Classic Italian Wedding Soup is made with delicious pork and beef bite-sized meatballs, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, spinach, and pasta in a deliciously seasoned broth. The name wedding soup comes from the Italian phrase minestra maritata, which means married soup, not as in wedding nuptials and bells but in the marriage of delicious flavors and tastes that complement each other.
Why is it called Italian Wedding Soup?
Unfortunately, this classic Italian Soup has nothing to do with weddings. It wasn’t named after the marriage of two people but named after the heavenly marriage between meat and vegetables. I know it is a bit of a letdown, as you were probably thinking this Soup has got to have a great story behind it and a bunch of symbolism. Nope, just terrific-tasting Soup that they probably should serve at weddings.
How do you make Italian Wedding Soup?
First, combine the ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, herbs, and spices. Roll the mixture into small meatballs and cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Don’t worry if they are not fully cooked. Those sweet babies will finish cooking in the soup. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and plate.
Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the same skillet and cook until softened. Add the garlic and herbs and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Move the cooked vegetables to a large Dutch oven or large pot. Add the chicken broth and bring the Soup to a low boil. Add the pasta and cooked meatballs. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Stir in the spinach at the last minute of cooking. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper.
If you own a Dutch oven, the whole thing can be prepared from start to finish. They are great for browning meat. However, I would drain any excess grease before adding the chicken broth.
Recipe notes and helpful tips
- You can substitute ground turkey, ground pork, ground beef, or Italian sausage.
- For optimal taste, brown the meatballs before adding them to the soup. Browning adds great flavor that spreads throughout the whole pot. It also lends a better texture than a boiled meatball.
- Use dried or fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary.
- Feel free to substitute escarole, kale, or endive for the spinach. They all work well in this soup recipe.
- Orzo or ditalani can be substituted for the acini de pepe pasta.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. See below for more on freezing this soup.
How to freeze this Soup
To freeze this soup, first, cool the soup thoroughly. Ladle the fully-cooled soup into quart or gallon-sized heavy-duty freezer zipper bags. Mark the bags with the date and the contents. Lay the soup bags in a single layer on cookie sheets and place them in the freezer. Once fully frozen, stack the bags up in the freezer to save on space. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop on low or in the microwave at 60% power so as not to overcook any ingredients before it is hot.
Other soup recipes you will love!
Classic Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
An easy soup made with delicious pork and beef meatballs, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, spinach, and acini di pepe pasta, all simmered in a lightly seasoned broth.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs mixed ground pork and beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
Soup
- 1 medium sweet onion diced
- 2 large carrots diced
- 2 stalks of celery diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup acini de pepe pasta (see notes)
- 4–5 ounces baby spinach
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, basil, oregano, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Shape the mixture into 3/4-inch balls. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the meatballs and brown in the skillet. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and plate.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 7-10 minutes. Add the garlic, parsley, basil, and oregano and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Add the cooked vegetables to a heavy stockpot or Dutch oven. Add chicken broth and bring to a low boil.
- Add the acini di pepe and the cooked meatballs. Cook for 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Add the spinach at the last minute of cooking. Stir the soup until the spinach is wilted. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey, ground pork, ground beef, or Italian sausage.
- For optimal taste, brown the meatballs before adding them to the soup. Browning adds great flavor that spreads throughout the whole pot. It also lends a better texture than a boiled meatball.
- Use dried or fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary.
- Feel free to substitute escarole, kale, or endive for the spinach. They all work well in this soup recipe.
- Orzo or ditalani can be substituted for the acini de pepe pasta.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. See below for more on freezing this soup.
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Rebecca DelMoro
My favorite soup….it’s delicious 😋🤤🍲
Beth Pierce
I could not agree more! Delicious!
Sharon C
Oh my word is this good!! It took me about an hour and a half to make it but it is worth the effort and time. This is my new favorite soup!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sharon! I am so glad that you liked it!
Mj Hardy
Awesome soup!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, MJ!
Sandra
I love how creamy and delicious this soup is! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Karen
This soup omg I am addicted!!! It turned out so so good…I would have it every day if I could…Thank you.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Karen!
Tammy
Gosh it’s been ages since I’ve had Italian Wedding Soup! It was always my go-to at the diner…such a comforting dish. I need to make this asap now that the days are a bit chillier!
Susan
Classic Italian Wedding Soup is a culinary masterpiece that marries a delightful combination of flavors and tastes. Those bite-sized meatballs and the seasoned broth must create a symphony for the taste buds. Can’t wait to savor this delicious recipe!
Cathy
All the flavors that I love in one soup! It turned out fantastic. You are correct browning the meatballs adds so much flavor. Thanks for the tip!
Sam
One of my favorite soup recipes. So so much better with the browned meatballs. It adds a lot to the overall flavor. Thanks for sharing the recipe, Beth!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Sam.
Melissa
This sounds and looks amazing. We love soup this time of year so I am going to add this to the list to try out.
Tammy
I absolutely love Italian Soup and haven’t made it in such a long time. Thanks for the reminder and great recipe.
katie
One of my favorite soups! So glad that soup season is here.
Stephanie
This Italian wedding soup recipe creates such a delicious and comforting meal. Its even delicious when reheated!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Stephanie! I am so glad that you liked it!
Erik
This is the best wedding soup I have had to date. I love how you brown the meatballs and incorporate all the brown bits in your soup.
Amanda
I recommend this recipe to everyone! It is so easy to follow and absolutely delicous!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Amanda!
Ed
Great wedding soup. I think it is the best that I have ever had. Browning the meatballs before adding them to the soup added great texture and flavor.
Sonia
The perfectly seasoned broth, tender meatballs, hearty vegetables and pasta create the ultimate flavour explosion in every bite. And the name “married soup” is so fitting, as each ingredient truly complements the others in a delicious union. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day or to serve to friends and family at a dinner party.
Mary
I’ve never had this soup before. It looks delicious! Love the different components that go into this soup.
Molly
This Italian Wedding Soup recipe is simply fantastic! The blend of flavors and textures is delightful, and it’s easy to follow. A definite winner for any occasion. Can’t wait to make it again.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Molly! So glad that you liked it!
Rich
I love this soup. I’ve eaten it many times during a cold day. Thanks for sharing the recipe. It is always delicious.
Maria
Beth… Your Italian Wedding Soup recipe is by far the absolute best we’ve ever made. We will be following yours from here on in. Very flavorful! Thank you so much! Also, very interesting is the story behind the name! Thanks for sharing! Generally speaking, we love each and every one of your recipes! God Bless You! -Maria
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Maria! That is so very kind of you! Happy Thanksgiving!
Kim
Hi Beth I m Italian and have had much wedding soup in my life but I have to tell you, this recipe is hands down the best I’ve ever had. I added a few chicken thighs in as well ( of course deboned) The flavor is shockingly FANTASTIC!
Can’t wait to make it again..
Thank you
Kim
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much, Kim! I am happy to hear that you enjoyed it.
Diane
I have made this soup for years and it is always a Hugh hit! Definitely one of our favorite soups and we have a lot of soup. I do not brown the meatballs as I was taught to just drop them in the broth but I might try browning them. I could see that would give an extra layer of flavor. Also I whisk egg in too. It’s delicious!
Beth Pierce
Yes, such a delicious soup.
Kelly
Just made a double batch of this for a family dinner for tomorrow. My daughter and I sampled and it is delicious!! My first time making Italian wedding and will definitely add to my favs!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Kelly! So glad that you and your daughter liked it!
caitlin k
this is seriously my most favorite soup! im always craving it!
maryanne
This is one of my favorite soups! I used frozen spinach just to make life easier, and it turned out soooo tasty! It’s the perfect comfort food on a chilly night.
Elizabeth
My whole family absolutely loved this soup! Fantastic recipe!
Heather Johnson
my absolute favorite soup – never knew the story – but it’s delicious! Thanks for sharing recipe!
