There’s something magical about Italian Wedding Soup. Picture this: a fragrant blend of savory broth, tender meatballs, and vibrant greens dancing together in a warm embrace. The first sip sends an orchestra of flavors waltzing across your palate, while the delightful aroma wraps around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. perfect side dish for gatherings It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel right at home, no matter where you are.
This delightful soup has been a staple in my family for years—like that quirky uncle who shows up to every family gathering with an even quirkier joke. I remember the first time I made it for friends; their eyes lit up as they took their first spoonful, and I knew I had struck gold. soft pumpkin dinner rolls Whether it’s Sunday dinner or a casual weeknight meal, Italian Wedding Soup is perfect for any occasion. Get ready to dive into an explosion of flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Italian Wedding Soup is easy to prepare and comes together in under an hour
- Its rich, savory flavors make it comforting and satisfying, perfect for chilly evenings
- The vibrant colors from the veggies and herbs create a visually appealing dish that looks stunning in any bowl
- Versatile enough for any season, this soup can be served as an appetizer or main course
I remember making this soup one snowy evening and hearing my family rave about how it was like a warm hug in a bowl.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use high-quality beef for juicy meatballs; lean beef works well if you prefer less fat.
- Italian Sausage: Choose sweet or spicy sausage for added flavor; just be mindful of your spice tolerance. For more inspiration, check out this Italian Sausage Pasta Soup recipe.
- Fresh Spinach: Opt for bright green spinach; it wilts beautifully and adds color and nutrients to the soup.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots bring sweetness; dice them small so they cook evenly and blend well with other ingredients.
- Onion: A medium onion adds depth; sauté until translucent to release its natural sweetness.
- Garlic: You can never have too much garlic! Mince fresh cloves for robust flavor that pairs perfectly with the broth.
- Chicken Broth: Use homemade broth if possible; it enhances flavor and richness compared to store-bought options.
- Pasta: Small pasta shapes like orzo or acini di pepe work best; cook them separately to maintain texture.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds brightness; chop finely before adding it in for a fresh finish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. holiday ham glaze recipe.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but don’t overwork it; form into small meatballs.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté diced onions and carrots until soft and aromatic—about 5 minutes should do it.
Add the Broth and Meatballs: Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Carefully add meatballs one by one; they should float as they cook through.
Add Spinach and Pasta: Once meatballs are cooked (about 10-15 minutes), stir in spinach until wilted. Add pre-cooked pasta directly into the pot for extra heartiness.
Season to Perfection!: Taste your soup! Add additional seasoning like salt or pepper if needed—those flavors should sing!
Serve Warm with Love!: Ladle your warm soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread on the side—a must-have companion!
This Italian Wedding Soup isn’t just food; it’s an experience that brings people together around the table. Each spoonful offers warmth that rivals even the coziest blanket on winter nights! So go ahead—grab those ingredients and let’s make some culinary magic happen! comforting chicken soup recipe.
You Must Know
- Italian Wedding Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl
- With tender meatballs, fresh greens, and a flavorful broth, each spoonful warms the soul and fills the belly
- Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meatballs for rich flavor, then simmer the broth while cooking the pasta. This order ensures everything is perfectly cooked and melded together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out greens like spinach for kale or add beans for extra protein. Personalizing this soup can elevate its flavors and make it your own.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain its deliciousness without overcooking.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect meatballs, use a mix of ground meats for flavor and texture
- Always taste your broth before serving—it should be savory yet balanced
- Adding grated Parmesan enhances richness without overpowering other flavors
Sharing this dish with friends last winter brought back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with laughter and love as we savored every spoonful together.
FAQ
What makes Italian Wedding Soup special?
For more inspiration, check out this Beef Macaroni Soup recipe.
Italian Wedding Soup combines flavors that symbolize unity and love, perfect for celebrations.
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, using frozen meatballs saves time but ensure they’re fully cooked before serving.
Is Italian Wedding Soup healthy?
Absolutely! It’s packed with nutrients from veggies, lean proteins, and flavorful broth without excess calories.
Italian Wedding Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Italian Wedding Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines tender meatballs, vibrant greens, and a rich broth to create a cozy meal perfect for any occasion. In under an hour, you can serve up this delightful soup that warms the soul with every spoonful. Ideal for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this recipe is easy to make and will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ground beef
- 1 cup Italian sausage
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (orzo or acini di pepe)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté diced onions and carrots until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Carefully add meatballs one by one; they should float as they cook through.
- After about 10-15 minutes of cooking the meatballs, stir in spinach until wilted. Add pre-cooked pasta directly into the pot.
- Taste and season with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor, brown the meatballs before adding them to the soup. Feel free to substitute spinach with kale or add beans for extra protein. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.