Italian Wedding Soup Recipe: The Ultimate Hearty Comfort Food

Italian Wedding Soup is a beloved classic that combines savory meatballs, delicate pasta, leafy greens, and rich broth into one soul-warming bowl. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with actual weddings—this dish celebrates the perfect marriage of flavors. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the authentic Italian Wedding Soup recipe, explore ingredient choices, show cooking tips, and offer mouthwatering variations. Whether you’re cooking for family or prepping ahead, this soup will become a go-to comfort food in your kitchen.

Looking for inspiration? Try our creamy-broccoli-cheese-soup-recipe for another cozy bowl of flavor.

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What Is Italian Wedding Soup?

History and Origin of the Name

Italian Wedding Soup, or “Minestra Maritata” in Italian, doesn’t come from wedding banquets. The name refers to the “marriage” of ingredients—where bold, savory meat meets fresh greens in a flavorful broth. This Southern Italian dish traveled to America with immigrants and gained popularity for its rustic, homey nature.

Interestingly, while the name implies festivity, the soup was often a peasant meal. Leftover meats and seasonal greens were stretched into a filling soup using small pasta and broth, making it an economical and nutritious choice.

Common Misconceptions About Italian Wedding Soup

Many believe Italian Wedding Soup must include wedding traditions or specific greens like escarole, but the truth is more flexible. You can swap greens, pasta, or even use pre-made meatballs for convenience. Some even add a tomato base—but traditional recipes stick to clear chicken broth and fresh herbs.

This dish isn’t limited to winter meals either. Thanks to its light broth and bite-sized ingredients, it’s an ideal all-year soup.

How It’s Different from Other Meatball Soups

Italian Wedding Soup stands out because of its balance. Unlike heavy tomato-based meatball soups, this one feels lighter and more refined, thanks to the clear broth and tender acini di pepe pasta. The meatballs are typically a blend of beef and pork, seasoned with Parmesan, fresh herbs, and breadcrumbs—adding richness without overwhelming the palate.

While soups like minestrone or sausage kale are equally popular, Italian Wedding Soup focuses more on subtlety, creating a harmony of taste in every bite.

Don’t miss our old-fashioned-cream-of-tomato-soup if you’re craving another comfort classic with bold tomato flavor.

Ingredients That Make the Best Italian Wedding Soup

Why the Meatball Blend Matters (Beef + Pork)

The key to flavor-packed meatballs lies in the combination of lean ground beef and juicy ground pork. Pork adds fat and tenderness while beef offers depth and structure. This duo gives the meatballs their signature juicy texture and rich flavor. Use fresh breadcrumbs, a whole egg, chopped parsley, oregano, and shredded Parmesan to bind and flavor the mix.

Avoid using dried breadcrumbs from a box—they lack moisture and result in dry, dense meatballs.

Here’s a simple table for your meatball base:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Lean Ground Beef	8 oz	80–90% lean
Ground Pork	8 oz	Substitute: beef if needed
Fresh Bread Crumbs	½ cup	From rustic or white bread
Parmesan Cheese	½ cup	Use Parmigiano Reggiano
Fresh Parsley	¼ cup	Chopped
Egg	1 large	Acts as binder
Minced Oregano	1½ tsp	Use dried if fresh unavailable
Salt & Pepper	To taste	Season well

Check out cheesecake-factory-meatballs if you’re a meatball enthusiast.

Best Pasta Types for Authentic Texture

The traditional choice for Italian Wedding Soup is acini di pepe—tiny, round pasta pearls that hold up beautifully in broth. Their small size ensures each spoonful delivers a perfect ratio of meat, pasta, and greens.

If acini di pepe isn’t available, try these substitutes:

• Orzo
• Ditalini
• Pastina (stars)
• Mini elbow macaroni

Avoid large pasta shapes—they overpower the broth and meatballs.

Discover great ideas like our orzo-salad-recipe if you love using small pasta in creative ways.

Choosing the Right Greens: Spinach vs Escarole

Fresh baby spinach is the most popular green for this soup—it wilts quickly and adds a mild, pleasant flavor. But for a more traditional, peppery bite, escarole or endive are great alternatives.

Here’s how they compare:

Green	Flavor Profile	Cooking Time	Notes
Spinach	Mild, tender	1–2 minutes	Add at the end
Escarole	Slightly bitter	8–10 minutes	Add with pasta
Kale	Earthy, bold	10+ minutes	Needs longer simmering

Spinach works best for quick cooking, but if you want something with an Italian grandma’s touch, go with escarole.

Looking for a lighter soup? Try our cajun-potato-soup-recipe with bold flavors and a creamy twist.

How to Make Italian Wedding Soup at Home

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Meatballs

The soul of any Italian Wedding Soup lies in its meatballs. Tender, flavorful, and small enough for a spoonful—here’s how to get them just right.

