Homemade Italian Wedding Soup is much more than just a bowl of comfort. This delightful dish is a perfect representation of cozy family meals that bring everyone together, making it a staple in many homes. The alluring combination of tender meatballs, vibrant spinach, and small pasta, all simmered in a savory broth, infuses not only flavor but a sense of warmth that is hard to resist. As you gather around the table, each spoonful is a reminder of love and togetherness, often evoking memories of gatherings and celebrations among loved ones.

This soup is not just about heartiness; it’s about simplicity, too. With straightforward ingredients and steps, you can easily create a dish that even the pickiest eaters will adore. The homemade meatballs provide a depth of flavor that is unparalleled to anything store-bought, allowing the entire household to savor the essence of Italian cooking right from their own kitchens. Whether it’s a rainy day or a chilly winter evening, this soup will warm your heart and leave your taste buds dancing.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Italian Wedding Soup

Cozy & Comforting: Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Flavorful Ingredients: A delicious blend of meatballs, spinach, and pasta in a savory broth.
Easy to Prepare: Simple steps that make cooking enjoyable for everyone.
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vegetables, lean meats, and wholesome ingredients.
Customizable: Easy to tweak based on personal preferences or seasonal ingredients.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather all necessary tools to make your Homemade Italian Wedding Soup a success. Start by clearing your cooking space and ensuring you have all ingredients readily available to avoid any last-minute searches.

You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven to accommodate all the ingredients. A skillet will be necessary for browning the meatballs. Mixing bowls will come in handy for preparing the meat mixture, and a good set of measuring cups and spoons will ensure accuracy throughout your cooking process. Lastly, have a ladle accessible for serving your delicious soup once it’s ready, and ensure you have bowls and utensils for everyone ready for that inviting meal.

Ingredients

1 cup dry acini di pepe or orzo
8 oz lean ground beef
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
8 oz regular ground beef
1 large egg
1/2 cup fresh white bread crumbs
1 1/4 cups chopped yellow onion
1 Tbsp olive oil (for sautéing vegetables)
3/4 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan (plus more for serving)
1 Tbsp olive oil (for browning meatballs)
1 1/2 tsp minced fresh oregano (or 3/4 tsp dried)
6 oz fresh baby spinach, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
5 cans (14.5 oz each) low-sodium chicken broth
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 1/4 cups chopped carrots

Instructions

Step 1: Mix & Form Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean and regular ground beef, fresh breadcrumbs, parsley, oregano, parmesan cheese, the egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. This step is crucial for ensuring the meatballs hold together while cooking. Once the mixture is well blended, shape it into small meatballs, approximately ¾ to 1 inch in diameter. Set these aside on a plate as you prepare to brown them.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently add the shaped meatballs to the pan. Allow them to brown on two to three sides, cooking for about 5-7 minutes and ensuring they develop a lovely golden crust. This not only locks in flavor but also gives the meatballs a nice texture. Once browned, carefully remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, onions, and celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for 6 to 8 minutes until they begin to soften and the onions turn translucent. This step enhances the flavors of the vegetables, making for a richer soup base. Afterward, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.

Step 4: Add Broth & Simmer

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, carefully bringing the mixture to a boil. Use this opportunity to season the broth with additional salt and pepper to your liking. Once boiling, lower the heat and allow the soup to achieve a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Cook Pasta & Meatballs

Add the previously browned meatballs and dry pasta to the pot. Stir to ensure the meatballs are evenly distributed and the pasta is submerged. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked and the pasta reaches the desired tenderness.

Step 6: Add Spinach

As the final step, stir in the chopped spinach during the last minute of cooking. This ensures the spinach retains its vibrant color and nutrients without turning too wilted. It adds a beautiful freshness and a burst of green to the dish.

Step 7: Serve

Once everything is cooked to perfection, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with additional parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy this heartwarming soup while it’s hot, ideally accompanied by a slice of crusty bread for dipping and savoring every last drop.

Variations

Protein: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Vegetables: Add bell peppers or zucchini for additional flavors and colors.
Spices: Incorporate red pepper flakes if you desire a bit of heat.

Cooking Notes

Make sure to adjust seasoning progressively to your taste during cooking.
For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Serve with a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal.

Tips

Use day-old bread for breadcrumbs for a richer flavor.
Prep meatballs ahead of time and freeze them for easy meal preparation later on.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 320
Protein: 23g
Sodium: 700mg

FAQs

Can I make Italian Wedding Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Italian Wedding Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It can also be frozen for longer storage; just be aware that the pasta might become softer after freezing.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw and drain excess water before adding it to the soup.

What can I serve with Italian Wedding Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a crisp salad for a light, satisfying meal.

Conclusion

Homemade Italian Wedding Soup stands as a timeless dish that captures the heart of Italian family meals. With its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and comforting warmth, it’s a dish everyone can enjoy, making it perfect for gatherings, chilly nights, or simply a cozy dinner at home. Taking the time to create this from scratch not only fills your home with delightful aromas but also fosters cherished moments with loved ones around the table. So why not gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try? We would love to hear about your experiences with this classic dish—feel free to comment below, share your variations, or let us know what other family favorites inspire your culinary adventures!