Hearty Italian Wedding Soup: Meatballs, Greens & Pasta

Italian Wedding SoupPhoto bythecozycook

Italian Wedding Soup is a hearty and comforting soup that combines tender meatballs, leafy greens, and pasta in a flavorful broth.

Get Full Recipe: Italian Wedding Soup

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup small pasta (such as acini di pepe or orzo)
• 4 cups baby spinach or escarole, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs:
2. • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
   • Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set them aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
4. • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking until they are browned on all sides and cooked through about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside.
5. Prepare the Soup Base:
6. • In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Simmer the Soup:
8. • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
   • Return the cooked meatballs to the pot and stir in the chopped spinach or escarole. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the greens are wilted and the meatballs are heated through.
9. Serve:
10. • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

Conclusion

Italian Wedding Soup is a delicious and nourishing dish that brings together tender meatballs, fresh greens, and savory broth in a delightful way. Perfect for any occasion, this soup is easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic Italian-American favorite!