🇮🇹🍲 Classic Italian Wedding Soup – Hearty, Homemade & Comforting
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutesTotal Time: 50 minutesServes: 6Course: Soup, Main Dish | Cuisine: Italian-American | Difficulty: Easy
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup (or Minestra Maritata) isn’t about weddings—it’s about the perfect “marriage” of flavors: savory meatballs, delicate greens, and tiny pasta floating in a deliciously rich broth.
This comforting, one-pot soup is great for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights in. It’s freezer-friendly, kid-approved, and totally customizable.
🛒 Ingredients
🧆 For the Meatballs:
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork or Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
🍲 For the Soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 3/4 cup acini di pepe or orzo pasta
- 4 cups baby spinach or escarole
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan & lemon wedges for serving
🔥 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a bowl, mix all meatball ingredients. Roll into 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate while prepping the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In a large soup pot, heat olive oil. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Add Broth & Meatballs
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Gently drop in the raw meatballs. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add Pasta & Greens
Add pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 8–10 minutes). Add spinach in the last 2 minutes and let it wilt.
Step 5: Season & Serve
Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges if desired.
🧡 Tips & Variations
| Tip / Variation | Benefit / Flavor Boost |
|---|---|
| Use mini frozen meatballs | Time-saving shortcut |
| Swap spinach for escarole or kale | Traditional and adds depth |
| Add lemon zest or juice | Brightens up the broth |
| Make it gluten-free | Use gluten-free breadcrumbs & pasta |
| Freeze leftovers | Great for future lunches or weeknight meals |
❓ FAQ
Q: Why is it called "Italian Wedding Soup"?
The name comes from the Italian phrase minestra maritata, meaning “married soup” — referring to the harmony of flavors, not actual weddings.
Q: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add sautéed veggies, broth, and raw meatballs to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours. Add pasta in the last 30 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but for best texture, freeze without pasta. Add fresh pasta when reheating.
Similar Recipes :
1️⃣ Classic Italian Meatball Soup
A comforting soup made with tender beef meatballs, vegetables, pasta, and herbs simmered in a flavorful broth. This hearty yet light soup is perfect for family dinners.
Why it’s similar:
- Italian-style meatballs
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2️⃣ Chicken and Spinach Soup with Orzo
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Why it’s similar:
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4️⃣ Spinach and Parmesan Soup
A light yet flavorful soup made with spinach, garlic, broth, and finished with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Simple and elegant Italian comfort.
Why it’s similar:
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5️⃣ Escarole and Meatball Soup
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Why it’s similar:
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🧾 Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~340 kcal
- Protein: ~20g
- Carbs: ~25g
- Fat: ~18g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sodium: ~600mg
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