Italian Wedding Soup is a warm and cozy dish that features tiny meatballs, fresh greens, and tasty pasta in a flavorful broth. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
This soup is perfect for chilly days or when you need a little cheer. I love how easy it is to whip up, and it always brings a smile to my family’s faces at dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds richness to your soup. If you prefer, avocado oil or even butter can work if you want a different flavor.
Ground Beef: While beef is traditional, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. A mix of beef and pork gives great flavor, too.
Pasta: Acini di pepe is best, but if you can’t find it, Israeli couscous or even small elbow pasta is a good substitute. Keep cooking times in mind!
Spinach: Fresh spinach works well, but you can swap it with kale or Swiss chard for a different texture and taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs are Tender?
To keep meatballs tender, don’t overmix the meat mixture. Just blend the ingredients until they’re barely combined. Also, adding breadcrumbs and cheese helps keep them moist.
- Shape them gently without pressing too hard.
- Drop them into simmering broth carefully.
- Keep the heat moderate so they cook through evenly without getting tough.
These tips should help ensure your meatballs are perfect in every bowl!
How to Make Italian Wedding Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup acini di pepe or Israeli couscous pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach or escarole, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Italian Wedding Soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook. So, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish. A little time for a big bowl of warmth!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, throw in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell the lovely aroma.
2. Prepare the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while you prepare the meatballs.
3. Make the Meatballs:
In a medium bowl, mix the ground beef, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper together. Be gentle when mixing—just combine the ingredients until evenly mixed. You don’t want tough meatballs!
4. Shape the Meatballs:
Now, take a bit of the meat mixture and roll it into small meatballs, about 3/4 inch in diameter. You should get about 20-25 meatballs depending on the size.
5. Cook the Meatballs:
Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering broth. Let them cook gently for about 10 minutes, until they’re cooked through. You can gently stir if needed—but be careful not to break them!
6. Add the Pasta:
Next, add the acini di pepe pasta to the soup and let it simmer for another 6-8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
7. Stir in the Greens:
Add the chopped spinach to the soup. Stir until the spinach is just wilted, which takes about 2 minutes.
8. Final Adjustments:
Now, taste your soup! Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top, and enjoy every comforting sip of your homemade Italian Wedding Soup!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the soup. It will work beautifully in this recipe!
What Can I Substitute for Acini di Pepe?
If you can’t find acini di pepe, Israeli couscous or small pasta like ditalini or orzo can be used as great alternatives. Just keep an eye on the cooking time for these substitutions!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the pasta from becoming mushy, consider storing the soup and pasta separately if you don’t plan to eat it all at once.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! You can use vegetable broth and replace the meatballs with vegetarian alternatives, such as cooked lentils, chickpeas, or store-bought meatless meatballs. Just adjust the spices to your taste!