The aroma of simmering broth fills your kitchen like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine spoonfuls of tender meatballs and vibrant greens dancing together in a rich, flavorful broth that has you daydreaming about family gatherings and cozy dinners. This is not just any soup; this is the enchanting Italian Wedding Soup that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

As I recall my first attempt at making this dish, I remember my grandmother’s kitchen filled with laughter and the tantalizing smells of garlic and herbs. She always said that love is the secret ingredient. Who knew that an easy recipe could bring so much joy? Now, every time I make it, I feel her spirit guiding me through the process—like a culinary ghost whispering sweet nothings about perfect seasoning.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This incredible Italian Wedding Soup combines convenience with flavor, making dinner prep quick and simple.
- The mix of textures from meatballs and veggies makes every bite exciting.
- Its vibrant colors will brighten any table setting.
- Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions alike!
I remember serving this dish to my friends during a chilly winter gathering; their delighted expressions made all the effort worthwhile!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Chicken: Choose lean ground chicken for juicy meatballs without too much fat.
- Fresh Spinach: Look for bright green leaves; they add color and nutrition to your soup.
- Carrots: Opt for medium-sized carrots for sweetness; chop them finely so they cook quickly.
- Onion: A yellow onion works best; it adds a savory base flavor when sautéed.
- Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for maximum flavor; there’s no such thing as too much garlic!
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is ideal—it lets you control the saltiness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese enhances flavor; sprinkle it generously before serving.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano and basil adds authentic flavor.
- Pasta (Acini di Pepe): This tiny pasta shape perfectly complements the meatballs and veggies in every spoonful.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing vegetables to enhance richness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare yourself for a delightful cooking journey as we dive into making this scrumptious Italian Wedding Soup.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until soft and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.
Create the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently using your hands until just combined; avoid overmixing!
Brown the Meatballs: Form small meatballs (about 1 inch) and add them to the pot with sautéed onions. Brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes; they don’t have to be fully cooked yet—just golden!
Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour in low-sodium chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Toss in diced carrots and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Add Pasta and Spinach: Once simmering, add acini di pepe pasta and cook according to package instructions—usually around 8 minutes. Stir in fresh spinach just before serving until wilted.
Season to Taste!: Taste your soup before serving! Adjust salt or pepper according to your preference; finish off with an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Now sit back with a warm bowl of your homemade Italian Wedding Soup—a dish that invites family togetherness as it warms hearts (and stomachs). Bon Appétit!
You Must Know
- Use fresh herbs for a vibrant flavor boost,Fresh basil or parsley makes everything pop, trust me!
- Don’t rush the simmering process; it enhances the soup’s depth and richness.
- Patience is a virtue in the kitchen!
- Opt for homemade meatballs; their texture is unbeatable compared to store-bought.
- Plus, they’re fun to make!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by making the meatballs, then sauté your vegetables while the broth simmers. Finally, combine everything and enjoy.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different greens like kale or spinach. You can even throw in some quinoa for an extra health kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Italian wedding soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making meatballs, ensure they’re uniform in size for even cooking.
- Don’t skip sautéing your veggies first; it adds great flavor!
- Always taste your broth before serving to adjust seasoning.
Cooking this Italian wedding soup always brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air and bowls were never empty.
FAQ
What ingredients are essential for Italian Wedding Soup?
You need chicken broth, meatballs, greens, and pasta to create this comforting dish.
Can I make Italian Wedding Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use plant-based meatballs instead.
Is it possible to freeze Italian Wedding Soup?
Absolutely! Freeze it without pasta, then add cooked pasta when reheating for best texture.

Italian Wedding Soup
Delight in the warmth of homemade Italian Wedding Soup, where tender meatballs and vibrant greens unite in a savory broth—perfect for cozy gatherings.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, packed
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup acini di pepe pasta (or small pasta)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant (3-4 minutes).
- In a bowl, mix ground chicken with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Form into small meatballs (about 1 inch).
- Add meatballs to the pot and brown on all sides (5-7 minutes).
- Pour in chicken broth and add diced carrots; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in acini di pepe pasta and cook according to package instructions (around 8 minutes). Add fresh spinach just before serving until wilted.
- Adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as desired; sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an added flavor boost.
- For variations, substitute spinach with kale or add cooked quinoa for extra nutrition.
- Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg