↑

Will Cook For Smiles

The Best of Homecooking

  • Home
    • About Me
    • Work With Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Subscribe!
  • Recipes
    • Popular Posts
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Healthy Dishes
    • Soup
    • Salad
    • Sandwich
    • Cauliflower
    • Drink
    • Cocktail
  • How To
  • Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot Main Dishes
    • Instant Pot Side Dishes
    • Instant Pot Soups
  • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Chicken
    • Beef
    • Seafood
    • Pork
    • Chili
    • Pasta
    • Slow Cooker
    • Vegetarian
  • Dessert
    • Cheesecake
    • Cake
    • Cookies
    • Chocolate
  • Holidays
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Super Bowl Recipes
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Cinco de Mayo
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • BBQ
    • 4th Of July
    • Fall Recipes
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas Dinner
    • Christmas Baking
    • Holiday Leftover Recipes
    • New Year’s
Home » Dinner » Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup

Created: January 10, 2022 Updated: October 4, 2022 by lyuba 3 Comments

322 shares
Jump to Recipe

Italian Wedding Soup is incredibly comforting soup with phenomenal flavors! The flavors come from the marriage of a seared vegetable base, flavorful chicken stock, mouthwatering meatballs, tender small pasta, and nutritious leafy greens. All of these things combined in one soup makes it a firework of flavor that will snap you out of any cold! It’s perfect for the winter season, since it’s filled with nutrients and nothing but comfort.

If you love Italian inspired soups, make sure to check out our Minestrone soup recipe, Zuppa Toscana soup, or Chicken Gnocchi soup!

spooning out some meatballs out of the bowl with soup

Italian Wedding Soup

There aren’t many soups that I love as much as classic Italian wedding soup. This recipe really is the definition of tried and true, as I’ve been making it ever since I first picked up a pot and spoon. It’s got everything that a perfect soup should have – plenty of flavor, protein to keep you full, and veggies to keep you nourished. On those chilly days when you’re craving a bowl of comfort, this is the recipe for you!

What else makes this soup so remarkable is just how easy it is to whip up. Plus, with this recipe, you get the “made from scratch” bragging rights. The prep time for this authentic soup is just 20 minutes, and the majority of that time is spent making the homemade meatballs and prepping the veggies. If you’re like me, you’ll enjoy how methodical those simple steps can be! Just play some music and get to chopping, and you’ll soon find yourself happy with the busy work.

All natural ingredients are what make up the flavor profile of Italian wedding soup. Other than the delightfully flavorful meatballs, the veggies and broth are what create a blend of subtle, yet satisfying flavors. Speaking of satisfying, one of my favorite parts of this classic soup is the tender pasta. Between the pasta, meatballs, and vegetables, this soup is sure to keep you nice and full for quite a while after you’re done.

closeup of Italian wedding soup topped with shaved Parmesan

What is Italian Wedding Soup?

Italian wedding soup slightly variates from recipe to recipe, but the main idea is always the same. It’s a very comforting soup that brings together meatballs, pasta, and leafy greens. You can see a variation in the meatballs, like using chicken, turkey, beef, or pork. Small pasta usually includes either acini de pepe, orzo, or another type of pasta will equally as small pieces. And when it comes to the greens, there is a choice of endive, escarole, kale, and even spinach. There are also versions of this soup that do not have pasta, if you’d prefer to keep things low carb. However, I like to keep the pasta in mine as it’s a balance between the meat and greens!

Origin of Italian Wedding Soup

There’s a rumor floating around that Italian wedding soup is a traditional soup served at weddings in Italy. In truth, this soup has nothing to do with weddings at all! The names comes from the Italian phrase minestra maritata, which literally translates to “wedding soup.” It refers to the marriage of the meat and green flavors. Much like so many other wonderful, popular dishes, this soup was originally a peasant dish where families used whatever leftover meat and greens they had on hand to make dinner.

The exact origin of Italian wedding soup is rather fuzzy, because this soup dates back so long ago. Like I said – it’s tried and true! Many believe that this soup was actually brought to Naples from Spain, while other native Italians insist that the soup existed in Italy long before that. Either way, this is an amazing soup that is sure to comfort and satisfy everyone in the family!

