Authentic Italian Wedding Soup
This hearty Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful blend of savory meatballs, tender pasta, and vibrant spinach, all simmered in a rich chicken broth. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a comforting weeknight meal, this soup is sure to impress with its incredible depth of flavor. The combination of ground beef and pork, along with Italian seasonings, creates juicy meatballs, while the addition of wholesome vegetables adds nutrition and color. Quick to prepare and utterly delicious, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
6-8
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb
Ground Pork
1 lb
Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup
Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Italian Seasoning
2 teaspoons
Onion Powder
2 teaspoons
Garlic Powder
2 teaspoons
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Chicken Broth
12 cups
Spinach
4 cups (fresh or frozen, chopped)
Acini di Pepe Pasta
1 cup
Carrots
2 (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and beaten eggs. Mix until well combined.
2
Form the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter. You should have a substantial quantity of meatballs.
3
In a large soup pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil if desired. In batches, fry the meatballs until browned on all sides, then remove them and set aside.
4
In the same pot, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon to enhance the flavor.
5
Bring the broth to a simmer, then add the browned meatballs back into the pot along with the chopped spinach, acini di pepe pasta, and chopped carrots.
6
Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
7
Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the meatballs are fully cooked through.
8
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving. Enjoy your warm Italian Wedding Soup!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Italian Wedding Soup?
It is a hearty soup featuring savory meatballs, tender pasta, and vibrant spinach simmered in a rich chicken broth.
Does the name Italian Wedding Soup mean it is served at weddings?
No, the name comes from the Italian phrase 'minestra maritata,' which refers to the 'marriage' or harmonious blend of meat and green vegetables.
What types of meat are used in the meatballs?
This recipe uses a combination of one pound of ground beef and one pound of ground pork for juicy and flavorful meatballs.
What kind of pasta is best for Italian Wedding Soup?
Acini di pepe pasta is traditional, which are tiny, bead-like pasta shapes that hold up well in the broth.
Can I use a different pasta if I cannot find Acini di Pepe?
Yes, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or even stelline (stars).
What greens are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of fresh or frozen chopped spinach.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 to 8 servings.
How long does it take to cook the pasta in the soup?
The pasta and meatballs should simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
Do I need to brown the meatballs before adding them to the soup?
Yes, browning the meatballs in batches in a pot with olive oil enhances the flavor and helps them hold their shape.
What is used to bind the meatballs?
A mixture of breadcrumbs and two beaten eggs acts as the binding agent for the ground meat.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, the recipe allows for either fresh or frozen chopped spinach.
What size should the meatballs be?
The meatballs should be formed into small spheres approximately 1 inch in diameter.
What seasonings are added to the meatball mixture?
The meatballs are seasoned with Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need 12 cups of chicken broth for this recipe.
Are there any vegetables in the soup besides spinach?
Yes, the recipe includes two chopped carrots for added nutrition and color.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until browned if you prefer to avoid frying.
How do I prevent the pasta from soaking up all the broth?
If you plan on having leftovers, you can cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls when serving.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is categorized under '60 Mins' and is noted for being quick to prepare.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the breadcrumbs for gluten-free crumbs and use a gluten-free small pasta shape.
What is the purpose of scraping the bottom of the pot after browning meat?
Scraping the browned bits (fond) into the broth enhances the overall depth of flavor in the soup.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or pork?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken are leaner alternatives that work well in this soup.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, though the pasta may soften significantly upon reheating; consider freezing the soup base without pasta for best results.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
It is generally recommended to peel carrots before chopping them for a better texture in the soup.
What should I serve with Italian Wedding Soup?
It pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread or a light side salad.
Can I add other vegetables like celery?
Absolutely, adding chopped celery along with the carrots is a common variation.
Is the Parmesan cheese necessary?
The Parmesan cheese adds saltiness and umami to the meatballs, but it can be omitted or replaced with a dairy-free alternative if needed.
How many meatballs does this recipe make?
While the exact number varies, forming 1-inch meatballs from 2 pounds of meat yields a substantial quantity, usually around 40 to 60 small meatballs.
Can I use kale instead of spinach?
Yes, kale or escarole are traditional alternatives to spinach in this type of soup.
Is Italian Wedding Soup healthy?
Yes, it is a balanced meal containing protein from the meat, vitamins from the greens and carrots, and carbohydrates from the pasta.