Nothing says comfort food like a warm bowl of Italian Wedding Soup. This traditional Italian-American dish is a heartwarming blend of flavorful meatballs, tender pasta, and nutrient-rich greens, all simmered in a delicious chicken broth. Contrary to what its name suggests, Italian Wedding Soup isn’t actually served at weddings; the term “wedding” refers to the harmonious combination of ingredients that work so well together. This dish is easy to prepare, perfect for meal prep, and ideal for any time you need a nourishing, homemade meal.
Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner, a nutritious meal during cold weather, or a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, this soup checks all the boxes. The best part? It’s a budget-friendly, one-pot dish that comes together in under an hour! With fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques, you’ll have a delicious homemade soup that rivals any restaurant version.
💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep work.
✔ Nutritious & Balanced: Packed with protein, greens, and healthy carbs.
✔ Customizable: Adjust ingredients to fit dietary needs or preferences.
✔ Meal-Prep Friendly: Make ahead and store for easy lunches or dinners.
✔ Perfect for Any Season: Light enough for summer yet cozy for winter.
✔ Family-Approved: A meal that kids and adults both love!
🛒 Ingredients Needed
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Soup:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup small pasta (orzo or acini de pepe)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or escarole)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
🏺 Equipment Needed
- Large pot (for simmering the soup)
- Mixing bowl (for meatballs)
- Baking sheet (optional, for baking meatballs before adding to soup)
- Ladle (for serving)
- Knife & cutting board (for prepping ingredients)
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Meatballs
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef or ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until fully combined.
- Roll into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter).
- Set aside or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes to brown.
2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3️⃣ Make the Soup Base
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer and gently drop the meatballs into the broth.
- Let them cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4️⃣ Add Pasta & Greens
- Stir in pasta and cook until tender (about 10 minutes).
- Add fresh spinach and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Ladle soup into bowls.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
🔥 Tips for the Best Results
- Use homemade chicken broth for the richest flavor.
- Browning the meatballs in the oven before adding them enhances the taste.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—it will continue softening in the broth.
- Substitute spinach with escarole or kale for a different taste.
- For a heartier version, add more diced carrots and celery.
🌿 Variations & Customizations
✔ Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or swap pasta for cauliflower rice.
✔ Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the pasta and add zucchini noodles.
✔ Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
✔ Vegetarian: Replace meatballs with chickpeas or plant-based meatballs.
✔ Dairy-Free: Omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty sourdough bread for dipping.
- Pair with a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
- Enjoy with a glass of fresh lemonade or herbal tea.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables for extra nutrients.
❄️ Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.
- Add a splash of extra broth when reheating if needed.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use store-bought meatballs?
A: Yes! Pre-made meatballs save time, just adjust cooking time.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Cook on low for 4-6 hours and add pasta in the last 30 minutes.
Q: What pasta works best for this soup?
A: Small shapes like orzo, acini de pepe, or ditalini work great.
Q: Can I meal prep this soup?
A: Yes! Just cook the pasta separately and add before serving.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them ❌➡✅
When preparing this dish, there are a few common mistakes that can impact the texture, taste, and overall success of the recipe. One frequent error is overfilling the tortillas, which can cause them to burst open while baking, making a mess and affecting the dish’s presentation. To avoid this, always leave some space around the edges and roll them securely.
Another common mistake is using store-bought shredded cheese instead of freshly grated cheese. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly, leading to a grainy texture rather than a creamy and gooey consistency. Opt for freshly grated cheese to enhance the texture and flavor. Additionally, some people make the mistake of not rolling the tortillas tightly enough, which results in loose fillings spilling out while eating. A pro tip is to tuck in the ends and roll firmly to ensure everything stays intact.
Lastly, baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven cooking, with the cheese not melting properly or the tortillas burning before they crisp up. Always follow the recommended baking temperature and keep an eye on them while cooking to achieve that golden, crispy perfection.
Health Benefits of This Recipe 🥦
This dish is not only delicious but also has several health benefits, making it a great addition to your meal rotation. High in protein, it supports muscle growth, satiety, and overall energy levels. The cheese provides healthy fats, which are essential for brain function and sustained energy. If prepared with low-carb tortillas, it becomes an excellent keto-friendly option, helping those following a low-carb diet maintain their macronutrient balance.
Additionally, making this dish at home instead of opting for store-bought or restaurant versions allows you to control the ingredients, avoiding unnecessary preservatives, excess sodium, and unhealthy additives. The incorporation of nutrient-rich ingredients such as spinach or other vegetables can further boost the dish’s fiber content, supporting digestive health. Compared to processed meals, this homemade version ensures better portion control and cleaner ingredients, contributing to an overall balanced diet.
Ingredient Spotlight 🌟
A standout ingredient in this recipe is cheese, which not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to a rich, creamy texture. Cheese is a great source of calcium, which supports strong bones and teeth, and it also provides high-quality protein for muscle repair and growth. If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, cheese is an excellent component as it contains minimal carbohydrates while offering healthy fats that keep you full and satisfied.
For those looking for alternatives, you can opt for dairy-free cheese if you are lactose-intolerant or following a dairy-free diet. Another great substitute is nutritional yeast, which provides a cheesy flavor while also being rich in B vitamins. Whether you choose traditional cheese or a plant-based alternative, this key ingredient plays a crucial role in making the dish irresistibly flavorful.
How to Make This Recipe Kid-Friendly 👶
For families with young children, adapting this recipe to be more kid-friendly can make mealtime more enjoyable. A simple adjustment is cutting the roll-ups into smaller, bite-sized pieces, making them easier for little hands to hold and eat without making a mess. Another way to make it more appealing to kids is by using mild cheese varieties instead of sharp or strong-flavored cheeses, as children often prefer milder tastes.
If your child is hesitant about eating vegetables, consider hiding finely chopped veggies inside the filling, allowing them to enjoy the nutritional benefits without noticing them. Adding a fun dipping sauce such as ranch dressing, mild salsa, or a yogurt-based dip can also make the meal more interactive and exciting for children. By making these small adjustments, you can turn this dish into a family favorite that both kids and adults will love.
How to Pair This Dish with Other Low-Carb Foods 🍽️
Pairing this dish with other low-carb foods can create a well-rounded meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. A fresh side salad with leafy greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy roll-ups. Roasted or sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make excellent side dishes that complement the rich flavors of the main dish while keeping the meal balanced.
If you’re looking for a heartier pairing, try serving it with a warm, creamy soup like a keto-friendly tomato or cauliflower soup. For beverages, a lemon-infused water or an unsweetened iced tea can enhance the flavors of the meal without adding extra carbs. These pairings not only add variety to the meal but also help create a more satisfying and well-rounded dining experience.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This dish is the perfect combination of comfort food and a satisfying, easy-to-make meal that works for both quick weeknight dinners and special gatherings. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and customizable ingredients, it’s a dish that can be tailored to suit different dietary needs and preferences. By avoiding common mistakes, using high-quality ingredients, and incorporating kid-friendly modifications, you can create a meal that is both delicious and nutritious.
Pairing it with complementary low-carb sides ensures that the meal remains balanced while adding variety to the dining experience. Whether you’re making this for your family, a gathering, or just yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out, experiment with different variations, and enjoy every cheesy, satisfying bite!
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This Italian Wedding Soup is the ultimate cozy, satisfying meal that is easy to make and absolutely delicious. Try it today and bring warmth to your kitchen! 🍲🇮🇹
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