Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Name: Easy Italian Wedding Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz ground beef; 2 slices fresh white bread; 2 cloves garlic; 1/2 medium white onion; 1/3 cup fresh parsley; 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese; 10-12 cups chicken broth; 8 cups greens (baby spinach, kale, etc.); 2 cups small cooked pasta

Recipe By:

Natalia

Posted:

February 18, 2026

Updated:

February 18, 2026

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This Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe is the perfect solution for chilly evenings or cozy family gatherings. This dish combines flavorful meatballs, tender greens, and tiny pasta in a rich broth, ensuring every spoonful is packed with comfort and warmth. Easy to prepare and full of delicious flavors, it’s a meal that can bring everyone together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 70 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy this hearty soup without spending all day in the kitchen.
Flavorful Meatballs: Made with a blend of ground beef and seasonings, these meatballs are juicy and full of flavor.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the greens or pasta based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup keeps well in the fridge, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Comforting and Nourishing: Packed with nutrients from the greens and protein from the meatballs, this soup is both satisfying and healthy.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, it’s important to gather the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Large soup pot
Cutting board
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients easily without mess.
Baking sheet: Great for rolling out meatballs; allows for even browning if chosen.
Large soup pot: Essential for making a big batch of soup that can serve many people.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

8 oz. beef, ground
8 oz. beef, ground
2 slices fresh white bread, crust trimmed, torn into pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tsp.)
1/2 medium white onion, grated or finely chopped
1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
1/2 cup Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, freshly grated
1/2 tsp. salt
1 large egg
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire (or sub milk)

For the Soup Base

2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 medium white onion, chopped
3 large carrots, peeled and finely chopped
4 stalks celery, diced
salt and pepper to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. sage, fresh, chopped

For the Broth and Greens

10-12 cups chicken broth (homemade preferred but store-bought is OK too)
2 cups cooked small pasta, such as acini di pepe or ditalini, or cook more pasta as desired (or 1 cup uncooked)
8 cups greens (baby spinach, endive, kale, or escarole)

For Garnish

Parmigiano Reggiano for garnish
Good quality olive oil (optional)

How to Make Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the torn bread, minced garlic, grated onion, parsley, cheese, salt, egg, and Worcestershire sauce. Once combined thoroughly, add in both types of ground beef. Gently mix using clean hands or a spoon until everything is well incorporated.

Step 2: Roll Into Balls (and Brown)

Roll small portions of the mixture into tiny meatballs about 3/4-inch in size using your hands or a melon baller. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If desired, you can brown them in batches in a large pot with a little olive oil over medium heat until they are about three-quarters cooked through before setting them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over low heat. Add chopped onions, celery, carrots along with salt and pepper. Sweat these veggies for about 15 minutes while stirring occasionally. Then stir in minced garlic and sage; cook until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Broth

Pour in chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding the rind of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese during this step.

Step 5: Add Meatballs

Once boiling, carefully add in your prepared meatballs into the soup. As they cook through and float to the surface—check their internal temperature should reach 145°F if using both types of beef! If you’re adding uncooked pasta to your soup at this stage—add around 3/4 cup.

Step 6: Add Greens, Garnish, and Serve

Gently stir in your choice of greens (baby spinach works well). Taste your soup for seasoning adjustments; add more salt or pepper if needed. To serve, place cooked pasta into bowls first before ladling over the hot soup. Finish off with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Romano cheese alongside a drizzle of good quality olive oil if desired!

How to Serve Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Serving Easy Italian Wedding Soup is a delightful experience that warms both the heart and the palate. Here are some creative ways to enhance your meal and make it even more enjoyable.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Parsley or Basil: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Pair with Bread

Crusty Italian Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty Italian bread for dipping into the rich broth.

Add Extra Cheese

Grated Parmigiano Reggiano: Offer extra grated cheese at the table for guests to sprinkle on their soup as desired.

Include a Side Salad

Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the soup’s richness perfectly.

Serve with Olive Oil

High-Quality Olive Oil: Drizzle some good quality olive oil over each bowl just before serving for added richness.

How to Perfect Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

To make sure your Easy Italian Wedding Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

Bold Flavor Base: Start by sautéing your vegetables until they’re soft. This builds an incredible flavor base for the soup.
Bold Meatballs: Don’t skip browning the meatballs first; it adds depth and enhances their flavor in the final dish.
Bold Broth Choice: Use homemade chicken broth if possible; it makes a significant difference in taste. If using store-bought, select a high-quality brand.
Bold Greens Addition: Stir in fresh greens at the end of cooking to maintain their vibrant color and nutritional value.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Complement your Easy Italian Wedding Soup with these delicious side dishes that enhance any meal:

Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread pairs beautifully with the soup.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast.
Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, and olives makes for an inviting appetizer.
Stuffed Peppers: Roasted stuffed peppers filled with rice and cheese add a hearty touch to your meal.
Risotto Balls: Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these make a delightful finger food option.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide vibrant colors and flavors that complement the soup well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe can be a delight, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Skipping the Meatball Browning: Not browning your meatballs can lead to less flavor in the soup. Take the time to brown them slightly before adding them to the broth for a richer taste.
Overcooking the Greens: Cooking greens for too long can result in a mushy texture. Add them towards the end of cooking, just enough to wilt them.
Not Adjusting Seasonings: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasonings can leave your soup bland. Always taste before serving and add salt or pepper as needed.
Ignoring Pasta Cooking Instructions: Adding uncooked pasta directly into the soup without adjusting liquid can lead to overly thick soup. Cook pasta separately or monitor how much broth you use if adding it raw.
Using Low-Quality Broth: Low-quality broth can affect the overall flavor of your soup. Use homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken broth for the best results.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
The soup will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Portion out servings into freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Leave space at the top of containers for expansion as it freezes.

Reheating Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated thoroughly (approximately 5-10 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this an Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe?

This recipe simplifies traditional methods by using straightforward ingredients and easy preparation steps, making it accessible even for beginner cooks.

Can I use different greens in my Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with other greens like kale or escarole based on your preference or what’s available.

How do I make this soup gluten-free?

You can swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options and ensure that your bread used in meatballs is also gluten-free.

What kind of meat can I use besides beef?

You can use ground turkey or chicken as alternatives if you prefer a lighter version of this delicious wedding soup.

Final Thoughts

The Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also customizable according to your family’s tastes. With its hearty meatballs, fresh greens, and savory broth, it’s perfect for any occasion. Try experimenting with different vegetables or herbs, making it your own family favorite!