Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe: A Cozy Classic You’ll Love

There’s something magical about a simmering pot of soup on a cold evening, and this easy Italian wedding soup recipe delivers that magic in every bite. Tender meatballs, delicate greens, tiny pasta, and a richly seasoned broth come together in a cozy embrace — the kind that instantly feels like home. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight meal or crafting a Sunday supper to remember, this easy Italian wedding soup recipe is a heartwarming must.

What Makes This Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe Special?

The true magic of an easy Italian wedding soup recipe lies in its perfect balance: the marriage (yes, wedding!) of savory meat and fresh greens. Each spoonful offers tender, juicy meatballs bathed in a clear, flavorful broth. Tiny acini di pepe pasta dots the soup, adding a delightful texture without overpowering the delicate flavors. Traditionally from the Campania region of Italy, the dish has become an Italian-American staple, beloved for its wholesome ingredients and soul-satisfying taste.

The aroma alone — rich broth infused with garlic, onion, and herbs — can transport you to your Nonna’s kitchen, even if you never had one! This recipe honors the traditional roots while making it simple enough for any home cook to master.

Expect a soup that’s light yet hearty, with clean, bright flavors that never feel heavy. The mini meatballs offer little bursts of meaty goodness, while the greens keep everything feeling fresh and vibrant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This easy Italian wedding soup recipe calls for simple, familiar ingredients you likely already have on hand — no complicated shopping list here!

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a beef/pork mix)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 1 cup acini di pepe pasta (or orzo if preferred)
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or escarole)
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh Parmesan cheese, for garnish

These ingredients come together effortlessly to create a soup that’s both rustic and elegant — a true example of how simplicity can shine in Italian cuisine.

Essential Tools for Preparing This Recipe

Making this easy Italian wedding soup recipe is even easier when you have the right tools at your fingertips:

• Large Dutch Oven or Soup Pot: Essential for creating a rich broth and simmering everything evenly.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining meatball ingredients quickly and cleanly.
• Small Cookie Scoop or Teaspoon: Helps you form evenly sized mini meatballs.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for transferring meatballs into the broth.
• Ladle: To serve up generous, piping-hot bowls of soup.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping vegetables and greens with ease.

Having these basic tools ensures your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable — so you can focus on the delicious aromas filling your kitchen!

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

The beauty of this easy Italian wedding soup recipe is just how adaptable it is. No matter what’s in your fridge or pantry, you can easily create delicious variations without losing the heart of the dish.

Protein Variations:

• Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Swap out beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You’ll still get those juicy, flavorful bites without the extra richness.
• Plant-Based Meatballs: Vegetarian? Use plant-based meat alternatives or hearty lentil meatballs.

Greens Substitutions:

• Escarole: This traditional green has a slightly bitter bite that perfectly balances the richness of the broth.
• Spinach: Mild and tender, spinach wilts beautifully into the hot broth.
• Kale: For a heartier, slightly earthy flavor, curly kale or lacinato kale work wonders.

Pasta Options:

• Acini di Pepe: Traditional and perfect — tiny beads that float beautifully in the broth.
• Orzo or Ditalini: If acini di pepe is unavailable, these small pasta shapes are excellent backups.

Broth Choices:

• Chicken Broth: The classic choice, rich and comforting.
• Vegetable Broth: For a lighter or vegetarian option, a good quality vegetable broth makes a great substitute.

These small tweaks keep this easy Italian wedding soup recipe exciting, customizable, and welcoming for a wide range of dietary needs.

How to Make Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Ready to create a pot of pure comfort? Here’s your simple, delicious guide:

❶ Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Use a small cookie scoop or teaspoon to form tiny meatballs, about ¾ inch in diameter.
Tip: Keep your hands slightly wet to prevent sticking!

Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper as you work. You should end up with about 40–50 mini meatballs — the more, the merrier!

❷ Sauté Aromatics

In your large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

The kitchen will already start to smell like a little slice of heaven — that’s how you know you’re on the right track with this easy Italian wedding soup recipe!

❸ Simmer the Soup

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Carefully add the meatballs one by one, ensuring they don’t stick together.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 8–10 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through.

Pro Tip: Skim off any foam that rises to the surface for a clearer broth.

❹ Add the Pasta

Stir in the acini di pepe pasta and continue simmering for another 7–8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

The broth will thicken slightly as the pasta releases its starch, creating that beautifully silky mouthfeel.

❺ Finish with Greens

Add the chopped spinach (or escarole) and let it wilt into the soup, about 2–3 minutes.
You want the greens tender but still vibrant green — a little pop of color and freshness in every bowl.

