Italian Wedding Soup – A Classic Italian-American Comfort Meal

There’s something undeniably soothing about a bowl of Italian Wedding Soup. The delicate broth, tender little meatballs, vibrant greens, and tiny pasta create a harmony of textures and flavors that feels both nourishing and deeply comforting. Despite its elegant name, this beloved classic isn’t traditionally served at weddings. Instead, the “wedding” refers to the beautiful marriage of ingredients — meat and greens coming together in perfect balance.

This Italian wedding soup recipe is a timeless classic Italian-American soup that has earned a permanent place in home kitchens across generations. Whether served as a starter for Sunday dinner or enjoyed as a cozy main course on a chilly evening, it’s the kind of homemade meatball soup that warms you from the inside out.

Let’s explore what makes this comforting chicken broth soup so special — and how you can make it perfectly every time.

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The History Behind Italian Wedding Soup

While widely associated with Italian-American cuisine, the roots of Italian Wedding Soup trace back to Southern Italy. The Italian phrase “minestra maritata” translates to “married soup,” referring to the harmonious pairing of meat and leafy greens.

When Italian immigrants brought the tradition to America, the recipe evolved. Beef and pork meatballs became common, pasta was added for heartiness, and chicken broth created a lighter but flavorful base. The result is the easy Italian soup recipe we know and love today.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic Italian-American soup is:

• Hearty yet light
• Full of protein-packed mini meatballs
• Loaded with nutritious greens
• Simple enough for weeknights
• Elegant enough for gatherings

It’s a comforting chicken broth soup that feels wholesome without being heavy.

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
• ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• ¾ cup acini di pepe or small pasta
• 3 cups fresh spinach (or escarole), chopped
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parmesan for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the meatball mixture. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Form mini meatballs. Roll into small, bite-sized balls (about ¾ inch). Place on a tray.
3. Sauté the vegetables. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
4. Add broth. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
5. Cook the meatballs. Carefully drop meatballs into the simmering broth. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Add pasta. Stir in pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 8–10 minutes).
7. Add greens. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
8. Season and finish. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
9. Serve hot. Ladle into bowls and top generously with freshly grated parmesan.

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The Secret to Tender Meatballs

The key to perfect homemade meatball soup is handling the mixture gently. Overmixing can lead to dense meatballs. Small size matters too — mini meatballs cook quickly and evenly, making each spoonful balanced.

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Choosing the Right Pasta

Acini di pepe is traditional, but other small pasta shapes work beautifully:

• Orzo
• Ditalini
• Stelline

The goal is a delicate pasta that complements, not overwhelms, the broth.

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Greens Matter

Spinach offers convenience and mild flavor, while escarole adds slight bitterness for authenticity. Both create the classic “marriage” that defines Italian wedding soup.

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Make It Your Own

This easy Italian soup recipe is wonderfully adaptable.

Lighter Version

Use ground turkey instead of beef.

Extra Hearty

Add white beans for additional protein and texture.

More Flavor

Stir in a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten the broth.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Crusty Italian bread
• Garlic bread
• A simple arugula salad
• Freshly cracked black pepper

It pairs beautifully with sparkling water or herbal tea for a cozy dinner.

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Storage & Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keep in mind that pasta absorbs broth over time. Add extra broth when reheating to maintain the perfect consistency.

This soup also freezes well — though for best texture, consider cooking pasta separately if freezing large batches.

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Why This Soup Feels So Comforting

There’s a reason Italian wedding soup has remained beloved for generations. The rich yet light broth, savory meatballs, and vibrant greens create a balanced, satisfying experience. It’s nourishing without being heavy and filling without feeling indulgent.

It’s the type of meal that feels like home.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Making meatballs too large.
2. Boiling too aggressively (keep it a gentle simmer).
3. Overcooking the pasta.
4. Forgetting to season in layers.

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Final Thoughts

Italian Wedding Soup is more than just a comforting chicken broth soup — it’s a celebration of balance. The marriage of meat, greens, pasta, and broth creates a dish that’s timeless and versatile.

Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving it as part of a larger Italian-inspired meal, this classic Italian-American soup never disappoints.

One spoonful, and you’ll understand why this humble homemade meatball soup continues to warm hearts — one bowl at a time.