Carrie Robinson
Oh yum! Now this is my kind of comfort food. 🙂
Cheryl
I made this recipe but used homemade broth. So much better and also served with chicken and the meatballs. I also cook the meatballs right in my broth. Bam. Enjoy.
Beth Pierce
So glad that you liked it! We are certainly having soup weather here! So darn cold!!
Sandy Smith
Made this as a surprise for my Sicilian bf’s birthday, HE LOVES IT !!!
Followed the recipe exactly, except:
I bought pre-made, uncooked pork meatballs and mixed them with a package of ground turkey to cut the sodium. Then made smaller meatballs with the mixture.
Also added fresh cracked pepper.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Sandy! So glad that you both enjoyed the soup!
Emily
This was my first attempt at Italian Wedding Soup and I will look no further!! This recipe turned out fabulous! I think that the pasta amount was a little too much, but the flavor of both the soup and the meatballs was excellent!! This will forever be my “go-to” recipe for this soup!! Thank you for sharing!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Emily! So glad that you liked it! It is one delicious soup!!
Jodi
I have made this recipe several times. I always add some shredded chicken breast to it and top it off with some shredded parmesan cheese. It is very yummy!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Jodi! So glad that you like it!!
Jackie
I made this yesterday and will make it again. I followed the recipe exactly and it was perfect and very easy to make. My husband had seconds so it’s definitely going in my “saved” recipes!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Jackie! So glad that you and your husband liked it!
Beth Pierce
I think I would go with ground turkey. Don’t go for the ground turkey breast as it is too lean and would not taste as good as mixture of dark and white meat.
Susan Gannon
It’s funny that the first time I had this soup WAS at an Italian wedding! I love it and will be making it soon.
Priya Shiva
This Italian soup looks so scrumptious and so comforting. I can warm up to this soup anyday!
Alexandra
This soup is superb – absolutely delicious, and so warming and comforting. Thank you for the wonderful recipe!
Farah
Pure comfort, especially with this changing weather. I love Italian wedding soup but have never tried making it myself, so you’ve completely inspired me. Thank you!!
Jessie
Italian Wedding soup is one of my all time favorites and this recipes sounds amazing!
Janelle
this soup looks so good! I am going to make this tonight but plant based.
June Jones
This soup is simply and delicious
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much June! So glad that you liked it!!
Elaine Capano
Before you brown the meatballs do you put any oil or cooking spray in the pan?
Beth Pierce
I usually do not however if you feel there is a possibility of the meatballs sticking it would be a good idea!! Every pan is a little different and of course the amount of fat in the meat makes a difference.
Deborah
Thank you so much for the recipe….not only was it super easy to make…it was delicious!
Karen Ward
It’s a very cold, snowy, blowy night in Toledo, Ohio. I plan to make this soup tomorrow when my husband and I are snowed in … looking forward to it. Thanks for all the good info and tips.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome Karen! I hope you and your husband enjoy it as much as we do!
Anna Murdoch
I’m going to try this tonight. I’m curious?, about how many meatballs did you have in the soup? I have some frozen ones I want to just add in. Thank you!
Beth Pierce
So sorry about the delay. I never count the meatballs but I would think I usually end up with about 24 meatballs.
Darlene Pierce
I shared this recipe on a Homemade Italian Recipe site on FB! The response was amazing! I had made the soup, but I added some salt to the meatballs and I used full sodium chicken broth. After all, I’m Southern. ? Thanks for adding an alternative pasta. I used orzo. Couldn’t find the other pasta in the coastal Georgia town that I live in!
This was a fabulous, “company worthy” soup! I was also very proud to share it with a friend that had recently had surgery! Thanks so much. You have gained a fan!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Darlene! I am so glad that you liked it! Glad that you adjusted it for your taste.
Nick Thomas
Gonna try this tomorrow
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Nick! Enjoy!
Jane Freed
Making this today, a-snowy Saturday with homemade crusty bead. Using Ground turkey and escarole. Thanks for sharing this great recipe.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome Jane! What a great meal for a snow day!
Teri
What are your thoughts re adding kale to this recipe? I am going to make this, asap!!!
Beth Pierce
I think kale would be delicious. I would remove the stems and chop it up some!
Jackie
I posted a day or two ago but my reply is not listed here so I will try again. This is a very good flavorful hearty recipe for Italian Wedding soup. I love it.
There is one small thing that I would like to mention for those of us who are counting calories.
The nutritional information that is listed can not possibly include the meatballs. The calorie count would be quite a bit higher.
I will just plan my day different on the days that I have this soup. Because once again I want to stress how good it is.
Beth Pierce
Sorry about the delayed response. I really wanted to take a few minutes to respond to this. So glad that you like the recipe. We love it too. I need to put a disclaimer on the site that those nutritional values are approximations. The software that is offered bloggers is only so good and sometimes you have to pick a group of foods. In this particular case I picked a mix of beef, pork and turkey since they did not have a beef and pork mix. Could I have slowed down and made two nutritional lines one for pork and one for beef? Yes I sure could have but the day is full of questions, comments, cooking and blogging. There are just not enough hours to get it all done. Here is another for instance complaints on how high sodium is many recipes. I only have so many choice out there to pick from and they might not have the low sodium version I am listing in my recipe but I have to go with something. This is way I am going to have to come up with a disclaimer. Sorry again for the delay as I wanted a few minutes to type this up.
Mayuri Patel
A cool story behind the name of the soup, when I read the title I thought “that’s interesting a special soup for Italian weddings.” Nutritious and filling and wholesome.
Farah
Seasonal and absolutely heart and delicious! Loved this thank you!!
Jacqueline Debono
This is one of the best winter soup recipes. It really is a meal on its own and so warming and comforting! I made it all in my Dutch oven!
Elizabeth
This recipe is super! It ticked all of my boxes for a fully rounded family meal – thank you for the inspiration!
estee
this looks incredible!!!!!!!! perfect for a heart weeknight dinner when its freezing out.
Dave
Haven’t tried this recipe, but it’s close to my mother’s. She would boil a whole chicken with carrots, onions and celery. After cooking and coolind, pull the chicken meat off the bone, stain the broth, make her meatballs and add onions, celery and carrots into broth with Carole and smmer. Soooooo good.
Beth Pierce
I bet! That sounds delicious! I wish I had a bowl right now!
Daneial Cobb
This is soooo good. I’m in Southern California, so it’s still in the 80’s here, but I was in a soup mood. I am GF so I used GF breadcrumbs in the meatballs, added extra carrots and celery and skipped the pasta. I cooked everything in a dutch oven and forgot to drain the beef fat from browning the meatballs. The extra fat gave the soup extra flavor. I liked it so much, I ate 3 bowls for dinner and I’m looking forward to the leftovers tomorrow night.
Beth Pierce
So glad that you liked it and were able to adapt it to your specific wants. I love a cook that can improvise!
Cheryl Delmastro
What is the best chicken broth for this recipe.
Beth Pierce
I buy an organic low sodium chicken broth. Walmart sells an organic chicken broth.
Judith
I use unsalted chicken broth because I have heart disease, I saute my veggies in lots of garlic, basil ,oregano ,parsley, celery, onions ,and not to much olive oil, also when I cannot find the pasta I use white beans I also cook my meatballs in an air oven. . I also use Italian saugage once in a while. Great soup. This is the best when you just want a good cup or bowl of soup along with some garlic bread.
Beth Pierce
Those are great tips Judith. Thanks so much for sharing those with us. It is one delicious soup.
Patty
Hi everyone -can this be frozen? Should the pasta be added after its defrosts or can it be added before freezing? I want a good soup to send to my daughter at college. Winter is coming and upstate could use some soup:)
Beth Pierce
Oh Patty I am so sorry I missed this one. Soup with pasta in it can be frozen. It will need to be thawed in the refrigerator and heated on low to keep from cooking the pasta more. I would suggest cooking the pasta al dente or you could also bring her the uncooked pasta and she could add it to her soup when she heats it.
