Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

This Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe is a delightful blend of savory meatballs, tender greens, and small pasta, all simmered in a rich chicken broth. Perfect for cozy family dinners or chilly nights, this dish stands out with its comforting flavors and satisfying ingredients. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and the warmth it brings to your dining table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The combination of ground beef meatballs and fresh greens creates a deliciously warm meal.
• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 70 minutes, you can whip up this classic dish in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to mix and match the greens and pasta types according to your preference.
• Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well, making it ideal for leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the preparation smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Soup pot
• Wooden spoon
• Meat thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Soup pot: A sturdy pot ensures even cooking for your soup.
• Meat thermometer: Guarantees that your meatballs are cooked thoroughly for safety.

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Ingredients

This classic comfort dish is packed with flavorful meatballs made with ground beef, tender greens, and tiny pasta in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for chilly nights or a cozy family meal!

For the Meatballs

• 8 oz. beef, ground
• 8 oz. beef, ground
• 2 slices fresh white bread, crust trimmed, torn into pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tsp.)
• 1/2 medium white onion, grated or finely chopped
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
• 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, freshly grated
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 large egg
• 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce (or sub milk)

For the Soup Base

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 medium white onion, chopped
• 3 large carrots, peeled and finely chopped
• 4 stalks celery, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp. sage, fresh, chopped

For the Broth and Greens

• 10-12 cups chicken broth (homemade preferred but store bought is OK too)
• 2 cups cooked small pasta, such as acini di pepe or ditalini (or cook more pasta as desired)
• 8 cups greens (baby spinach, endive, kale, or escarole)
• Optional: Parmigiano Reggiano for garnish and good quality olive oil

How to Make Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the bread, garlic, onion, parsley, cheese, salt, egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Once combined, add in both types of ground beef. Gently mix with clean hands or a spoon until thoroughly blended.

Step 2: Roll into Balls (and Brown)

Roll the mixture into small meatballs about 3/4-inch in size using your hands or a small melon baller. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Optionally brown the meatballs in batches in a large pot with olive oil for about 2 minutes until they are nearly cooked through.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Add olive oil to a large soup pot along with chopped onions, celery, carrots, salt & pepper. Sweat over low heat for about 15 minutes while stirring occasionally. Then add garlic and sage; stir for approximately one minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. For extra flavor, consider adding the rind of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese at this point!

Step 5: Add Meatballs

Gently place the meatballs into the boiling broth. When they float to the top, they’re likely done—confirm doneness by checking that they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Step 6: Add Greens, Garnish, and Serve

Stir in your greens (such as baby spinach). Adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt or pepper before serving. Spoon cooked pasta into bowls first followed by generous ladles of soup. Finish with freshly grated cheese and drizzle with olive oil if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Easy Italian Wedding Soup!

How to Serve Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Serving Easy Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with some simple additions. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve warm, crusty bread alongside to soak up the delicious broth. A rustic baguette or ciabatta works perfectly.

Garnished with Herbs

• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or additional grated cheese on top for added freshness and flavor.

With a Side Salad

• Offer a light side salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil over each bowl enhances the flavor and adds a touch of elegance.

As Part of a Family Meal

• Serve the soup as part of a larger family-style meal, accompanied by other Italian favorites like lasagna or risotto for variety.

How to Perfect Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Perfecting your Easy Italian Wedding Soup takes just a few tips. Follow these guidelines for an exceptional dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables enhance flavor and nutrition, making the soup more vibrant.

• Don’t Overcook the Meatballs: To keep meatballs tender, avoid cooking them fully before adding them to the soup; they’ll finish cooking in the broth.

• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper gradually during cooking for the best flavor balance.

• Add Greens at the End: Stir in fresh greens just before serving to maintain their color and texture for an appealing presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Easy Italian Wedding Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the soup perfectly, offering crunch and flavor that enhances each bite.

2. Caprese Salad: A refreshing caprese salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil adds brightness and acidity to your meal.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables provide a hearty side that pairs beautifully with the comforting flavors of the soup.

4. Italian Antipasto Platter: An antipasto platter featuring olives, artichokes, peppers, and cheeses serves as an enticing appetizer before the soup.

5. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies offer a filling side that complements the lightness of the soup.

6. Polenta: Creamy polenta can be served alongside for added texture; it absorbs flavors well from the broth.

7. Focaccia Bread: Soft focaccia topped with herbs is perfect for dipping into your bowl of soup.

8. Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette offers lightness and balances out the richness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a delicious result.

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the meatballs can lead to a less flavorful soup. Take the time to brown them before adding them to the broth for a richer taste.

• Overcooking the greens: Cooking greens too long can make them mushy and lose their vibrant color. Add them at the end of cooking to keep their texture and nutrients intact.

• Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality broth can diminish the flavor of your soup. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken broth for the best results.

• Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can leave your soup bland. Be sure to taste and adjust salt and pepper levels throughout the cooking process.

• Overcrowding the pot: Adding too many meatballs at once can cause uneven cooking. Cook them in batches to ensure they brown evenly and cook through properly.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The soup will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, heating for about 20-25 minutes.

• Microwave: Pour individual servings into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe that may help you during preparation.

Can I use different meats for Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor profile while keeping it deliciously hearty.

What greens work best in this recipe?

Baby spinach, kale, escarole, or endive are all great choices that will add flavor and nutrition without overpowering the dish.

Can I make Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better after sitting for a day as flavors meld together. Just store it properly!

How do I customize my Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe?

Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or switch up the pasta type based on your preference!

What should I serve with Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe?

A simple side salad or crusty bread pairs perfectly with this comforting soup, enhancing your meal experience.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe is not just comforting; it’s also versatile. You can easily customize it with different meats or greens based on what you have on hand. Enjoy it on chilly nights or as part of a family gathering — it’s sure to please everyone at the table!