Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup is a warm and comforting dish featuring tender meatballs, fresh leafy greens, small pasta, and a rich, aromatic chicken broth. This soup blends hearty and wholesome ingredients to deliver a nourishing and flavorful meal perfect for cozy nights in or special gatherings.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta is used)
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef (or mix beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Soup Base
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh herbs (additional parsley, garlic, and seasoning, to taste)
Main Add-ins
- 1 cup small pasta (acini di pepe or orzo)
- 4 cups leafy greens (escarole or spinach), washed and chopped
Finishing Touch
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat with finely chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined, then form small, bite-sized meatballs.
- Simmer the Broth: Bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil in a large pot. Add fresh parsley, garlic, seasoning, and optional nutmeg to develop a rich, flavorful base.
- Cook the Meatballs: Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering broth. Cook until they float to the surface and are cooked through, releasing their savory juices into the soup.
- Add Pasta and Greens: Add the small pasta and leafy greens to the pot. Cook until the pasta is tender and the greens are wilted but still vibrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in a handful of freshly grated Parmesan just before serving, blending the flavors and adding a creamy, savory finish.
Notes
- Make meatballs small for even cooking and better spoonful balance.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley and garlic to enhance aroma and flavor.
- Add greens last and cook briefly to retain color and nutrients.
- Simmer broth gently to prevent meatballs from breaking apart and pasta overcooking.
- Homemade chicken broth adds extra richness, but quality store-bought works well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Italian Wedding Soup, meatball soup, comfort food, chicken broth soup, acini di pepe soup, Italian soup, cozy soup