Classic Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

If you are craving a heartwarming bowl that feels like a hug in soup form, the Classic Italian Wedding Soup Recipe is your perfect match. This traditional favorite bursts with tender meatballs, bright green spinach, and tiny pasta pearls swimming in a savory broth that sings with Parmesan and fresh herbs. It’s a dish that brings people together, filling the kitchen with irresistible aromas and your soul with comfort. Whether it’s a family dinner or a chilly evening treat, this soup never fails to delight and satisfy with every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Classic Italian Wedding Soup Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that come together effortlessly to create a timeless dish.

• Ground beef and ground pork: These form the juicy, flavorful base for the meatballs that give the soup its hearty character.
• Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs together while keeping them tender and light.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth both in the meatballs and as a finishing touch.
• Fresh parsley: Brings a pop of fresh, herby brightness that lifts the overall flavor.
• Garlic and onion powder: Provide aromatic warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
• Olive oil: Used to brown the meatballs and sauté vegetables, building the savory base.
• Chopped onions, carrots, and celery: Classic soffritto vegetables that bring sweetness and body to the broth.
• Chicken stock or broth: Forms the comforting, savory liquid that ties the entire soup together.
• Acini di pepe pasta: Tiny pasta pearls that add delightful texture and soak up the rich broth beautifully.
• Baby spinach: Introduces vibrant color and a nutritious boost to the soup as it wilts gently.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness and balances the flavors.
• Extra Parmesan cheese: A must-have for grating on top right before serving, adding a savory flourish.

How to Make Classic Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Combine the ground beef and pork with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything well so that the flavors meld and the binders hold the meatballs together perfectly. This step sets the foundation for juicy, tender meatballs full of flavor.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into small 1-inch meatballs, making sure they are uniform in size for even cooking. Placing them on a tray keeps them organized and ready for the next step.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and brown the meatballs in batches. This process forms a caramelized crust that locks in the juiciness and adds a wonderful savory depth to the final soup. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same pot with the fragrant oil and browned bits, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cooking them until softened releases their natural sweetness, creating a flavorful base that complements the meatballs beautifully.

Step 5: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a boil. Return the meatballs to the pot, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, and cook for 20 minutes. This simmering step allows the flavors to marry and the meatballs to cook through tenderly.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

Add the acini di pepe pasta to the simmering soup and cook for about 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente. The tiny pasta shapes lend a delightful bite that is perfectly balanced against the tender indulgence of the meatballs.

Step 7: Add Spinach and Lemon Juice

Stir in baby spinach and freshly squeezed lemon juice, cooking just until the spinach wilts. The lemon juice brightens the entire dish, while the spinach adds color, freshness, and a touch of earthiness.

Step 8: Season to Taste

Adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. This final step customizes the soup to your palate, making sure every spoonful bursts with balanced flavor.

Step 9: Serve Hot with Parmesan

Ladle the soup into warm bowls and top generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This final flourish adds a melty, savory sparkle that’s simply irresistible.

How to Serve Classic Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Extra grated Parmesan is the classic choice for garnishing this soup, adding richness and depth. You can also sprinkle a pinch of fresh parsley or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a touch of freshness and shine. A few cracks of black pepper on top bring aromatic warmth to each spoonful.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks that invite you to soak up every last drop of the luscious broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness, while a small antipasto platter makes a beautiful companion dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the Classic Italian Wedding Soup Recipe in mini bowls set on a long wooden board for a communal feel. You can also add a swirl of pesto or a few toasted pine nuts on top for extra texture and flavor twists that surprise and delight your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day. Keep the soup covered to retain moisture and prevent the spinach from drying out.

Freezing

This soup freezes well but it’s best to freeze without the pasta to avoid mushiness. Store the soup and meatballs in a freezer-safe container and keep for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and add freshly cooked pasta to restore the perfect texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If you froze it without pasta, boil fresh pasta separately and add it just before serving. A quick swirl of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs when reheating brightens the soup beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of beef and pork for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a lighter alternative, though it may be less fatty and tender; adding a little olive oil or breadcrumbs helps keep the meatballs moist.

What type of pasta is best for Classic Italian Wedding Soup Recipe?

Acini di pepe is traditional because of its tiny, round shape that holds broth well, but other small pasta like orzo or small ditalini work perfectly.

Is it necessary to brown the meatballs first?

Browning adds fantastic flavor and texture, but if you’re short on time, you can bake them or even cook them directly in the broth, though the taste may be less complex.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the meatballs with vegetarian meatballs or hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a delicious meat-free version.

How long does Classic Italian Wedding Soup Recipe keep in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for 3 to 4 days. Always reheat it thoroughly before eating.

Final Thoughts

Nothing compares to the joy of making and sharing the Classic Italian Wedding Soup Recipe with loved ones. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that feels both special and homey at the same time. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and dive into this wonderful soup experience that promises warmth, taste, and smiles with every bowl.

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