Print

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish made with tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, small pasta, and leafy greens simmered in a savory chicken broth. It’s a hearty, wholesome meal perfect for any time of year.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork (or use 1 lb ground beef total)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup acini di pepe or other small pasta
  • 4 cups fresh spinach or escarole
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Additional grated Parmesan for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine ground meats, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix and roll into small meatballs.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches until golden. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5–6 minutes.
  4. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  5. Return meatballs to the pot and simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Stir in pasta and cook until tender, about 8–10 minutes.
  7. Add spinach or escarole and simmer for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
  8. Finish with fresh parsley and serve with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Brown meatballs before simmering to keep them firm and flavorful.
  • Add a Parmesan rind while simmering for extra flavor.
  • Use kale, escarole, or frozen spinach as alternatives to fresh spinach.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
  • Soup tastes even better the next day—great for leftovers!

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/italian-wedding-soup-3/