Italian Wedding Soup is a hearty and flavorful soup featuring tender meatballs, leafy greens, and tiny pasta in a savory broth. Despite its name, this soup isn’t traditionally served at Italian weddings; instead, the “wedding” refers to the beautiful marriage of flavors between the ingredients. This big pot recipe is perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping, and it’s sure to warm you up on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 10 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup acini di pepe pasta (or any small pasta like orzo)
- 5-6 cups fresh spinach or escarole, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste