Classic Italian Wedding Soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day, bursting with rich flavors and delightful textures. Imagine tender meatballs swimming in a savory broth, surrounded by vibrant greens and tiny pasta. perfect side salad for gatherings The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone at home asking, “What’s cooking?” This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. soft pumpkin dinner rolls
Picture this: your best friend’s wedding reception, where the soup was served as a loving nod to Italian heritage. As guests slurped joyfully, laughter filled the air, and memories were made over shared plates. It was then I realized that Classic Italian Wedding Soup isn’t just food; it’s an experience that wraps around you like nonna’s knitted blanket. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into making this heartwarming delight! For more inspiration, check out this Sausage and Vegetable Soup recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Classic Italian Wedding Soup is simple to prepare yet delivers complex flavors that everyone craves
- It’s visually appealing with bright greens and perfectly round meatballs
- Enjoy its versatility; serve it as a starter or main dish, perfect for any occasion
- The comforting aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia
I remember the first time I made this soup for my family; they devoured it faster than I could ladle it into bowls.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the meatballs juicy but not too greasy.
- Italian Sausage: A touch of spice from mild Italian sausage brings incredible flavor depth. For more inspiration, check out this Italian Sausage Pasta Soup recipe.
- Bread Crumbs: Use fresh bread crumbs for better texture and binding in the meatballs.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate it fresh! It adds a nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Fresh Spinach: Choose vibrant green spinach to highlight color and nutrients in your soup.
- Carrots: Diced carrots add sweetness and crunch, balancing the savory elements beautifully.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for more control over saltiness in your soup. comforting chicken soup recipe.
- Ditalini Pasta: Tiny pasta shapes like ditalini are perfect for catching those delicious meatballs!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Making the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sausage, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well mixed. savory garlic potato packets Form small meatballs with your hands—aim for about one inch in diameter.
Sautéing Aromatics and Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add diced onions and carrots, cooking until they become soft and translucent.
Add Chicken Broth and Spinach: Pour in chicken broth while bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Toss in fresh spinach and let it wilt—this only takes about two minutes.
Cook the Meatballs in Broth: Gently drop the prepared meatballs into the simmering broth. Cook them until they float to the surface—this usually takes around 10 minutes—indicating they are fully cooked through.
Add Pasta and Seasonings: Stir in ditalini pasta along with salt and pepper to taste. Allow everything to cook together until pasta is tender; this typically takes about 8-10 minutes.
Serve Your Masterpiece!: Ladle generous portions of soup into bowls while garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot while basking in compliments from family or friends!
Enjoy this Classic Italian Wedding Soup as it warms your heart just like those cherished moments of laughter around the dinner table!
You Must Know
- Classic Italian Wedding Soup is the perfect comfort food
- Its heartwarming aroma fills your kitchen, making it feel like a cozy Italian bistro
- The combination of tender meatballs, fresh greens, and flavorful broth creates a dish that warms both the body and soul
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meatballs; then, sauté vegetables before adding broth and greens for optimal flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the greens or try different herbs to make this classic soup uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a delightful twist, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought for richer flavor
- Remember to keep the soup at a simmer, not a boil, to maintain tenderness in meatballs
- Adding grated Parmesan just before serving enhances its cheesy goodness
Sometimes I find myself reminiscing about family dinners filled with laughter as we devoured bowls of this delicious soup together, a true sign of love!
FAQ
What type of meat is best for meatballs in Classic Italian Wedding Soup?
Ground beef or pork works well for flavorful meatballs; mix them for variety.
Can I make Classic Italian Wedding Soup in advance?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier when reheated.
Is there a vegetarian version of Classic Italian Wedding Soup?
Yes! Substitute meatballs with lentils or plant-based options and use vegetable broth.
Classic Italian Wedding Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Classic Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting dish that encapsulates warmth and flavor in every bowl. This hearty soup features tender meatballs, fresh greens, and tiny pasta swimming in a savory broth, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. With its delightful aroma filling your kitchen, this recipe is a beautiful way to celebrate Italian heritage and create cherished memories around the table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 lb mild Italian sausage
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sausage, bread crumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; mix well. Form one-inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add diced onions and carrots; cook until soft.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add spinach and let it wilt for about two minutes.
- Gently drop meatballs into the broth; cook until they float (about 10 minutes).
- Stir in ditalini pasta; cook until tender (8-10 minutes). Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - To enhance flavors, brown the meatballs before adding them to the soup. - Feel free to substitute spinach with kale or add herbs like thyme for extra depth.