Italian Wedding Soup with Parmesan Meatballs
Cozy up with hearty Italian Wedding Soup with Parmesan Meatballs, an easy recipe packed with flavorful broth and tender meatballs. This comforting soup blends fresh greens, a savory broth, and perfectly seasoned Parmesan meatballs for a dish that warms your heart and satisfies your soul. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual family dinner, this soup comes together quickly and delivers an unforgettable taste of home-cooked Italian goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Hearty: The combination of meatballs and greens in a flavorful broth offers comforting, satisfying warmth in every spoonful.
- Simple Ingredients: With commonly found pantry staples, this recipe is easy to prepare without any complicated steps.
- Perfect for Any Season: Warm up with it on chilly nights or enjoy it as a light, nourishing meal any time of year.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore the tender meatballs paired with fresh, vibrant vegetables.
- Customizable: Easily tailored to your taste preferences or dietary needs without losing its amazing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Italian Wedding Soup with Parmesan Meatballs plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From fresh spinach to freshly grated Parmesan, these essentials ensure a balanced, vibrant soup that’s both nourishing and delicious.
- Ground Meat: Use a blend of beef and pork for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the meatballs and broth.
- Bread Crumbs: Helps keep the meatballs tender and moist.
- Garlic and Onion: Aromatics that build the base of the savory broth.
- Chicken Broth: The heart of the soup, providing depth and warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Spinach or Escarole: Adds color, nutrition, and a mild, fresh flavor.
- Egg: Binds the meatball ingredients together for perfect consistency.
- Seasonings: Fresh parsley, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper for balanced flavor with just a hint of heat.
- Small Pasta: Traditionally acini di pepe or orzo, giving the soup body and texture.
Variations for Italian Wedding Soup with Parmesan Meatballs
Feel free to make this Italian Wedding Soup with Parmesan Meatballs your own! These simple variations allow you to switch things up based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences, all while keeping the comforting spirit intact.
- Meat Alternatives: Substitute turkey or chicken for a leaner option without compromising juiciness.
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based meat substitutes or mushroom-based “meatballs” for a meatless twist.
- Greens Swap: Kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens add different textures and flavors if spinach isn’t available.
- Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat kick.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta options to keep it enjoyable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How to Make Italian Wedding Soup with Parmesan Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a bowl, combine ground meat with grated Parmesan, bread crumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep meatballs tender.
Step 2: Shape and Cook the Meatballs
Form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs. Brown them lightly in a skillet with olive oil or cook directly in simmering broth to preserve their moisture.
Step 3: Make the Broth
In a large soup pot, sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent. Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Add Meatballs and Pasta
Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering broth along with the pasta of your choice. Cook until the meatballs are fully cooked and the pasta is tender.
Step 5: Add Greens and Finish
Stir in fresh spinach or escarole and cook just until wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and fresh Parmesan for a perfect finish.
Pro Tips for Making Italian Wedding Soup with Parmesan Meatballs
- Keep Meatballs Tender: Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture for juicy results.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate it yourself for superior flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Simmer Gently: Let the soup cook at a low simmer to meld the flavors without toughening the meatballs.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go, especially after adding broth, to balance salt and herbs perfectly.
- Add Greens Last: This preserves their bright color and fresh, tender texture.
How to Serve Italian Wedding Soup with Parmesan Meatballs
Garnishes
Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a scattering of chopped parsley, and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to elevate every bowl.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with crusty Italian bread, garlic focaccia, or a light mixed green salad for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in rustic bowls with a Parmesan crisp on the side for extra texture, or in mini soup mugs as elegant appetizers at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the flavors deepen beautifully overnight.
Freezing
Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers without the pasta for up to 3 months; add freshly cooked pasta when reheating to prevent sogginess.
Reheating
Warm soup gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it becomes too thick, and toss in fresh greens for a boost of vibrancy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese besides Parmesan?
While Parmesan is traditional and adds nutty depth, Pecorino Romano or Asiago can be excellent substitutes for a different but equally delicious flavor.
What pasta works best in Italian Wedding Soup with Parmesan Meatballs?
Small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, orzo, or tiny stars are ideal as they cook quickly and complement the bite-sized meatballs perfectly.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta varieties, ensuring it remains just as tasty.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can shape the meatballs and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before cooking, saving time on busy days.
How can I make the broth more flavorful?
Simmering the broth with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary or roasting bones beforehand can deepen its savory flavor for an even more satisfying soup.
Final Thoughts
Italian Wedding Soup with Parmesan Meatballs is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and joy with every spoonful. It’s truly one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own. Dive in, enjoy the process, and watch how this soup becomes a treasured go-to in your kitchen.
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Italian Wedding Soup with Parmesan Meatballs
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free bread crumbs and pasta)
Description
Cozy up with hearty Italian Wedding Soup featuring tender Parmesan meatballs, fresh greens, and a savory chicken broth. This easy, comforting recipe combines juicy meatballs, small pasta, and nutritious spinach or escarole for a delicious meal perfect for any season, quick to prepare and loved by the whole family.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Broth and Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup small pasta (acini di pepe, orzo, or gluten-free alternative)
- 4 cups fresh spinach or escarole, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a bowl, gently combine the ground beef and pork with grated Parmesan, bread crumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape and Cook the Meatballs: Form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs. Brown them lightly in a skillet with olive oil or cook them directly in the simmering broth to preserve moisture.
- Make the Broth: In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Add Meatballs and Pasta: Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering broth. Add the small pasta of your choice. Cook until the meatballs are cooked through and the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Greens and Finish: Stir in fresh spinach or escarole and cook just until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional freshly grated Parmesan as desired.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to keep them juicy and tender.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor instead of pre-grated cheese.
- Simmer the soup gently to meld flavors without toughening meatballs.
- Taste and adjust seasoning gradually, especially after adding broth.
- Add fresh greens last to preserve their color and texture.
- For gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs and pasta.
- Meat alternatives like turkey or chicken can be used for leaner meatballs.
- Vegetarian versions can use plant-based or mushroom-based meatballs.
- To deepen broth flavor, simmer with fresh herbs or roast bones beforehand.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Italian Wedding Soup, Parmesan Meatballs, Italian Soup, Meatball Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Soup Recipe, Gluten-Free Soup Option
