Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting classic made with tender beef meatballs, tiny pasta, and fresh spinach all simmered in a savory chicken broth. Despite its name, this soup has nothing to do with weddings—it’s all about the perfect “marriage” of flavors! Whether you're looking for a cozy winter meal or a lighter soup for spring, this dish delivers on taste and simplicity. Serve it with a loaf of crusty bread and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a satisfying homemade meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs plain
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley chopeed
- 2 tsp italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Soup
- 8 cups chicken broth you can also use 1/2 beef broth
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup small pasta
- 8 oz fresh spinach
- freshly grated parmesan for garnish
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and roll into 1-inch meatballs.
- Step 2:
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté carrots, celery, and onion for about 5–6 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Step 3:
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Carefully drop in the meatballs. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through.
- Step 4:
- Add pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally.
- Step 5:
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until wilted. Serve hot with grated Parmesan and crusty bread if desired.
Notes
When it comes to the nutrition information provided for recipes, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s just an estimate. The actual nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Be mindful that any nutritional information provided is intended as a general guideline rather than exact values.
Notes
- To freeze: Cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. If freezing, consider cooking pasta separately and adding it fresh when reheating to avoid mushy texture.
- Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter variation.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 251kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 23gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 87mgSodium: 1774mgPotassium: 513mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 3736IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 121mgIron: 3mg
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