Classic Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting bowl filled with tender meatballs, flavorful broth, tiny pasta, and fresh greens. The combination of the rich broth with the little meatballs and the bit of crunch from the leafy greens makes every spoonful a warm, satisfying hug on a chilly day.
I love making this soup when I want something that feels like a hug from the inside. The meatballs are juicy and packed with herbs, and they cook right in the broth, soaking up all the delicious flavors. It’s a simple recipe, but it feels special, and it’s one of those dishes I usually find myself making when friends come over because it always gets such a great reaction.
My favorite way to enjoy Italian Wedding Soup is with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crusty bread on the side to soak up every drop of the broth. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend lunch. I’m pretty sure once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Meat: The mix of ground beef and pork gives the meatballs great flavor and tenderness. If you want a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken—they work well but may need extra seasoning.
Breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs help keep the meatballs soft. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Stale bread soaked in milk can also work.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor to meatballs and garnish. Pecorino Romano is a nice alternative if you want a sharper taste. You can leave it out for a dairy-free option but add extra herbs instead.
Acini di Pepe Pasta: These small pasta pearls are traditional, but orzo, ditalini, or even small elbow macaroni work well if you don’t have it on hand.
Greens: Spinach and escarole add color and freshness. Kale or Swiss chard are good substitutes and add a bit more texture.
How Do You Make Perfect, Tender Meatballs for Soup?
Getting small, tender meatballs is key to this soup. Here’s my simple method:
- Mix meat, breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, garlic, and parsley gently. Overmixing makes balls tough.
- Roll into small, uniform 3/4-inch balls for even cooking.
- Simmer meatballs gently in the broth—not a hard boil—to keep them tender.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs or soak stale bread in milk for moist meatballs.
This approach ensures juicy meatballs that hold shape and add rich flavor to the broth.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – perfect for simmering the soup and cooking meatballs evenly.
- Mixing bowl – you’ll combine and season your meatball ingredients here.
- Spoon or small ice cream scoop – helps you portion uniform meatballs quickly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring the soup without scratching your pot.
- Fine mesh strainer (optional) – great if you want to rinse the pasta before adding it.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or chicken for lighter meatballs; these cook quickly and taste mild.
- Add cooked white beans for extra protein and a creamy texture.
- Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a more robust green and slight bitterness.
- Include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the broth for a gentle spicy kick.
Classic Italian Wedding Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- ½ cup fresh breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup acini di pepe pasta (or small pasta like orzo or ditalini)
- 4 cups fresh spinach or escarole, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional chopped parsley for garnish
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook, totaling about 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend time mixing the meatballs, sautéing the vegetables, simmering the broth, and cooking the pasta and greens.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender. Then, shape the mixture into small ¾-inch meatballs and set them aside on a plate.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
3. Simmer the Soup:
Pour the chicken broth into the pot with the vegetables and bring it to a boil. Gently add the prepared meatballs to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat so the soup simmers, and cook until the meatballs are cooked through, about 10 to 12 minutes.
4. Add Pasta and Greens:
Add the acini di pepe pasta to the simmering soup and cook until tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Next, stir in the chopped spinach or escarole. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
5. Final Touches and Serving:
Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread on the side.
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Soup?
Yes! If you want to save time, you can prepare the meatballs ahead and freeze them. Just thaw completely in the fridge before adding to the hot broth, and simmer a bit longer to ensure they’re cooked through.
What Can I Substitute for Acini di Pepe Pasta?
If you don’t have acini di pepe, small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or tiny elbow macaroni work great. Just adjust cooking time as needed according to the pasta package instructions.
How Long Does Italian Wedding Soup Keep in the Fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to keep the meatballs tender and the broth flavorful.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
You can! Skip the meatballs and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or beans for protein, and consider adding small pasta and greens to keep the classic feel.
