If you’re craving a comforting, soul-warming bowl of pure deliciousness, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite Italian Wedding Soup Recipe. This classic dish is a beautiful balance of tender homemade meatballs, vibrant green spinach, and tiny pasta pearls all swimming in a rich, savory broth. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug from Nonna herself and is perfect for any day you need a little extra love in your kitchen. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe box too!

Italian Wedding Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this recipe is really in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s building flavor, texture, or that signature freshness that makes Italian Wedding Soup so irresistible. Get ready to gather these staples that are likely already in your pantry or fridge!

½ pound 90/10 ground beef: Provides a rich, hearty base for the meatballs with just enough fat to keep them tender.
½ pound mild Italian ground pork sausage: Adds a subtle herbaceous flavor and moisture to the meatballs.
½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs: Binds the meat mixture while giving a light texture.
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, umami punch for depth in the meatballs.
1 large egg (beaten): Acts as a natural glue to hold the meatballs together perfectly.
¼ cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley: Brightens the meatball flavor with fresh herbiness.
2 garlic cloves (finely minced): Infuses the meatballs with irresistible aroma and taste.
1 teaspoon salt & ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all flavors.
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided): For browning the meatballs and sautéing vegetables.
1 tablespoon olive oil: To cook the soup’s aromatic veggies to perfection.
½ small white onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and body to the broth.
3 medium carrots (peeled and diced): Lend natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
3 celery ribs (diced): Bring a crisp, fresh note and texture contrast.
3 garlic cloves (finely minced): Deepens the soup’s savory layers.
8 cups chicken broth: The soulful base of the soup, flavorful and comforting.
1 cup acini de pepe pasta: These tiny pasta beads wrap the soup with delightful bite and tradition.
½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Plenty of seasoning to balance and spice up the flavors just right.
3 cups fresh baby spinach (roughly chopped): Adds vibrant color, nutrients, and a gentle earthiness.
Fresh flat-leaf parsley (chopped, optional): Perfect finishing touch to brighten each bowl before serving.

How to Make Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Step 1: Make the Homemade Meatballs

Start by combining the ground beef, mild Italian sausage, Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, fresh parsley, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything until it’s just combined—don’t overwork the meat or the meatballs can become dense. Then, scoop out about 2 teaspoons at a time and gently roll them into bite-sized meatballs. If your hands stick, a quick spritz of nonstick cooking spray works wonders. You should wind up with around 48 tender little meatballs ready to brown.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat until it shimmers. Add half of the meatballs at a time, cooking and stirring often to brown all sides, which takes about 4-5 minutes. Once they’re nicely golden, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining oil and meatballs. This browning step seals in flavor and gives the meatballs wonderful color.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Into the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies soften up and start releasing their aroma. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. This veggie base is the savory heart of the soup and sets a deeply satisfying flavor foundation.

Step 4: Add Broth and Bring to a Boil

Pour in the rich chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pot’s bottom—they’re packed with flavor! Turn up the heat to high and bring everything to a rolling boil. This simmering moment will knit all the tastes together beautifully, building the soup’s classic, comforting essence.

Step 5: Add Pasta, Seasonings, and Meatballs

Slowly stir in the acini de pepe pasta a little at a time, preventing clumps from forming. Mix in salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat, and gently nestle in the browned meatballs. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium, and let everything simmer until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are fully cooked, about 7 to 9 minutes. The soup is beginning to reach its full splendor now.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Finish

Finally, fold in the fresh baby spinach and stir until the leaves are wilted, just 2 to 3 minutes. This step adds gorgeous green color and a fresh, slightly earthy note that balances the rich broth and meatballs. Serve the soup piping hot, garnished with additional red pepper flakes for a touch of spice and freshly chopped parsley for a burst of brightness.

How to Serve Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten your bowl with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese. A few flakes of red pepper can add just the right touch of warmth without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crisp garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. The crunchy sides add contrast to the warm, tender qualities of the soup and complete a satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve Italian Wedding Soup in mini bread bowls or in elegant clear glass mugs for a cozy, inviting look. You can also garnish each bowl with a tiny meatball skewered on a rosemary sprig for a stunning appetizer twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Italian Wedding Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making the soup even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind the pasta may soften after freezing, so for best texture, you might prefer to freeze the broth and meatballs separately from the pasta and spinach. Frozen soup is best enjoyed within 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid boiling once reheated to keep the greens vibrant and the meatballs tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Italian Wedding Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While acini de pepe is traditional for its small size and texture, you can substitute with orzo, small ditalini, or even tiny elbow macaroni. Just adjust cooking times so the pasta doesn’t become overcooked.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the meatballs with vegetarian alternatives like seasoned veggie balls or skip them altogether and add extra beans or mushrooms for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken for a fully meatless version that’s still hearty and flavorful.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Using a combination of breadcrumbs, beaten egg, and gentle mixing helps bind the meatballs tightly. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when browning so they firm up evenly on all sides before simmering in the broth.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Definitely! You can make the meatballs a day in advance and store them tightly covered in the fridge. They may even hold their shape better after an overnight rest before browning and finishing in the soup.

What’s the best way to store leftovers to maintain flavor?

Keep leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge and consume within 3 days. Storing separately the pasta and spinach can help maintain their texture if you plan on refrigerating for multiple days.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Italian Wedding Soup Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a little extra comfort and joy to their meal rotation. It’s reliable, heartwarming, and just downright delicious. Whether you’re feeding your family on a chilly evening or want to impress guests with an authentic taste of Italy, this recipe delivers every single time. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and dive into a bowl of love—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!