Laura O'Connell
You can’t always get acini de pepe pasta where I live, so I tried barley instead. Works just as well. Also, I had some leftover spiralized veggies (carrots, zuccini), so I used them instead of chopped up carrots.
Beth Pierce
Fabulous! I love a cook that can improvise!
Ariane
I just made this and it’s so versatile and delicious! I added one extra carrot and celery since we love them in soup. I also made my soup gf by using gf Italian breadcrumbs (used 2 eggs & garlic salt since I had ground beef/turky blend), and used gf alphabet noodles 🙂 My 2 y/o just gobbled up a bowl! I made my meatballs super tiny, so they were done in 10min. LOVE that I could modify this super easily. Thank you for a great recipe!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome Ariane! Thanks for your great tips as well.
Liz
It’s been so cold, I’ve been craving soup on repeat! This recipe is so perfect for winter nights! Thanks you for this delicious recipe!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome Liz! I hope you enjoy it!
Aimee Shugarman
My favorite soup recipe. We have this on a regular rotation!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Aimee! It certainly is a delicious soup!
Suzanne
I’ve been looking for a good recipe of this soup and I think this is the one! Will report back on my findings soon lol
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Suzanne! I hope you enjoy it!
Pam Sharkey
I think this is a Italian-American recipe.
natalie
Oh wow this soup looks so hearty and full of goodness!! Perfect for a cold winter’s day.
Khushboo Motihar
That’s such a cool story behind such a wonderful dish. I love the fact that it is a marriage of meat and vegetables 🙂
Beth Pierce
Yes indeed! Now that is a marriage that lasts!
My Family Travel Zone
This is the BEST Italian Wedding Soup recipe I have ever tasted.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! I am glad that you enjoyed it!!
Jasmine Hewitt
i dont think i’ve ever had italian wedding soup. i’d like to give this a try
Beth Pierce
Thanks Jasmine! it really is delicious!
Bella and Dawn at Dear Mummy Blog
We would have never through to add meatballs to a broth – sounds amazing!
John Mulindi
Italian food is one of the foreign food I would like to try. This one is the best pick for me. Thanks for sharing.
Beth Pierce
My pleasure John! I sure hope you like it as much as we do!
Rosey
Wedding soup is so delicious. I haven’t had any for awhile, but now that you mention it… it’ll probably be on our menu soon. 🙂
Preet
I love soup. The pictures alone sealed the deal for me. This looks and sounds incredibly tasty.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! I love soup so too! Never a bad time for some soup!!
Alexandra Cook
This looks nice and simple to put together but so delicious! Perfect for a weekend treat!
Beth Pierce
I agree! Weekends are great for soup! Such great comfort food!
Kisha Stewart-Harris
Wedding soup always reminds me of coziness and comfort. Just one bowl takes me back to my childhood and great memories. Your version of this looks delicious.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! It is pure comfort food!!
Lisa
This looks so delicious! We’re live in Italy half the year, but I’ve never heard of Italian wedding soup! Will try it out.
Yeah Lifestyle
This looks and sounds like such a delicious soup! How interesting that its name has nothing to do with weddings!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! Yeah absolutely nothing to do with weddings.
Farmhouse Mama
This soup looks delicious and hearty! It’s been awhile since I’ve had Italian Wedding soup, but it would be so fun to make with this recipe. Thanks!
Catherine
One of my favorites! I’ve been craving soup lately and could go for a bowl of this beautiful soup! Looks so delicious!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Catherine! I love soup too! Never a bad day for soup!!
Sincerely Miss J
I love Italian Wedding soup. I could eat it everyday. I will def. try this recipe. Super excited
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Miss J. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Allie
One of my all time favorite soups, I could lick the bowl clean! This is a great recipe to keep in the safe!
Beth Pierce
LOL! I could like the bowl clean too but I think my family would give me the evil eyeball!
