Description
This Easy Italian Wedding Soup recipe features tender meatballs, fresh greens, and tiny pasta in a flavorful broth. A comforting and authentic dish perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup acini de pepe or orzo pasta
- 3 cups fresh spinach or escarole, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs
- In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and egg until well combined.
- Shape into small bite-sized meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and brown meatballs in batches. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Soup Base
- In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Return meatballs to the pot and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta and Greens
- Stir in acini de pepe or orzo pasta and cook per package instructions.
- When pasta is nearly done, add spinach or escarole and let it wilt.
- Adjust seasoning and add lemon juice if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Swap beef for turkey or chicken.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
- Low-Carb: Skip pasta and add extra greens or zucchini noodles.
- Spicy Kick: Mix red pepper flakes into meatballs or broth.
- Vegetarian: Substitute meatballs with white beans or plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Italian Wedding Soup, authentic recipe, easy soup recipe, meatball soup, comfort food