❻ Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan, and serve piping hot.
Add a side of crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a warm hug.

This easy Italian wedding soup recipe is ready in under an hour but tastes like it’s been simmering all day!

How to Serve Italian Wedding Soup

When it comes to serving this easy Italian wedding soup recipe, simplicity is key — but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a little creative!

Classic Presentation:

• Ladle the piping hot soup into warm bowls to keep the broth steaming.
• Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
• Serve with warm, crusty bread or a soft, buttery dinner roll for dipping.

Elevated Meal Idea:

• Pair this cozy soup with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
• A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the bright flavors beautifully.

Family Style:

• Set the pot in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves — a fun, casual way to enjoy a comforting meal.

No matter how you serve it, this easy Italian wedding soup recipe brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to any table.

Best Tips for the Perfect Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Want to take your soup from good to unforgettable? These pro tips will ensure success every time you make this beloved classic:

Tip 1: Keep the Meatballs Small
Tiny meatballs are the hallmark of a great Italian wedding soup.
Aim for ¾-inch diameter so they cook quickly and fit perfectly on the spoon alongside pasta and greens.

Tip 2: Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Add the pasta once the meatballs are almost cooked through.
Keep a close eye — tiny pasta like acini di pepe can go from al dente to mushy in just a few minutes!

Tip 3: Use High-Quality Broth
A rich, homemade chicken broth will make a world of difference in flavor.
If using store-bought broth, choose a low-sodium variety and season to taste.

Tip 4: Skim the Broth
For a clear, clean-tasting soup, skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface as it simmers.

Tip 5: Finish Fresh
Add the greens at the very end, just before serving.
This keeps them vibrant and prevents them from becoming overly soft or discolored.

Tip 6: Season in Layers
Taste after adding the broth, after the meatballs cook, and after the pasta is tender.
Adjust seasoning gradually for perfect balance.

Following these tips ensures that your easy Italian wedding soup recipe comes out restaurant-quality — every single time!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

One of the best things about this easy Italian wedding soup recipe is how wonderfully it stores. It’s perfect for meal prepping, freezing, and enjoying later.

Refrigerating:

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
• It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• The pasta will absorb some broth as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of extra broth when reheating.

Freezing:

• For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta.
• The meatballs, broth, and vegetables freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, then add freshly cooked pasta before serving.

Reheating:

• Warm the soup slowly over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
• If reheating from frozen, allow the soup to thaw first for even heating.

Pro Storage Tip:
Portion the soup into single-serving containers before freezing — perfect for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners!

This means you can always have a bowl of comforting easy Italian wedding soup recipe ready whenever the craving strikes — no last-minute grocery runs needed!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze this easy Italian wedding soup recipe?
Absolutely! It freezes beautifully — just be sure to freeze it without the pasta. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat gently, and add freshly cooked pasta to preserve the best texture.

Q: What greens are best for Italian wedding soup?
Traditionally, escarole is the green of choice, thanks to its slightly bitter bite. However, baby spinach, kale, or even Swiss chard make excellent substitutions, depending on what’s available.

Q: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can form and cook the meatballs up to two days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to add them to your broth.

Q: Can I use frozen meatballs for this easy Italian wedding soup recipe?
Definitely — for an even quicker version, high-quality frozen mini meatballs work just fine. Just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are heated through.

Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
Not automatically, but you can easily adapt it! Simply swap regular pasta for a small gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Making This Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe Again and Again

There’s a reason this easy Italian wedding soup recipe has stood the test of time — it’s nourishing, comforting, and deeply satisfying without being heavy. With its tender mini meatballs, delicate greens, tiny pasta, and savory broth, every spoonful feels like a warm embrace.

It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but special enough for Sunday family dinners. It’s adaptable, forgiving, and endlessly delicious — whether you follow the traditional route or put your own spin on it.

So the next time the weather cools down, or you simply need a meal that warms you from the inside out, reach for this easy Italian wedding soup recipe. It’s the kind of dish that turns simple ingredients into unforgettable memories around the table.

Buon appetito!

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More Comforting Recipes You’ll Love

If you adored this easy Italian wedding soup recipe, be sure to try these cozy favorites:

• San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe – Layers of pasta, rich sauce, and cheese for the ultimate Italian-American comfort dish.
• Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce – Creamy, herby, and packed with tender flavor—just like your favorite soup, but heartier.
• Busy Day Soup Recipe – A quick and wholesome option when you need something warm and filling on the fly.
• Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole – Creamy, nostalgic, and the definition of comfort food from the heartland.

Each dish brings that same warm hug-in-a-bowl feeling—perfect for chilly evenings or sharing with family.