Classic Italian Wedding Soup

Discover the comforting flavors of Classic Italian Wedding Soup, a heartfelt blend of tender meatballs, vibrant greens, and savory broth that warms your soul from the very first spoonful. This traditional Italian-American favorite offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, inviting everyone to gather around the table and savor every comforting bite. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a special family meal, this soup has an undeniable way of making you feel right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and nourishing: The combination of protein-packed meatballs and nutrient-rich greens makes it a filling yet healthy option.
• Simple ingredients: Using everyday ingredients ensures it’s easy to prepare without compromising authentic flavor.
• Family-friendly: Mild seasonings and familiar tastes appeal to kids and adults alike.
• Comfort in every bowl: The warm, savory broth soothes and satisfies during any season.
• Versatile and adaptable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit dietary preferences or seasonal produce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great recipe starts with quality ingredients, and Classic Italian Wedding Soup is no exception. These simple essentials unlock its comforting texture, fresh taste, and vibrant color, making the cooking process both straightforward and rewarding.

• Ground meat blend: Typically a mix of beef and pork provides juicy, flavorful meatballs.
• Fresh spinach or escarole: Adds a bright, slightly bitter contrast that’s essential for balance.
• Small pasta shapes: Acini di pepe or orzo work beautifully to add just the right bite.
• Chicken broth: The hearty base that ties all the flavors together and keeps it light yet savory.
• Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle at the end gives richness and a salty punch that elevates the dish.
• Eggs and breadcrumbs: Key for tender, cohesive meatballs that hold up well in the soup.
• Garlic and onion: Aromatics that build depth and a welcoming aroma.

Variations for Classic Italian Wedding Soup

This beloved soup is incredibly easy to make your own. Feel free to experiment with these variations that fit dietary needs, seasonal ingredients, or flavor twists to keep your soup game exciting.

• Ground turkey or chicken: Use leaner meats for a lighter, heart-healthy version.
• Vegetarian twist: Substitute meatballs with hearty mushrooms or lentil patties for a satisfying plant-based meal.
• Greens swap: Try kale, Swiss chard, or mustard greens for different textures and flavors.
• Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes for those who love a little heat.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta or omit the pasta entirely for a classic broth-forward experience.

How to Make Classic Italian Wedding Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a bowl, combine ground meat, eggs, breadcrumbs, finely chopped garlic and onions, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined to keep the meatballs tender, then form into small, bite-sized balls about one inch in diameter.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the meatballs gently, turning to brown each side but not cooking them through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Into the same pot, add finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Meatballs

Add the pasta to the boiling broth first, as it takes the longest to cook. After about 5 minutes, gently drop in the meatballs and let everything simmer until the meatballs are fully cooked and the pasta is tender.

Step 5: Add the Greens

Stir in fresh spinach or escarole leaves in the last few minutes of cooking, just until wilted, which preserves their bright color and fresh flavor.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then ladle the soup into bowls. Finish each serving with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for that perfect savory finish.

Pro Tips for Making Classic Italian Wedding Soup

• Minimize overmixing: Too much mixing can make meatballs tough, so fold ingredients gently.
• Use fresh, homemade broth: A rich chicken broth will dramatically elevate the soup’s flavor.
• Cook pasta separately (optional): For better texture, cook the pasta in a separate pot and add it just before serving.
• Skim excess fat: Remove excess oil or foam from the broth for a clearer, lighter soup.
• Make meatballs tiny: Smaller meatballs cook quicker and provide perfect bites throughout the soup.

How to Serve Classic Italian Wedding Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano at the table adds sharpness to complement the mellow broth. Fresh chopped parsley or basil brightens the flavors and adds a lively green touch.

Side Dishes

Serve your soup with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping into the broth. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette works beautifully to keep the meal light yet satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls with individual ramekins of cheese and chili flakes for personalized seasoning. For an elegant touch, place the meatballs on skewers as a fun appetizer alongside the soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Classic Italian Wedding Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the broth and meatballs stay fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

This soup freezes well but for best texture, freeze the broth and meatballs separately from the pasta and greens. Reheat gently and add fresh pasta and greens when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat soup slowly on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the tenderness of the meatballs and prevent the pasta from becoming mushy. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Is Classic Italian Wedding Soup actually served at Italian weddings?

Despite the name, Classic Italian Wedding Soup is not a traditional wedding dish but rather a translation of “minestra maritata,” which means “married soup,” referring to the marriage of flavors between meat and greens.

Can I make the soup vegetarian?

Yes, by replacing meatballs with plant-based meat substitutes or hearty vegetables like mushrooms, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian version.

What type of greens work best?

Traditional greens like escarole or spinach are preferred for their mild bitterness and tender texture, but kale and Swiss chard are great substitutes if you want a bolder flavor.

Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the meatballs a day ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator to streamline your cooking process.

How can I make the meatballs more tender?

Adding a little milk-soaked breadcrumb and not over-mixing the meat mixture helps keep the meatballs soft and tender inside after cooking.

Final Thoughts

If comfort food had a champion, Classic Italian Wedding Soup would surely take the crown. Its rich broth, tasty meatballs, and fresh greens create an inviting, soul-warming meal that’s perfect any day of the year. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds, feeling the warm embrace of Italian tradition in every delicious bowl.

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