Easy Italian Wedding Soup isn’t just a dish—it’s a delightful experience that combines tender meatballs, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth into one harmonious bowl. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a make-ahead meal for the week. Follow this detailed guide to create a soup that’s rich, delicious, and sure to become a household favorite.
What Is Easy Italian Wedding Soup?
Despite the name, Italian Wedding Soup isn’t traditionally served at weddings. The term comes from the Italian phrase “minestra maritata” (married soup), referring to the perfect marriage of flavors between the greens and the meat.
Ingredients for Easy Italian Wedding Soup
For the best results, gather fresh, high-quality ingredients:
Meatballs
- 1 piece of stale Italian bread, ripped into small pieces
- ¼ cup milk
- 2–2.5 lbs ground meat (⅔ ground chuck, ⅓ ground pork)
- Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
- 12 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (divided)
- 2 eggs, whisked
- ½ cup Italian bread crumbs
- ⅔ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 8 fresh basil leaves, ripped
Soup Base
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 4 carrots, peeled and diced
- 4 celery stalks, diced
- ½ large onion (or 1 small onion), diced
- 8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio)
- 10 cups chicken stock
- 2 oz hunk of Pecorino Romano cheese
- 12 fresh basil leaves, ripped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Optional
- Ditalini, pastina, or your favorite small pasta for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
- In a small bowl, combine the stale Italian bread with milk. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes until softened. Squeeze out excess milk and set the bread aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, soaked bread, 12 chopped garlic cloves, ¼ cup parsley, whisked eggs, bread crumbs, grated Pecorino Romano, and 8 ripped basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Roll the mixture into small ¾–1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Set aside.
2. Build the Soup Base
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Add diced carrots, celery, and onion. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste and chopped garlic. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to caramelize the tomato paste.
- Deglaze the pot with white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
3. Simmer the Soup
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring the pot to a boil.
- Gently add the meatballs to the pot, followed by the hunk of Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked.
4. Add Final Touches
- Stir in the remaining parsley and 12 ripped basil leaves during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
- Taste the broth and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Italian Wedding Soup can be served as is or over a small pasta like ditalini or pastina. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra grated Pecorino Romano for added richness. Serve with crusty Italian bread for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality cheese make a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: Gently mix the ingredients to keep them tender.
- Deglaze Properly: Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits for a richer broth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Italian Wedding Soup is:
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, veggies, and wholesome ingredients.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add extra vegetables to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Freeze leftovers for a quick, comforting meal anytime.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 406 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 28g
Enjoy this comforting, hearty bowl of Easy Italian Wedding Soup — it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again!
