Name: Italian Wedding Soup: Warm Up with this Tasty Recipe!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon olive oil; ½ lb. ground beef; 85% lean; ½ lb. ground pork; 1 egg; beaten; ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese; grated; 3 cloves garlic; minced; ⅓ cup fresh parsley; finely chopped; ¾ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 1 yellow onion; diced; 1 ¼ cups carrots; diced; 2 celery ribs; diced; 3 cloves garlic; minced; 8 cups chicken broth; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; ¾ cup acini de pepe pasta; uncooked; 4-5 cups fresh spinach; salt/pepper; to taste

Italian Wedding Soup captivates the senses with its rich flavors and comforting essence. This delightful dish, often enjoyed during festive gatherings, is a harmonious blend of tender meatballs, vibrant greens, and savory broth. The unique combination of ingredients brings warmth to any table, making it a beloved classic in Italian cuisine.

As you explore this enchanting fare, you’ll discover that the charm of this traditional soup lies in its simplicity and heartiness. Whip up a pot of this delicious Italian bridal soup, and you’ll not only nourish your body but also create cherished memories around shared meals. Dive in and experience the joy that awaits in every spoonful!

History :

Italian Wedding Soup, a cherished dish, hails from Southern Italy, although it’s primarily popular in Italian-American communities. Its origins are steeped in tradition, often thought to be served at weddings to symbolize love and family unity. The name can be misleading; “wedding” refers to the ingredients marrying together in a harmonious broth rather than a connection to actual weddings.

Historically, this comforting soup features a blend of meatballs—commonly made from ground meat such as pork and beef—paired with tender greens like spinach or escarole. The hearty combination creates a warm, nourishing experience, making it a favorite during cold months.

As culinary influences expanded, variations emerged, showcasing diverse ingredients. For another delightful soup to try, consider a Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, which shares that same cozy comfort yet presents a completely different flavor profile. Today, Italian Wedding Soup remains not only a staple at family gatherings but also a celebration of Italian culture and culinary art. Embrace this dish for its rich history and delightful taste!

Ingredients for Italian Wedding Soup:

Italian Wedding Soup is a warm and hearty dish, perfect for any occasion. To make this comforting soup, you will need the following ingredients:

Meatballs Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ lb. ground beef (85% lean)
½ lb. ground pork
1 egg, beaten
½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

Soup Ingredients

1 yellow onion, diced
1 ¼ cups carrots, diced
2 celery ribs, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
¾ cup acini de pepe pasta, uncooked
4-5 cups fresh spinach
Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

For serving, add freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Italian Wedding Soup captures the essence of a cozy meal, similar to other comforting dishes like broccoli cheddar soup. It’s nutritious and satisfying! Enjoy this delightful recipe on cold evenings or family gatherings.

How to Prepare Italian Wedding Soup:

To create a delightful Italian Wedding Soup, begin by preparing the meatballs. In a bowl, combine ½ pound of ground beef and ½ pound of ground pork. Mix in a beaten egg, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Shape this mixture into small meatballs and set aside.

Next, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in additional minced garlic and cook for another minute. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle with Italian seasoning; bring to a boil. Gently add the meatballs to the broth and let them simmer.

Once the meatballs are cooked through, incorporate the acini de pepe pasta and fresh spinach. Allow the pasta to cook until tender, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

For more comforting soup ideas, check out this recipe for Easy Pizza Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Delight. For a deeper dive into the traditional Italian Wedding Soup, visit The Cozy Cook.

Variations:

Italian Wedding Soup, with its succulent meatballs and vibrant greens, offers great opportunities for variation. One popular twist is to substitute traditional meatballs with chicken or turkey meatballs. This lighter version maintains all the flavors but caters to those seeking a healthier option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian take, you can swap in lentil or chickpea meatballs, enriching the dish with plant-based protein.

Another delightful variation involves using different greens. While escarole is classic, kale or spinach could be used as substitutes for a new flavor profile. If you wish to enhance the soup’s creaminess, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of pesto as a garnish.

For a comforting soup experience, try pairing your Italian Wedding Soup with a cheesy tomato tortellini soup, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. This pairing creates a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Feel free to experiment with your ingredients to make your version of Italian Wedding Soup uniquely yours!

Serving Suggestions for Italian Wedding Soup:

When it comes to serving Italian Wedding Soup, consider pairing it with crusty bread for an authentic Italian experience. The bread helps soak up the flavorful broth, enhancing each bite. A light salad with mixed greens and a citrus vinaigrette complements the soup perfectly, balancing its hearty flavors. For a more robust meal, serve it alongside some garlic bread or cheesy focaccia.

Additionally, you might enjoy it with Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, which offers a delightful contrast to the savory elements of Italian Wedding Soup. The combination of rich tomato flavors with the fresh herbs in your wedding soup can create a satisfying dining experience.

Finally, consider garnishing your soup with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil. This not only adds flavor but also elevates its presentation, making it a lovely dish for gatherings or cozy dinners at home.

Storage Tips for Italian Wedding Soup:

To ensure the freshness of your Italian Wedding Soup, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal flavor. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions; simply thaw and reheat when desired. For variety in your soup repertoire, check out this delicious broccoli cheddar soup recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What ingredients are typically found in Italian Wedding Soup?

Italian Wedding Soup traditionally includes small meatballs, spinach, and tiny pasta like orzo or acini di pepe. Often, garlic and onions are sautéed to build a flavorful base, resulting in a hearty broth that ties all elements together.

Can I make a vegetarian version of Italian Wedding Soup?

Yes, a vegetarian adaptation can be made by using plant-based meat substitutes for the meatballs and opting for vegetable broth. Adding fresh herbs and various vegetables can create a delightful alternative that remains comforting.

How long does Italian Wedding Soup last in the fridge?

When stored in an airtight container, Italian Wedding Soup can last up to three to four days in the refrigerator. However, the pasta may absorb too much broth over time, so it’s best to add it fresh when serving.

Is Italian Wedding Soup suitable for freezing?

Certainly! This savory soup freezes well, but it’s advisable to freeze the broth separately from the pasta and meatballs to maintain texture. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat and cook fresh pasta.

What can I serve with Italian Wedding Soup?

A crunchy bread or a fresh salad pairs beautifully with Italian Wedding Soup. For example, a cheesy garlic bread, like that found in our Cheesy Tomato Tortellini Soup recipe, can add a delicious complement to your meal.

Can I use frozen vegetables in Italian Wedding Soup?

Definitely! Frozen vegetables can be a convenient option, especially spinach. Just remember to add them during the last few minutes of cooking, ensuring they retain their vibrant color and nutrients.

Italian Wedding Soup: Warm Up with this Tasty Recipe!

Total Time: 50
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring savory meatballs, tender vegetables, and hearty acini de pepe pasta, all simmered in a flavorful chicken broth.

Ingredients

Scale

1 Tablespoon olive oil

½ lb. ground beef

85% lean

½ lb. ground pork

1 egg

beaten

½ cup Italian breadcrumbs

¼ cup Parmesan cheese

grated

3 cloves garlic

minced

⅓ cup fresh parsley

finely chopped

¾ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

1 yellow onion

diced

1 ¼ cups carrots

diced

2 celery ribs

diced

3 cloves garlic

minced

8 cups chicken broth

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

¾ cup acini de pepe pasta

uncooked

4–5 cups fresh spinach

salt/pepper

to taste

Parmesan cheese

freshly grated

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and form into small meatballs.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and add Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
Add the browned meatballs back into the pot along with the acini de pepe pasta. Reduce heat and simmer according to pasta package instructions.
In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.