Like our recent Chicken and Stars, this recipe is a perfect example of a light pasta soup that totally satisfies. Italian Wedding Soup is a classic Italian-American soup, and a staple on menus at pasta restaurants and pizza shops. But once you try homemade, we bet you’ll never order it again!
Why You’ll Love It
You’ll love this Italian Wedding Soup recipe for its comforting warmth and rich flavors, making it a perfect dish for any season. One of the key reasons to adore this soup is its use of simple ingredients. Nothing fancy or hard to find here. Another fantastic aspect of this recipe is that it’s easy to make, yet it delivers such a delicious and complex flavor profile. From the savory meatballs to the aromatic vegetables simmered in a delicious broth, every element comes together seamlessly.
Ingredient Notes
For a complete list, along with exact measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post. Here are the main ingredients you’re going to need to make Italian Wedding Soup:
Ground Beef and Pork: You can also add ground lamb into the mix, or go with ground chicken for a healthier option. Parmesan Cheese: Used both in the meatballs and optionally as a rind in the soup. Breadcrumbs: These help to bind the meatballs and keep them moist. You can use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, depending on your preference. Aromatics (Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery): These vegetables create the soup’s flavor foundation. They should be diced uniformly for even cooking. Chicken and Beef Broth: You can use one or the other if you prefer, but we like the combination. Acini de Pepe Pasta: This small pasta is traditional in Italian Wedding Soup. If unavailable, other small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or stars can be substituted. Spinach: It should be added towards the end of cooking to retain its color and slight crunch.
Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
Serving Suggestions
We usually enjoy this soup as a light main dish, along with some crusty bread and a green salad. It’s also a wonderful appetizer. Start your Italian night with a cup of soup, then follow it up with Steak Pizzaiola, Chicken Cacciatore or Eggplant Parm.
Variations
Italian Wedding Soup typically doesn’t vary much in its base ingredients. That being said, it’s your soup, make it how you like. Here are some ideas:
Swap the ground beef and pork for Italian sausage. It adds a new layer of flavors. Replace pasta with rice or quinoa for a different grain option. Add more veggies. We especially love mushrooms here. Or try different greens like kale or arugula. Replace the meatballs with diced rotisserie chicken for lazier days. Give it a flavor boost with a few tablespoons of Pesto Sauce.
Leftovers and Storage
Italian wedding soup refrigerates well for 4-5 days. First, allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container for refrigeration. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Reheat the soup in a pan on stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Note that the pasta will have absorbed some of the liquid, so you may wish to add some water to regain the soupy consistency.
A Few Tips
Don’t Overmix Meatballs: When preparing the meatballs, mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense meatballs. Sauté Vegetables Until Softened: Before adding the broth, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they begin to soften. This enhances their natural sweetness and flavors. Add Greens at the End: Stir in the spinach or other greens just before serving. This preserves their color and texture, ensuring they don’t become overcooked and wilted. Let it Rest: If time allows, let the soup sit off the heat for a few minutes before serving.
We hope you love this Italian wedding soup recipe as much as we do. It’s amazing what flavors can develop from such simple ingredients. Pin or bookmark this easy recipe so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new recipes for you. For more easy and delicious meals, check out our hand-picked collection of Dinner Ideas for Tonight. Until next time, happy cooking!
Italian Wedding Soup, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!
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