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Italian Wedding Soup Recipe: Easy 30-Minute Cozy Comfort Meal

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This Italian wedding soup features tender mini meatballs, vibrant greens, and delicate pasta in a rich, savory broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect cozy comfort meal for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 pound ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup acini di pepe or orzo pasta
  • 5 ounces fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped (or chopped escarole or kale)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • Extra parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Crusty bread, optional

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Scoop out 1-teaspoon portions and roll into mini meatballs (about 40-45).
  3. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Gently drop the mini meatballs into the simmering broth. Cook for about 5 minutes, until they float to the top.
  6. Stir in pasta and simmer for 6-8 minutes, until pasta is tender and meatballs are cooked through.
  7. Add chopped spinach (or other greens) during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Stir gently.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle soup into bowls, top with extra Parmesan and parsley, and serve with crusty bread if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use almond meal and gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use a vegan alternative. Make meatballs ahead and freeze for faster prep. Add greens at the end for best color and texture. If soup thickens, thin with extra broth when reheating. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze (without pasta) for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian wedding soup, meatball soup, easy soup recipe, comfort food, quick dinner, weeknight meal, Italian soup, acini di pepe, orzo, spinach soup

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/italian-wedding-soup-recipe-easy-30-minute-cozy-comfort-meal/