Cozy & Classic Homemade Italian Wedding Soup 🍲✨
1. Introduction
If you’re seeking a comforting, hearty, and authentic dish, look no further than this Homemade Italian Wedding Soup. Renowned for its savory broth, tender meatballs, and nutritious greens, this dish perfectly embodies cozy Italian cuisine. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or special gathering, this Classic Italian Wedding Soup recipe promises to deliver warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. Let’s dive into how to make this beloved soup from scratch, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
2. Ingredients for a Delicious Homemade Italian Wedding Soup
- 1 cup of cooked tiny pasta (like acini di pepe or orzo)
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cozy Italian Wedding Soup
Preparing the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Form into small, bite-sized meatballs, about the size of a walnut.
Cooking the Meatballs
Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Creating a Flavorful Broth
In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery until tender, about 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Adding the Meatballs and Pasta
Gently add the browned meatballs back to the broth and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes. Then, add the cooked pasta and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Finishing with Greens
Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Your Homemade Italian Wedding Soup is now ready to serve hot!
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Cozy Italian Wedding Soup
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth or water if necessary to maintain the soup’s consistency.
5. Serving Suggestions for a Classic Italian Wedding Soup Experience
Serve your Classic Italian Wedding Soup with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a crusty piece of bread on the side. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. This soup pairs beautifully with a light citrus shrimp salad or a simple green salad for a complete Italian meal.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Homemade Italian Wedding Soup
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Substituting ground poultry creates a lighter version of the soup while maintaining great flavor. Just ensure the meat is cooked through.
How long does it take to prepare this cozy Italian wedding soup?
From start to finish, it takes approximately 45 minutes. Preparing the meatballs and simmering the soup are the main steps involved.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, swap meatballs for veggie or mushroom-based balls and use vegetable broth. You can also add more greens and vegetables for added nutrition.
What pasta is best for this classic Italian wedding soup?
Small pasta like acini di pepe, orzo, or stelline are ideal as they cook quickly and fit nicely in spoonfuls of soup.
7. Kitchen Tools that You Might Need for This Recipe
- A good quality chef’s knife — For chopping vegetables and herbs, making prep effortless and precise.
- A large stockpot — Perfect for cooking the broth, meatballs, and pasta all in one pot for easy cleanup.
- Measuring cups and spoons — To ensure accurate ingredient portions for the perfect flavor balance.
- A silicone spatula — Ideal for mixing and stirring the soup without scratching your cookware.
Investing in these tools can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable, elevating your homemade Italian wedding soup experience.
8. Enhancing Your Italian Wedding Soup Experience
For an authentic touch, consider making your own homemade chicken broth as a base. Fresh herbs, a drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil, and freshly grated Parmesan can lift the dish to a new level. Don’t forget that pairing your soup with crusty bread or focaccia turns it into a memorable Italian feast.
9. Conclusion
The Homemade Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful dish that combines comfort, nutrition, and authentic Italian flavors. Perfect for cozy evenings or family dinners, this Cozy Italian Wedding Soup recipe is straightforward enough for beginners while still impressive for seasoned cooks. Try it today and bring a slice of Italy into your home with every bowl!
Print
Cozy & Classic Homemade Italian Wedding Soup
Experience the comforting and hearty flavors of authentic Italian cuisine with this Cozy & Classic Homemade Italian Wedding Soup. Featuring savory meatballs, nutritious greens, and tender pasta in a flavorful broth, this soup is perfect for family dinners and special occasions. Easy to prepare and full of rich, traditional flavors, it brings warmth and satisfaction to every spoonful. Ideal for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, this homemade Italian wedding soup is a must-try recipe for any lover of Italian comfort food.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup of cooked tiny pasta (like acini di pepe or orzo)
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined. Form into small, bite-sized meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery until tender, about 5 minutes. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Gently return the meatballs to the broth and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add cooked pasta and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot garnished with Parmesan and herbs if desired.
Notes
- Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra broth if needed.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute meatballs with mushroom or veggie balls and use vegetable broth. Add more greens or vegetables for added nutrition.
- Use small pasta like acini di pepe, orzo, or stelline for the best texture and quick cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Nut-Free,Seafood-Free,Vegetarian optionally
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg