Italian wedding soup has always felt like a warm hug on a chilly night. When the holidays roll around, especially Christmas or those random winter Tuesdays that need a little extra love, this soup turns my chaotic kitchen into a cozy sanctuary. I’ll admit, the first time I tried making italian wedding soup, I managed to roll meatballs that looked more like lumpy golf balls than the delicate little orbs I’d seen in photos. Oops!
Still, there’s something magical about the way the broth soaks up the flavors from the Italian wedding soup meatballs, the pasta, and that mountain of spinach. My family now requests it for dinner whenever they spot the first snowflake—or when they just want a taste of comfort. Even my picky eater can’t resist another spoonful. So, if you’re craving something hearty that feels like it belongs at a family gathering, this soup is your new go-to.
Personal Anecdote
First, let me confess, my adventure with italian wedding soup started out as a last-minute dinner idea. I’d seen Crockpot Italian Wedding Soup pop up all over the internet, but I didn’t expect my kitchen to turn into a mini meatball assembly line. Suddenly, there were breadcrumbs everywhere and my hands were, well, let’s just say extra seasoned. However, the process turned into a family event—my kids shaped meatballs (some suspiciously large) and my partner chopped veggies with questionable technique. We laughed, we argued over who added too much garlic, and we ended up with a bubbling pot that smelled like pure happiness.
Also, there’s something about serving italian wedding soup for dinner that feels like you’re offering a little bit of tradition mixed with weeknight practicality. While some folks swear by the classic Italian Wedding Soup Authentic versions, I love how this easy Italian wedding soup recipe lets you make a feast without breaking a sweat. If you’re a fan of cozy dinners, you might also love the Best Easy Chicken Piccata Meatballs Family Approved Dinner Recipe—it’s another meatball marvel. Or, if you want to keep the comfort food train rolling, check out the Best Easy Mississippi Chicken Recipe For A Cozy Family Dinner. Finally, with a big pot of italian wedding soup simmering away, you’ll see why it’s a favorite for family gatherings and lazy Sunday suppers alike.
Why This Recipe is Special
So, why does this soup stand out? For starters, it’s the perfect balance of hearty and nourishing—especially when dinner needs to be both easy and impressive. The little acini de pepe pasta, tender Italian wedding soup meatballs, and fresh spinach swirl together in a broth that feels like it’s been simmering for hours (even if you took the Crockpot shortcut). Plus, it’s a flexible recipe: you can prep ahead, make it on the stove, or let the slow cooker do the work.
Finally, there’s just something about the ritual of ladling steaming bowls of italian wedding soup at the table, passing around extra Parmesan, and hearing everyone’s happy sighs. Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a regular weeknight, this soup makes any meal feel like a special occasion. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably sneak an extra meatball when no one is looking—just don’t tell my kids!
Ingredients breakdown
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 Tablespoon |
| Ground beef, 85% lean | ½ lb. |
| Ground turkey | ½ lb. |
| Egg, beaten | 1 |
| Italian breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ¼ cup |
| Garlic, minced | 6 cloves |
| Fresh parsley, finely chopped | ⅓ cup |
| Salt | ¾ teaspoon + to taste |
| Pepper | ¼ teaspoon + to taste |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 |
| Carrots, diced | 1 ¼ cups |
| Celery ribs, diced | 2 |
| Chicken broth | 8 cups |
| Italian seasoning | 2 teaspoons |
| Acini de pepe pasta, uncooked | ¾ cup |
| Fresh spinach | 4-5 cups |
| Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (to garnish) |
Utensils and substitutions
For this Italian Wedding Soup, you’ll need a large Crock Pot, a skillet for browning the meatballs, a sharp knife, and a cutting board. Measuring cups and spoons are helpful for getting the quantities just right, though I sometimes eyeball the parsley and cheese when I’m in a hurry.
If you’re out of ground turkey, you can swap in all ground beef or try ground chicken for a lighter twist. When acini de pepe pasta is hard to find, orzo or small pasta shapes work nicely. Spinach can be replaced with kale or even escarole for a bit more bite. Also, if you love cozy soups, check out my Best Easy Chicken Burrito Bowl For A Healthy Family Dinner—it’s a family favorite in our house.
Before you start, remember to practice good food safety, especially when handling raw meat. For more tips, I like to double-check advice at foodsafety.gov. Finally, if you need another hearty meal idea, my Best Cozy Merry Me Chicken Pasta For A Hearty Family Dinner is a must-try on chilly nights.
