Name: Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces ground sausage, casings removed; 8 ounces ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 Tablespoons lukewarm water; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 1/2 Tablespoons olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped; 2 stalks celery, finely chopped; 8 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups chicken broth; 4 cups beef broth; 2/3 cup acini di pepe pasta; 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, more to taste; 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese; 3 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Jump to Recipe

Italian Wedding Soup is one of those magical dishes that brings comfort, charm, and a burst of savory flavor to the table, all in one bowl. Tiny, tender meatballs cozy up to acini di pepe pasta and fresh spinach in a rich, aromatic broth, making each spoonful pure delight. Whether you’re simmering it up for a weeknight family dinner or a cozy get-together with friends, this iconic soup is a shining example of how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. If you’ve never tried making Italian Wedding Soup at home, you’re about to fall in love with a new classic!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Italian Wedding Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together beautifully with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each one plays a deliciously important role, building the layers of taste, texture, and color that make Italian Wedding Soup so completely irresistible.

Ground sausage: Provides wonderful richness and depth to the meatballs.
Ground beef: Adds tenderness and classic flavor, balancing the sausage perfectly.
Breadcrumbs: Keep the meatballs soft and moist, never dense!
Egg: Acts as a binding agent, ensuring meatballs that hold together gently.
Italian seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs that echoes traditional Italian flavors.
Garlic powder: Infuses the meatballs with extra savory notes without overpowering them.
Salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors in both the meatballs and the soup.
Black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and a bit of bite to the soup and the meatballs.
Parmesan cheese: Lends an unmistakable nutty, salty character that ties everything together.
Lukewarm water: Keeps the meatball mixture tender and not too dense.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for gentle heat and complexity.
Olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and adding richness to the broth.
Yellow onion: Sweet and savory, it’s the backbone of the soup base.
Carrots: Their subtle sweetness and vibrant color brighten every spoonful.
Celery: Adds a lovely aromatic crunch and rounds out the flavor of the broth.
Garlic (fresh): Sautéed just until fragrant, it creates a mouthwatering aroma.
Chicken broth: Builds the soup’s delicate, savory body.
Beef broth: Adds extra richness and compliments the meatballs beautifully.
Acini di pepe pasta: These adorable tiny pasta pearls give the soup its signature texture.
Fresh spinach: Stirred in at the end for a burst of color and nutrition.
Lemon juice: Adds a touch of freshness and brightens the overall flavor.

How to Make Italian Wedding Soup

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Start by combining the ground sausage, beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Gradually add the lukewarm water, mixing gently just until everything holds together—don’t overmix! Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about two teaspoons each. You’ll end up with a crowd of adorable mini meatballs, perfect for the soup.

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. They’ll firm up and become irresistibly golden—no greasy frying required. Once baked, set them aside until it’s time to cozy them up in the soup.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large soup pot, heat up your olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the crushed red pepper flakes, diced onion, carrots, and celery. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until everything is soft and the kitchen smells heavenly—about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the minced garlic last, cooking just until it releases that mouthwatering aroma.

Step 4: Build the Broth

Pour in the chicken and beef broths, giving the pot a gentle stir. Bring everything up to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer away for 30 minutes. This step is where the flavors really meld together, creating the perfect backdrop for all our delicious add-ins.

Step 5: Add Pasta, Spinach, and Meatballs

Stir in the acini di pepe pasta and cook until it’s just tender, about 6 minutes. Now add the baked meatballs and fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the meatballs are heated through, infusing the soup with color and flavor.

Step 6: Season and Finish

Taste and season the soup with extra salt and black pepper, if needed. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and stir in a generous handful of Parmesan cheese. This finishing touch adds a lovely hint of brightness and a silky richness. Your Italian Wedding Soup is ready to serve—steaming, savory, and completely irresistible!

How to Serve Italian Wedding Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkling of extra grated Parmesan cheese takes each bowl of Italian Wedding Soup from delicious to divine. For even more flavor, try a dash of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of fruity olive oil. If you want to add a burst of color, toss on a few finely chopped fresh herbs like flat-leaf parsley or basil right before serving.

Side Dishes

Italian Wedding Soup practically begs for a slice of good, crusty bread—the kind that’s perfect for soaking up the last drop of broth. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette, or a platter of antipasti with olives and cured meats to make it part of a larger Italian spread.

Creative Ways to Present

While this soup shines whether ladled into rustic bowls or elegant mugs, you can also jazz up your Italian Wedding Soup presentation for special occasions. Try serving the soup in mini cups for a party appetizer, or pouring it into hollowed-out bread boules for a fun, edible twist. Individual soup crocks with bubbling cheese are another show-stopping option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Italian Wedding Soup cool completely before transferring it to a sealed container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to three days, and actually develops even more flavor as it rests—making it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Freezing

If you’ve got extra, don’t hesitate to freeze! Just portion the fully cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, warm Italian Wedding Soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot all the way through. If the soup thickens up after storing, just add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to the perfect consistency. Microwaving works too—just use a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and sausage?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in the meatballs if you want to lighten things up a bit. The texture will be slightly different, but you’ll still have deliciously tender morsels in your Italian Wedding Soup. Add a bit more Italian seasoning and Parmesan to boost the flavor if needed.

What is acini di pepe pasta, and can I substitute another type?

Acini di pepe are tiny round pasta, and they’re the classic choice for Italian Wedding Soup. If you can’t find them, orzo or pastina are great alternatives. Just keep in mind the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape.

Is it okay to skip the sausage for a milder flavor?

Of course! The ground sausage brings great flavor, but if you prefer a milder meatball, just use all beef or swap in your protein of choice. You can amp up the herbs or Parmesan a bit more if you’d like to keep the flavor bold.

Can I make Italian Wedding Soup vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the meatballs for tiny vegetarian ones made from lentils or mushrooms, use vegetable broth, and follow the same steps. The soup still shines with its hearty vegetables, vibrant greens, and flavorful broth.

What’s the story behind the name “Italian Wedding Soup”?

The name doesn’t actually refer to marriage—it’s about the “marriage” of flavors between the greens and meat. In Italian, “minestra maritata” references this union of ingredients, which is celebrated in every comforting bowl!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving a bowl of pure comfort or want to impress friends with a homemade classic, Italian Wedding Soup is sure to win hearts. Gather your ingredients, invite loved ones to the table, and let this cozy, flavor-packed soup become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 8 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and hearty Italian Wedding Soup recipe that features flavorful mini meatballs, tender pasta, and nutritious spinach in a delicious broth. Perfect for a cozy meal any time of the year.

Instructions

For the Meatballs: Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet. Mix the meatball ingredients, form small meatballs, and bake.
For the Soup: Saute vegetables, add broths, simmer, cook pasta, add meatballs and spinach, season, and serve with Parmesan and bread.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian