Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting, flavorful classic that brings together tender meatballs, vibrant greens, and delicate pasta in a rich, savory broth. Despite its name, this soup isn’t just for weddings — it’s a beloved family favorite across Italy and around the world.
The combination of juicy meatballs, nutrient-packed spinach, and tiny pasta pearls makes it hearty, wholesome, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for a cozy dinner, lunch, or a festive gathering, this soup embodies warmth, nutrition, and elegance in one bowl. Every spoonful delivers a comforting taste of Italian home cooking.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of hearty and healthy. The homemade meatballs are tender, flavorful, and pair beautifully with the savory broth. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition, while tiny pasta or orzo gives the soup body and texture.
It’s a one-pot meal that feels indulgent yet light, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining. The aroma alone is comforting, evoking the warmth of Italian kitchens. It’s a recipe that’s both classic and versatile, making it a staple in my weeknight and holiday rotation.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
Italian Wedding Soup is a must-try because it’s a complete meal in one bowl, combining protein, vegetables, and pasta. The flavors are layered yet balanced — the tender meatballs complement the light, flavorful broth and the greens add freshness.
It’s perfect for introducing friends or family to traditional Italian cuisine. Additionally, it’s versatile: you can customize the greens, pasta, or seasonings to suit your taste. This recipe is comforting, nourishing, and elegant — making it ideal for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Appetizer / Main Course / Soup
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork (or use all beef)
- ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup small pasta (acini di pepe, orzo, or ditalini)
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Simple Cooking Directions
- Mix and form meatballs, then lightly brown in a skillet.
- Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil.
- Add chicken broth, herbs, and seasonings.
- Gently add meatballs and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in pasta and cook until tender.
- Add spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese.
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Brown meatballs on all sides for 3–4 minutes (they don’t need to cook through). Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Simmer Meatballs
Carefully add the browned meatballs to the simmering broth. Reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and flavors meld.
Step 6: Cook Pasta
Add the pasta to the soup and cook according to package instructions until tender (usually 7–10 minutes).
Step 7: Add Spinach
Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.
How to Serve
Serve Italian Wedding Soup hot with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. Pair with a light salad for a complete meal. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or Parmesan for a restaurant-style presentation.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Use a mix of beef and pork for juicier meatballs.
- Do not overmix meatball ingredients to keep them tender.
- For richer flavor, simmer the broth with a Parmesan rind.
- Use fresh spinach for vibrant color and taste, but kale can be a substitute.
- Make meatballs in advance and freeze for quicker meals.
Variations
- Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Substitute for a lighter version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
- Vegetable-Heavy: Add zucchini, green beans, or peas for more nutrients.
- Mini Meatballs: Make smaller meatballs for party-sized servings.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based meatballs and vegetable broth, and omit cheese.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Soup without pasta can be frozen for 2–3 months. Add pasta fresh when reheating. Meatballs can also be frozen separately before adding to the soup.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl (for meatballs)
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Skillet (for browning meatballs)
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Knife and cutting board
Conclusion
Italian Wedding Soup with Meatballs and Spinach is a wholesome, hearty, and comforting dish that delights both the eyes and the palate. Its tender meatballs, savory broth, and vibrant greens create a balance of flavors and textures that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Easy to make, versatile, and satisfying, this soup embodies the heart of Italian home cooking. Cozy, nourishing, and full of flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again — a true crowd-pleaser that warms both body and soul.
Italian Wedding Soup with Meatballs and Spinach
Description
Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting, flavorful classic that brings together tender meatballs, vibrant greens, and delicate pasta in a rich, savory broth. Despite its name, this soup isn’t just for weddings — it’s a beloved family favorite across Italy and around the world.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
For the Soup:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Make the Meatballs : In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
-
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs : Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Brown meatballs on all sides for 3–4 minutes (they don’t need to cook through). Remove and set aside.
-
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables : In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
-
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings : Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
-
Step 5: Simmer Meatballs : Carefully add the browned meatballs to the simmering broth. Reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and flavors meld.
-
Step 6: Cook Pasta : Add the pasta to the soup and cook according to package instructions until tender (usually 7–10 minutes).
-
Step 7: Add Spinach : Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
-
Step 8: Serve : Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.