1. Make the meatball mix
   In a large mixing bowl, combine lean ground beef and pork. Add fresh breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, minced oregano, one egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently using your hands or a fork. Over-mixing can make the meatballs tough.
2. Shape the meatballs
   Roll the mixture into tiny balls, about ¾ to 1 inch in size. This ensures every bite of soup includes at least one meatball. You should get around 35–40 mini meatballs.
3. Brown the meatballs
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs in batches until browned on at least 2–3 sides. Browning adds depth of flavor to the soup, so don’t skip this step—even if you’re tempted to save time.
4. Drain and set aside
   Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate. They’ll finish cooking in the broth later.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing. It’s better to cook them in two batches than to steam them all at once.

Simmering for Deep Flavor Without Overcooking

The base of Italian Wedding Soup is a rich, clear chicken broth simmered with vegetables and meatballs. Here’s how to develop deep flavor while keeping everything perfectly cooked.

1. Start the mirepoix
   In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped carrots, celery, and onions. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until soft and aromatic.
2. Add garlic and sauté
   Add minced garlic and stir for one minute. Be careful not to burn it—it should smell fragrant, not bitter.
3. Pour in the chicken broth
   Use high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth—or homemade if you have it. Pour in about 5 cans (14.5 oz each) and bring it to a gentle boil.
4. Add pasta and meatballs
   Stir in your chosen pasta (acini di pepe is best) and the browned meatballs. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
5. Simmer until cooked
   Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pasta should be tender, and meatballs should be fully cooked through.

Bonus Flavor Tip: If you have a Parmesan rind, toss it into the pot during the simmering process—it infuses the broth with extra umami richness.

Cooking Tips for Achieving Balance in Broth, Pasta & Meatballs

Getting the ratios right is key to the success of Italian Wedding Soup. Too much pasta can soak up all the broth. Too few meatballs, and the soup lacks body. Here’s how to get it just right:

Component	Ideal Amount (per 6 servings)	Tips for Balance
Meatballs	35–40 small meatballs	Small size ensures even distribution
Pasta	1 cup dry acini di pepe	Reduce to ¾ cup for a more brothy soup
Broth	5 cans (14.5 oz each)	Add more if reheating or freezing later
Greens	6 oz spinach	Add last minute to preserve color and taste
Parmesan	To garnish	Don’t skip—it rounds out the flavors

After simmering, stir in fresh chopped spinach during the last minute of cooking. It wilts quickly and keeps its bright green color. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan.

Discover great ideas like our marry-me-chicken-soup-recipe if you love flavorful, cozy soup dinners.

Pro Tips to Elevate Your Homemade Italian Wedding Soup

• Use fresh herbs whenever possible. Parsley and oregano are essential for authentic Italian flavor.
• Fresh bread crumbs = best texture. Grind rustic bread in a food processor instead of using pre-packaged crumbs.
• Adjust seasoning at the end. Taste before serving—add salt, pepper, or even a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
• Skip pre-shredded Parmesan. Use real Parmigiano Reggiano and shred it fresh for the best melt and flavor.
• Meal prep tip: Make and freeze the meatballs in advance. You can drop them straight into the simmering soup from frozen.

Looking for inspiration? Try our texas-roadhouse-rolls-recipe as a soft, buttery side to serve with this soup.

Variations of Italian Wedding Soup You Can Try

Healthier Tweaks: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, or Dairy-Free

Italian Wedding Soup is naturally nourishing, but you can easily make it suit specific dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free orzo or rice-shaped pasta. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs.
• Low-Carb or Keto: Replace pasta with chopped zucchini, cauliflower rice, or omit it altogether. Double the greens for more fiber.
• Dairy-Free: Skip the Parmesan in the meatballs and garnish with a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.

These tweaks keep the flavor and texture intact while aligning with modern dietary needs.

Check out our zucchini-fritters-recipe for another low-carb favorite.

Traditional vs. Modern Interpretations

Traditional Italian Wedding Soup sticks to beef + pork meatballs, spinach or escarole, and tiny pasta in chicken broth. Modern spins, however, add:

• Shredded chicken in place of or alongside meatballs
• Herb-infused broth with basil, rosemary, or thyme
• Lemon zest for a bright, fresh twist
• Chili flakes or crushed red pepper for a spicy kick

Feel free to experiment and tailor the soup to your family’s preferences—just keep the soul of the dish intact.

Vegetarian Version with Plant-Based Meatballs

To make this dish vegetarian:

• Use plant-based ground meat (like lentil or chickpea meatballs)
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth
• Add white beans or mushrooms for added texture

This version still delivers deep flavor and hearty satisfaction—perfect for meatless Mondays or hosting vegetarian guests.

Don’t miss our creamy-thai-dumpling-soup for another plant-based bowl full of comfort.

FAQs About Italian Wedding Soup

Conclusion: Why This Italian Wedding Soup Recipe Is a Must-Try

If you’ve never made Italian Wedding Soup before, this is the moment. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor—making it the ultimate comfort meal. The tender homemade meatballs, flavorful broth, and delicate pasta come together beautifully. Whether you’re looking to warm up a chilly night or prep wholesome meals ahead of time, this soup fits the bill.

Looking for more Italian-inspired comfort food? Don’t miss our instant-pot-lasagna-delicious-recipe.

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