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Are you searching for dinner ideas that combine comfort, nutrition, and incredible flavor? Italian Wedding Soup is your answer! This classic dish features tender homemade meatballs, fresh vegetables, and delicate pasta swimming in a rich chicken broth. Whether you’re planning easy weeknight dinners or need lazy dinners that don’t compromise on taste, this recipe delivers every time.
Table of Contents
What Is Italian Wedding Soup?
Italian Wedding Soup is a traditional Italian-American comfort food that brings together savory meatballs, leafy greens, and small pasta in a flavorful broth. Despite its name, this soup isn’t served at weddings the term “wedding” comes from the Italian phrase “minestra maritata,” meaning “married soup,” referring to the perfect marriage of flavors between the meat and greens.
This dish has become one of the most beloved dinner ideas for family gatherings because it’s hearty, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying. It’s also one of those cheap dinners for a family that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for Busy Families
When you need quick dinner ideas that everyone will enjoy, Italian Wedding Soup delivers. The entire recipe comes together in about 45 minutes, making it ideal for those nights when you want kid friendly dinners without the hassle.
Nutritious and Delicious
Unlike many dinner dishes, this soup balances indulgence with nutrition. The spinach provides iron and vitamins, while the lean meat offers protein. It’s one of those healthy dinner ideas that doesn’t taste “healthy” just delicious!
Budget-Friendly
As one of the best supper ideas for families on a budget, this recipe uses affordable ingredients like ground beef and pork, seasonal vegetables, and pantry staples. You’ll create a restaurant-quality meal for a fraction of the cost.
Essential Equipment
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the right tools. You’ll need a quality large soup pot for making the soup, a mixing bowl for combining the meatball ingredients, and a good chef’s knife for chopping vegetables. A cutting board is essential for prep work, and kitchen utensils like a wooden spoon will help you stir everything together perfectly.
Ingredient Breakdown
For the Meatballs
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef (85% lean) | ½ lb | Provides rich flavor and texture |
| Ground pork | ½ lb | Adds tenderness and moisture |
| Egg | 1, beaten | Binds ingredients together |
| Italian breadcrumbs | ½ cup | Creates light, tender meatballs |
| Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup, grated | Adds savory depth |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | Enhances flavor |
| Fresh parsley | 1/3 cup, chopped | Brightens the taste |
| Salt | ¾ teaspoon | Seasons the meat |
| Pepper | ¼ teaspoon | Adds subtle heat |
For the Soup
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | For browning |
| Yellow onion | 1, diced | Aromatic base |
| Carrots | 1¼ cups, diced | Adds sweetness |
| Celery | 2 ribs, diced | Classic soup vegetable |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | Flavor enhancer |
| Chicken broth | 8 cups | Soup base |
| Italian seasoning | 2 teaspoons | Herb blend |
| Acini de pepe pasta | ¾ cup, uncooked | Traditional small pasta |
| Fresh spinach | 4-5 cups | Nutritious greens |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Final seasoning |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Meatballs
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, beaten egg, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Step 2: Roll the mixture into ¾-inch balls. This size ensures they cook evenly and are perfect for spooning up with the soup.
Building the Soup Base
Step 3: Heat olive oil in your large soup pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for about 2 minutes per side. They don’t need to be fully cooked they’ll finish cooking in the broth. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Using the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat for 6 minutes until softened. If the vegetables start to stick, add a splash of olive oil.
Step 5: Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the softened vegetables. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Bringing It All Together
Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Step 7: Return the browned meatballs to the pot. Let them simmer gently while you prepare the pasta.
Step 8: In a separate pot, cook the acini de pepe pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well. (Pro tip: Cooking pasta separately prevents it from absorbing all your broth during storage!)
Step 9: Stir the fresh spinach into the soup and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Step 10: Ladle the soup into serving bowls, add a portion of cooked pasta to each bowl, and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Pro Tips for Perfect Italian Wedding Soup
Don’t Overwork the Meat
When mixing your meatballs, use a gentle hand. Overworking creates dense, tough meatballs instead of tender, flavorful ones.
