmesan: Added at the end for a salty, cheesy finish that ties flavors together perfectly.

Variations for Italian Wedding Soup

One of the best things about Italian Wedding Soup is how easy it is to tailor the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with these variations to make the soup truly your own.

• Meatball Swaps: Use turkey, chicken, or even meatless substitutes like lentils or quinoa for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.
• Greens Choice: Substitute escarole with kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens depending on what you have on hand.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Swap traditional pasta for gluten-free or spiralized vegetables to make it gluten-intolerant friendly.
• Spice Level: Add crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce if you want to bring a little heat to the bowl.
• Broth Variations: Try making the soup with vegetable broth or adding a splash of white wine for an aromatic twist.

How to Make Italian Wedding Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, an egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

In a large pot, brown the meatballs briefly in a little olive oil to add flavor and help them hold their shape, then remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Sauté chopped onions and garlic in the same pot until translucent. Add chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Meatballs

Drop the small pasta and browned meatballs into the simmering broth. Cook until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 5: Add Greens and Finish

Stir in fresh escarole or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking until they soften but remain vibrant green. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley to taste.

Pro Tips for Making Italian Wedding Soup

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and greens make a noticeable difference in flavor and color.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Add the pasta close to the end to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Batch Make Meatballs: Prepare extra meatballs to freeze or add to other dishes, saving prep time later.
• Skim Excess Fat: If your broth gets greasy, skim the fat with a spoon for a clearer soup.
• Adjust Salt Last: It’s easier to add salt at the end to avoid over-seasoning the broth or meatballs.

How to Serve Italian Wedding Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few extra leaves of chopped parsley make perfect finishing touches, adding brightness and an extra layer of savory goodness.

Side Dishes

Serve with crusty Italian bread or garlic toasts for dipping, and a simple side salad to round out the meal with freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming touch, serve the soup in small, warm bowls or mini crocks and pair with a rustic wooden board holding bread and olives for a cozy gathering atmosphere.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Italian Wedding Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve freshness and flavor.

Freezing

Freeze the soup without the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy; just add cooked pasta fresh when reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of broth or water if it feels thick. Add fresh pasta or extra greens at this stage for freshness.

FAQs

Is Italian Wedding Soup actually served at Italian weddings?

No, the name is a translation of “minestra maritata,” meaning married soup, referencing the marriage of flavors between the greens and meatballs rather than any connection to wedding celebrations.

Can I make Italian Wedding Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth, lentil or chickpea-based meatballs, and plenty of fresh greens to create a satisfying vegetarian version.

What kind of greens work best in Italian Wedding Soup?

Escarole is traditional, but spinach, kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens all work wonderfully depending on your preference and availability.

How long does Italian Wedding Soup keep in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to three days in the refrigerator.

Can I use store-bought meatballs for this soup?

You can, but homemade meatballs offer the best texture and flavor, allowing you to control seasoning and freshness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply satisfying about a bowl of Italian Wedding Soup that makes chilly evenings feel warmer and moments spent alone or with loved ones more comforting. Its blend of flavors, textures, and simplicity makes it a staple that’s easy to fall in love with. So go ahead, dive into this cozy classic—you’ll find it’s as delicious as it is inviting.

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