Ingredients and Substitutions

ingredients for meatballs on the cutting board

Meatballs:

  • Meat – a combination of ground beef and group pork will make the best juicy meatballs. Use 85/15 ground beef.
  • Onion – Yellow onion is best, but white will also work.
  • Garlic – Fresh garlic will yield MUCH better flavor than pre-minced.
  • Egg – I prefer using free-range organic eggs.
  • Worcestershire Sauce – A little goes a long way with this bold ingredient.
  • Bread – You’ll only need a single slice of bread. Just make sure to soak it in milk prior to using.
  • Parmesan Cheese – As always, freshly grate your parmesan for the BEST results. Thank me later!
  • Seasonings – Dried parsley creates a slight herbaceous note to the meatballs, while a pinch of coarse salt and black pepper make them even more mouthwatering.
ingredients for the Italian wedding soup on cutting board

For The Soup:

  • Olive Oil – Rich extra virgin olive oil will yield the most potent flavor.
  • Soffritto – a base to many classic soups consistent of finely diced onions, celery, and carrots.
  • Broth – Vegetable Broth is more common to use in this soup recipe, but Chicken Broth also works.
  • Salt – Just a pinch!
  • Black Pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper yields the best flavor.
  • Greens – when escarole is not available, I use kale.
  • Eggs
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Pasta – My family loves orzo but you can choose other tiny pasta.

Ingredient Notes:

What pasta to use in Italian Wedding Soup?

When it comes to pasta in this soup, think tiny! Go with an option like ancini de pepe, orzo, pastina, or even ditalini.

What greens to use in Italian Wedding Soup?

The most traditional greens to use in this soup is escarole, but it’s not always widely available. If you need to, substitute endive or kale. Spinach is my personal least favorite green to use, as it adapts a slimy texture in the soup.

Gluten Free Notes:

If you’re gluten free, you can still enjoy this Italian classic soup!

  • In the meatballs, make sure to use gluten free bread.
  • As pasta, use small gluten free pasta and if you can’t find any, break up some gluten free spaghetti into small pieces.

How to Make Italian Wedding Soup

onions, celery, and carrots sautéing in the pot
adding chicken stock to the pot with veggies
rolled meatballs on the tray
adding meatballs to the soup in the pot
clear soup with meatballs simmering in a pot
holding a cut with whisked egg over the pot of soup
pouring in whisked egg into stirring soup
Italian wedding soup in a pot on the stove with a ladle

Start off by making the meatballs. Combine all of the ingredients that are called for and mix them well. Once mixed, scoop the meatballs into 1 inch balls and set them aside.

Sauté the veggies: Preheat a Dutch oven with some olive oil and cook the soffrito – the perfect base to all soups (onion, carrot, and celery). Then, stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant.

Broth and meatballs: Pour in the chicken stock and season the mixture with a little salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Add in the meatballs and cook them in the simmering broth for approximately 15 minutes.

Pasta and greens: chop the leafy greens, then add them to the pot. Add the pasta as well. Give it a good stir and let the soup cook for another 8 minutes. (Or, the time the pasta box instructions suggest.)

Egg finish: Whisk together the eggs and grated parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Drizzle the egg mixture into the pot as you slowly stir. Give it about a minute to cook.

Serve right away, and enjoy!

Italian wedding soup in a pot on the stove with a ladle

How long will Italian wedding soup stay fresh?

Store the leftover soup right in the Dutch oven you cooked it in or in an airtight container, in the refrigerator. Stored properly, homemade Italian Wedding soup should be good for about 3-4 days. You can rehear the individual portions in the microwave. If you need to reheat a lot at the same time, do it on stovetop in the Dutch oven over medium heat until warmed through.

Italian wedding soup in a white bowl topped with shaved parmesan

Pin This Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Pin For Later
spooning out some meatballs out of the bowl with soup

Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup is incredibly comforting soup bade with vegetable base, mouthwatering meatballs, tender small pasta, and nutritious leafy greens.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin SaveSaved! Rate
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: meatballs, soup
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8 (serves 6-8)
Calories: 291kcal
Author: lyuba

Ingredients

Meatballs:

  • 1/2 lb ground beef 85/15 meat to fat ratio
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/4 cup finely diced onion
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 slice of bread soaked in milk
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tbsp dried parsley
  • coarse salt
  • black pepper

For Italian Wedding Soup:

  • rolled meatballs from above
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 2-3 medium carrots
  • 2-3 celery ribs
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • 12 cups vegetable (or chicken) broth heated
  • coarse salt
  • black pepper
  • 1 cup tiny pasta such as orzo
  • 1 medium bunch or head of endive, escarole, or kale
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Meatballs:

  • Combine all of the ingredients for meatballs in a mixing bowl and mix well.
  • Use a cookie scoop to make meatballs that are about or slightly smaller than 1 inch in diameter. Set them aside.

