Best Italian Wedding Soup Recipe – Recipes From Chef

When enjoying Italian wedding soup, it’s essential to pair it with sides that enhance its comforting, savory flavors while adding freshness and texture. Garlic bread is a must-have, its warm, buttery goodness perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich broth of the soup. 

A vibrant caprese salad, with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze, provides a refreshing contrast to the heartiness of the soup, balancing the richness with its bright flavors. 

Bruschetta, with its crunchy toasted bread topped with tomatoes, garlic, and basil, adds a delightful texture and a burst of fresh taste to the meal. 

Roasted vegetables, such as seasonal carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers, provide a warm, earthy depth of flavor and bring a pop of color to your plate. These sides together create a well-rounded and satisfying meal, complementing the comforting nature of Italian wedding soup.

What is the Best Italian Wedding Soup?

At its core, the best Italian wedding soup combines flavor, texture, and heart. It's a balance of juicy meatballs, tender pasta, and vibrant veggies, all nestled in a flavorful broth. The beauty lies in its versatility, allowing you to tailor it to your taste while still honoring tradition.

This recipe shines through its approach. A few key elements elevate it from the ordinary to something extraordinary. Here’s what makes this soup a winner:

1. Balanced Flavor Profile

The combination of herbs, garlic, and vegetables creates a well-rounded flavor. You can taste each ingredient without any overpowering elements. It strikes a harmony that resonates with everyone at the table, much like a good song.

2. Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh greens such as spinach or escarole provides a delightful contrast against the rich meatballs. Fresh herbs boost the flavor and aroma, making each bowl feel like a celebration. When I made this soup with hand-picked herbs from my garden, the difference was striking!

3. Wholesome Ingredients

The meatballs are made with lean ground beef and pork, ensuring they're hearty yet not too heavy. You know what you are eating. This transparency enhances trust, especially for those who are health conscious.

4. Customizable Recipe

This soup allows you to play around with ingredients. Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes. Need a vegetarian option? Skip the meat and add extra veggies. It’s a recipe that encourages creativity without losing its authentic roots.

Ingredients You'll Need To Make This Best Italian Wedding Soup

Here’s the list of ingredients for my favorite Italian wedding soup—a medley of wholesome goodness that's perfect for any gathering.

Meatballs

• 1 large egg
• 8 oz. lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs (made from fresh bread, not dried)
• 8 oz. ground pork
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 tsp fresh minced oregano (or 3/4 tsp dried oregano)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Soup

• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 5 cans low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced (about 1 1/2 Tbsp)
• 1 1/4 cups diced yellow onion
• 1 1/4 cups diced carrots
• 3/4 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup dry acini di pepe or orzo pasta
• 6 oz fresh baby spinach, chopped roughly
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Finely grated parmesan, for garnish

How to Make This Delicious Soup

Ready to get cooking? Let’s break it down step by step!

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a bowl, combine lean ground beef, ground pork, and breadcrumbs.
   
2. Add the egg, parsley, Parmesan, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but don’t overmix.
   
3. Form mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Set them aside; we're coming back to this!
   

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
   
2. Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
   
3. Toss in the minced garlic, and cook for another minute, infusing the oil.
   

Step 3: Add the Broth

1. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a boil.
   
2. Once boiling, gently drop in the meatballs one at a time. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
   
3. Allow it to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
   

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. In a separate pot, boil water and cook the acini di pepe or orzo pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
   
2. This small pasta shapes add texture—plus, they soak up all those delicious flavors.
   

Step 5: Add Greens and Finish

1. After the meatballs are cooked through, add in the chopped spinach and dried thyme.
   
2. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is just wilted.
   
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
   

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

1. Stir in the cooked pasta just before serving to maintain its texture.
   
2. Serve hot, garnishing each bowl with finely grated Parmesan.
   

Tips for a Flavorful Soup

• Use Fresh Herbs: Dried herbs have their place, but fresh herbs elevate the dish. Look for high-quality, fresh herbs when possible.
  
• Don’t Rush the Broth: Allow your broth to simmer. This slow cooking lets the flavors deepen and develop.
  
• Ground Meat Temperature: Ensure that your ground meats are kept cool until ready to mix. This helps your meatballs hold their shape while cooking.
  
• Customize Your Pasta: If you have a favorite small pasta shape, use it! It’s about what you love.
  
• Make-ahead Magic: You can make this soup ahead of time. Just hold off on adding the pasta until you're ready to serve; this keeps it from getting mushy.
  

How to Store the Leftovers?

If your soup has any leftovers (which is a rarity), you can store it! Here’s how:

1. Cool First: Let the soup cool completely.
   
2. Use Airtight Containers: Store it in airtight containers. This keeps it fresh.
   
3. Refrigerate for Up to 3 Days: Enjoy it again within three days.
   
4. Freezing: You can freeze the soup for up to three months; however, store the pasta separately.
   

Recommended Side Dishes for the Best Italian Wedding Soup

Pairing out the soup with some sides can enhance your dining experience. Here are some classic suggestions:

1. Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad with crunchy romaine, creamy dressing, and croutons balances out the soup's warm nature. The crispiness of the greens adds texture and contrast.

2. Antipasto Platter

A platter full of marinated olives, artichokes, salami slices, and cheese will get everyone ready for the main course. It’s a fun way to introduce flavors and textures.

3. Focaccia

Warm focaccia drizzled with a touch of olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt is perfect for soaking up any remaining broth. It’s fluffy and downright comforting.

4. Roasted Corn on the Cob

If you're feeling adventurous, add some grilled corn on the cob as a side. It brings a sweet crunch that pairs delightful contrast to the soup.

Substitute Options for Italian Wedding Soup Ingredients

If you find some ingredients are missing from your pantry, don’t sweat it! Here are some great substitutions:

1. Ground Meats

If you don’t have ground beef and pork, try ground turkey or chicken. It makes for a lighter meatball option while still keeping the soup hearty.

2. Fresh Greens

Don’t have spinach? Kale or Swiss chard works beautifully. Just chop them into smaller pieces, so they cook quickly.

3. Pasta Types

In absence of acini di pepe or orzo, you can substitute with any small pasta like ditalini or even broken spaghetti. They all absorb the flavors well.

4. Chicken Broth

Running low on chicken broth? Vegetable broth is a perfect stand-in. It adds a different flavor profile while keeping the essence of soup intact.

Conclusion

Italian wedding soup is more than just a dish—it's an experience. It embodies comfort, warmth, and the spirit of community. Whether you're hosting an event or simply warming up on a chilly night, this soup is sure to please.

With its deliciously colorful ingredients and the inviting aroma that fills your kitchen, it’s a joy to prepare and share. I encourage you to try it out, experiment with the flavors, and make it your own!

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and toast to the joy of cooking together. You may just find that this soup becomes a cherished recipe in your home for years to come. Buon appetito!

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