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Italian Wedding Soup

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: Italian Wedding Soup, meatball soup, comfort food, chicken broth soup, acini di pepe soup, Italian soup, cozy soup