To Make The Soup:

  • Preheat a large Dutch oven and add olive oil. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery and sauté over medium heat until softened and starts to get golden brown.
  • Stir in minced garlic and let it sear until fragrant.
  • Pour in heated chicken stock and season with salt and pepper. Let it come to a simmer.
  • Add in meatballs and let them cook for about 15 minutes.
  • Chop the leafy greens and add them to the pot. Add pasta as well. Stir and let it cook about 8 minutes, just until pasta is tender.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and grated parmesan cheese.
  • Gently stir the soup and as you stir in a circular motion, drizzle in the egg mixture. Keep slowly swirling the soup as the egg cooks for about a minute.
  • Serve right away!

Nutrition

Calories: 291kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 1656mg | Potassium: 335mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 4191IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 155mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @willcookforsmiles and tag #willcookforsmiles
collage of two images of Italian wedding soup in a bowl

LYUBA

ABOUT LYUBA

I’m Lyuba Brooke, mother of 2, the cook, recipe developer, photographer, and author behind willcookforsmiles.com. I share many classic and original recipes, cooking tips, and tutorials. My passion is sharing delicious meals for everyone to try. Read more...

322 shares

Filed Under: Dinner, Gluten Free, Lunch, Soup, Soups

All images and text ©Lyubov Brooke for ©Will Cook For Smiles. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If using my posts in collections and features, please link back to this post for the recipe. Disclaimer: Nutrition information shown is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate as most ingredients and brands have variations.

Comments

  1. Brenda says

    January 11, 2022 at 8:03 am

    I don’t see the orzo listed in the recipe?

    Reply
  2. Jo says

    January 16, 2022 at 10:02 am

    5 stars
    It was fabulous!

    Reply
    • LyubaB says

      January 18, 2022 at 7:02 pm

      Thanks, Jo!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Well, hey there!

I’m Lyuba Brooke, mother of 2, the cook, recipe developer, photographer, and author behind willcookforsmiles.com. I share many classic and original recipes, cooking tips, and tutorials. My passion is sharing delicious meals for everyone to try. Read More.

Soup Recipes

spooning some beef soup from a bowl

Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup

closeup of Italian wedding soup topped with shaved Parmesan

Italian Wedding Soup

closeup image of crab soup in a bowl centered in a photo

She Crab Soup

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Chicken Meatball Soup

closeup of top view of Cioppino in a bowl

Cioppino – Seafood Stew

A bowl of white bean soup is presented with a spoon on a countertop.

White Bean Soup

vegetable broth in two canning jars next to fresh carrots, garlic, and celery

Vegetable Stock

Our Popular Recipes

creamy soup topped with bacon, shredded cheese and chives in a white and orange bowl with a spoon

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Cauliflower Fried Rice

top look at the chocolate martini in a glass with chocolate rim

Chocolate Martini

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

Hashbrown Casserole

top view of chicken piccata in sauce on a plate

Chicken Piccata

Top Rated Recipes

The Best French Toast

Cauliflower Parmesan Crisps

Christmas Cheesecake (Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake)

Avocado Salmon Rice Bowl

round decorative bowl filled with apple pie bread pudding topped with ice cream and a fork leaning on the side of the bowl viewed close up.

Apple Pie Bread Pudding

Smores cheesecake on a wooden table

S'Mores Cheesecake Recipe

Sides

30 Min

Pasta

Salads

Breakfast

Drinks

Soups

Gluten Free

FEATURED ON:

featured on

[cp_popup display="inline" style_id="32674" step_id = "1"][/cp_popup]
Buffalo Chicken Wrap with Homemade Ranch

Buffalo Chicken Wrap with Homemade Ranch

January 30, 2023
Delicious,...
The Best Classic Tiramisu

The Best Classic Tiramisu

January 14, 2023
Tiramisu...
Baked Ham with Orange Honey Ham Glaze

Baked Ham with Orange Honey Ham Glaze

December 2, 2022
This...
Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata

August 11, 2022
Chicken...
Pad See Ew

Pad See Ew

August 10, 2022
Pad...
Chicken Meatballs

Chicken Meatballs

July 15, 2022
These...
Baba Ganoush

Baba Ganoush

July 1, 2022
Baba...
Painkiller

Painkiller

June 30, 2022
A...
Truffle Fries

Truffle Fries

June 28, 2022
Truffle...
Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

June 21, 2022
Thai...
Privacy Policy
©2023, Will Cook For Smiles. Design by Pixel Me Designs