Step-by-step method for a delicious italian wedding soup
Step 1
First, prepare the meatballs by mixing ground beef, ground turkey, beaten egg, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Then, heat olive oil in a pan and brown the meatballs evenly. This step is crucial for developing rich flavors in the soup.
Step 2
Next, transfer the browned meatballs to the Crock Pot. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours for a tender, flavorful broth. This slow cooking brings the soup’s components together beautifully.
Step 3
Finally, cook the acini de pepe pasta separately to avoid soggy leftovers, or add it to the Crock Pot during the last 30 minutes on low. Stir in fresh spinach and heat until wilted. Serve each bowl topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that perfect finish.
Tips and tricks to make this Dinner recipe shine
Also, consider cooking the pasta separately to keep it from absorbing too much broth, especially if you plan to store leftovers. This simple trick keeps your italian wedding soup meatballs tender and the broth flavorful. For a twist on comforting meals, try our Best Creamy Ranch Chicken Dinner Easy Kid Friendly Family Approved or the Easy Dump Go Marry Me Chicken Best 5 Star Dinner Recipe for more family-friendly dinner ideas. Lastly, don’t rush the browning of the meatballs; it adds a depth of flavor that makes this crockpot italian wedding soup truly stand out.
What to serve with this Dinner recipe
This Italian wedding soup pairs beautifully with a light side to keep the meal balanced. Try a crisp salad or some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. Also, consider serving it alongside the Best Easy Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza Quick Healthy Lunch Idea for a satisfying dinner that’s both comforting and fresh. Another tasty option is the Best Easy Mediterranean Chicken Piccata For A Healthy Dinner Tonight, which complements the soup’s flavors nicely.
How to store and reheat
Store leftover Italian wedding soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This way, you can enjoy your creamy Italian soup anytime without losing its comforting taste.
FAQ
Can I make Italian wedding soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make Crockpot Italian Wedding Soup for a hands-off cooking experience. Simply add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
What meat is used in Italian Wedding Soup Meatballs?
Traditionally, a combination of beef and veal or beef and turkey is used to make the meatballs, but you can customize with your preferred ground meat.
Is Italian Wedding Soup authentic to Italy?
Italian Wedding Soup Authentic recipes vary by region, but they generally include meatballs, greens, and broth. This soup is more popular in Italian-American cuisine than in Italy itself.
Can I substitute gnocchi in this soup?
Absolutely! You can use Crockpot Gnocchi Soup style by adding gnocchi towards the end of cooking for a tender, pillowy addition.
How can I make this soup creamy?
To create a creamy Italian soup version, stir in a splash of cream or milk just before serving to add richness without overpowering the flavors.
Print
Italian Wedding Soup – Full recipes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (high) or 8 hours 20 minutes (low)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Mediterranean Diet Recipes
Description
This Italian Wedding Soup combines juicy meatballs, fresh vegetables, and tender pasta in a flavorful broth. It can be prepared traditionally or using a Crock Pot for easy cooking.
Ingredients
1 Tablespoon olive oil
½ lb. ground beef, 85% lean
½ lb. ground turkey
1 egg, beaten
½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 yellow onion, diced
1 ¼ cups carrots, diced
2 celery ribs, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
¾ cup acini de pepe pasta, uncooked
4-5 cups fresh spinach
Salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (to garnish)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground turkey, beaten egg, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and brown the meatballs until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the Crock Pot, add diced onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth.
4. Place the browned meatballs into the Crock Pot with the vegetables and broth.
5. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.
6. If preferred, cook acini de pepe pasta separately and add to individual servings to prevent sogginess. Alternatively, add uncooked pasta to the Crock Pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking on low.
7. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.
8. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Cook pasta separately to keep it firm if you plan leftovers.
Meatballs can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen.
Use low sodium chicken broth to control salt content.
Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 8 hours (low)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crock Pot, stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Thanks for sticking with me through this cozy Italian wedding soup recipe! It’s one of those dishes that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a comforting dinner any night. Don’t forget to try pairing it with other favorites like the flatbread pizza or the chicken piccata for a full meal that feels like a hug in food form. If you want more tasty ideas, be sure to follow us on Pinterest where we share all kinds of meal inspiration. Until next time, keep cooking with love and enjoy every spoonful!