Brown for Flavor
Taking the time to brown your meatballs adds incredible depth to the soup. Don’t skip this step!
Cook Pasta Separately
While it’s tempting to cook the pasta directly in the soup, cooking it separately ensures your leftovers won’t become mushy as the pasta absorbs the broth.
Use Fresh Spinach
Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and provides the best texture. Frozen spinach can work in a pinch but squeeze out excess moisture first.
Quality Broth Matters
Since the broth is the foundation of this soup, use a high-quality chicken broth or homemade stock for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Italian Wedding Soup?
Yes! Freeze the soup without the pasta for up to 3 months. Cook fresh pasta when reheating for the best texture.
What can I substitute for acini de pepe?
Orzo, ditalini, or small shell pasta work wonderfully as substitutes.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the soup up to 2 days ahead. Store the pasta separately and add it when reheating.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
Can I use only ground beef?
Yes, though the combination of beef and pork creates more flavor and tenderness. You can use all beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the soup and pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Why This Is One of the Best Dinner Ideas for Family
Italian Wedding Soup checks all the boxes for successful family meals. It’s one of those dinner ideas recipes that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a go-to for dinner ideas for family nights. The mild flavors make it kid friendly, while the homemade meatballs and fresh ingredients satisfy adult palates.
As one of the most versatile dinner dishes, you can easily customize it to your family’s preferences. Add more vegetables, adjust the seasoning, or use different pasta shapes this recipe is forgiving and adaptable.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Consider these variations:
- Add kale or escarole instead of spinach for a different flavor profile
- Use turkey meatballs for a leaner option
- Add white beans for extra protein and fiber
- Include lemon juice at the end for brightness
- Try different pasta shapes like orzo or small shells
The Perfect Comfort Food
When you’re looking for supper ideas that warm you from the inside out, Italian Wedding Soup is unbeatable. It’s one of those dinner ideas that becomes a family tradition the kind of meal your kids will request again and again.
Whether you’re meal planning for the week or need a last-minute dinner solution, this recipe proves that quick dinner ideas don’t have to be complicated or boring. It’s simple, satisfying, and supremely comforting.
This Italian Wedding Soup represents everything great about home cooking: simple ingredients transformed into something special, affordable components creating an impressive meal, and the kind of comfort that only a bowl of homemade soup can provide.
Try this recipe tonight and discover why it’s become one of America’s favorite dinner ideas for family gatherings, easy weeknight dinners, and cozy nights at home!
PrintItalian Wedding Soup Recipe (Easy 45-Minute Dinner!)
Classic Italian Wedding Soup with tender homemade meatballs, fresh spinach, and acini de pepe pasta in a flavorful chicken broth. A comforting family dinner ready in 45 minutes!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
1 Tablespoon olive oil
Meatballs:
½ lb. ground beef, 85% lean
½ lb. ground pork
1 egg, beaten
½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
Soup:
1 yellow onion, diced
1¼ cups carrots, diced
2 celery ribs, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
¾ cup acini de pepe pasta, uncooked
4–5 cups fresh spinach
salt/pepper, to taste
To Garnish:
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
1. Gently combine the meatball ingredients in a mixing bowl. Don’t overwork the meat. Roll into ¾-inch balls.
2. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
3. Brown the meatballs in batches for about 2 minutes. The middle of the meatballs will finish cooking in the soup. Remove and set aside.
4. Add the onions, carrots, and celery and soften over medium heat for 6 minutes, until softened. Add a splash of olive oil during cooking if needed.
5. Add the garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for 1 minute.
6. Add the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
7. Add the cooked meatballs and simmer gently while you boil the pasta separately until al dente. Drain once cooked through and add the pasta to serving bowls.
8. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
9. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve!
Notes
Cook pasta separately to prevent it from absorbing all the broth during storage.
Don’t overwork the meat when making meatballs for the most tender results.
Use high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
Soup can be frozen without pasta for up to 3 months.
Store leftovers with pasta separated for best results.
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