Italian Wedding Soup is like a cozy hug on a chilly day. Imagine the savory aroma of simmering broth, mingling with tender meatballs and vibrant greens. Mediterranean-inspired potatoes This dish is more than just soup; it’s a flavorful celebration of comfort food that dances on your taste buds.
Growing up, family gatherings often featured Italian Wedding Soup, where laughter echoed and stories unfolded over steaming bowls. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary meal into an unforgettable occasion, perfect for holidays or a simple weeknight dinner. perfect side for soup Get ready to savor every spoonful of this delightful blend!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Italian Wedding Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The rich broth and savory meatballs create a flavor explosion in every bite
- Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it visually appealing for any table setting
- Versatile enough to adapt with various greens or pasta shapes, this soup suits any palate!
Sharing this soup at our last family gathering brought everyone together—and oh boy, the compliments were endless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for juicy meatballs without excess fat, ensuring tenderness.
- Italian Sausage: Opt for sweet or spicy Italian sausage to enhance the flavor profile. sweet finish to your meal.
- Fresh Spinach: Choose vibrant green spinach as it adds color and nutrients to your soup.
- Carrots: Slice thinly for sweetness; they add a lovely crunch and bright color.
- Onion: Finely chop onion for a base flavor that infuses the broth with richness.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth so you can better control the saltiness in your dish.
- Ditalini Pasta: These small pasta shapes absorb the broth perfectly; you can use any small pasta if needed. For more inspiration, check out this Ravioli Lasagna recipe.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef and Italian sausage with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until just combined—overmixing leads to tough meatballs.
Sear the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook meatballs until browned on all sides; they’ll not be fully cooked yet but will develop amazing flavor.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onions and carrots, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Broth and Spinach: Pour in chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add spinach once broth reaches a gentle boil; let it wilt down beautifully.
Cook Pasta: Once spinach has wilted, stir in ditalini pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente—this usually takes around 8-10 minutes.
Finish and Serve: Taste for seasoning adjustments; add salt or pepper if necessary. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra punch!
As you dive into this soul-warming Italian Wedding Soup, remember that each spoonful is packed with love and tradition! Enjoy!
You Must Know
- Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful blend of flavors
- The meatballs add heartiness while the greens provide freshness
- Serve it with crusty bread for a comforting meal that warms the soul, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by making the meatballs and browning them in a pan. While they cook, sauté vegetables and then add broth to create a flavorful base before adding the meatballs and pasta. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Butter Beans recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different greens like kale or spinach. You can also use chicken or turkey for lighter meatballs, or toss in some herbs like basil for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To perfectly season your meatballs, taste a small uncooked piece first
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente when added to the soup
- For extra depth, add some Parmesan rinds while simmering your broth
Cooking Italian Wedding Soup has always held a special place in my heart since my grandmother’s day when she’d whip it up every Sunday for family gatherings.
FAQ
What type of meat is best for Italian Wedding Soup?
Ground beef and pork make superb meatballs, but chicken or turkey works well too.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Making it a day ahead enhances the flavors significantly and saves time.
Is there a vegetarian version of Italian Wedding Soup?
Absolutely! Replace meat with beans or lentils and use vegetable broth for delicious alternatives. delicious roasted asparagus.
Italian Wedding Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful blend of savory meatballs, vibrant greens, and tender pasta, simmered in a rich chicken broth. This comforting dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. With its mouthwatering aroma and hearty flavors, each spoonful offers a taste of tradition and warmth that brings loved ones together.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, and salt until just combined. Form into small meatballs.
- Sear the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides; they do not need to be fully cooked.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onions and carrots to the pot; sauté until onions are translucent.
- Add Broth and Spinach: Pour in the chicken broth; scrape the bottom of the pot for flavor. Add spinach when the broth reaches a gentle boil.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
- Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