Nancy
Mmmm, this looks amazing. My daughters and husband love Italian Wedding soup. It’s their go-to, I’m more of a tomato soup gal but, I usually lose out and we make this. I’m going to mix it up and try yours!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Nancy! I hope that all of you enjoy it!
George
My mom made it but she would boil chicken breast bone in. Then strip/ shred chicken from bone combine vegetables, pasta, meatballs and let cook. Serve soup with grated parmesan
Beth Pierce
Sounds delicious George! I bet she was a great cook!
eli
“named after the heavenly wedding of meat and vegetables” had me dying. Sounds like the best type of wedding
Beth Pierce
Yes it really does. You are making me laugh this morning! I needed a good laugh!
Anosa
I honestly thought there was a great story behind the name but ah well, the recipe still looks pretty delicious.
Beth Pierce
Unfortunately no great story! I hope you enjoy the soup! It is very yummy!
gale reynolds
This soup is absolutely positively the first course at all Italian weddings that I have ever attended!!!
Heather
I always see this soup recipe and I’ve actually never tried it. We love soup in our home, so I’ll have to try this out.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Heather! We love soup too! This is a delicious one! I hope you enjoy it!
Sara Welch
This is my favorite soup at our local grocery store (The Nugget)! But, your recipe looks ten times better! I can’t wait to make this for myself-yum!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Sara! That is a really cute name for a grocery store! Thanks for stopping by!
Danielle Wolter
it’s been so long since i had italian wedding soup. loving the flavors and how easy it all comes together!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Danielle! I hope you like it!
Dana Burger
I whisk a raw egg in at end before I add the spinach because this was how I was taught. I too it with Parmesan and homemade croutons❤️
Beth Pierce
Sounds delicious! Thanks for the tips!
Karla
Thank you for the description of the soup first. This looks like such a great dish for these cold winter days.
Beth Pierce
Yes nothing warms the soul like a good bowl of soup! I sure hope you enjoy it!
Stacie
This is the kind of recipe I love. It’s tasty and it’s healthy. That can be a really hard combo to come by.
Beth Pierce
So true Stacie! I love this soup!!
katie davies
My favourite kind of soup veg and meat good hearty healthy food fab recipe thanks
Beth Pierce
My pleasure Katie! I hope you enjoy it!!
April
Delicious!! One of my favorite soups!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much April! I am glad that you liked it!!
Sarah
This is so good! I do have one suggestion for those with kids who do not like spinach…. chop it finely…. it helped my kids eat their entire portion.
Beth Pierce
Great idea! Thanks for the tip!!
Lori
Can I use frozen chopped spinach instead of fresh baby spinach?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can although I would squeeze as much moisture out of it as possible.
Lori
Thank you!!
Hilary
What is something that you should serve with this soup? I can not wait to make it tonight!!
Beth Pierce
I love that soup. It really is a meal in itself so maybe some crusty French bread with butter, a small garden salad, a Caesar salad or maybe even a fruit cup.
Ann Marie Traitses
This was amazing! The only thing I did differently was bake the meatballs in a 350 oven on a sheet pan lined with foil and sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking. I think that is easier.
Beth Pierce
So glad that you enjoyed it! Thanks for the heads up!
ROBERT LEBLANC
The only thing Ann Marie will loose is all those bits of burnt meat flavor, by not sauteing your veggies in the meat ball pan!! That’s usually a huge part of your recipe! Great recipe…I’m definitely putting it to the test this weekend.Thanks.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Robert! Enjoy! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Anna Azzopardi
Very good but you actually do not have to cook the meatballs before, all you do is drop them in the the hot broth , and they just cook in the broth, than you can add the pasta , and than the spinach at the end.
I have been making Italian wedding soup for ever, and never cooked the meatballs ahead of time.
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the tip. I like the flavor and the texture better when I brown the meatballs first.
Kelli
Loved this recipe! Easy to make and full of flavor!
I decided to use ground turkey rather than beef / pork mixture using the Sam’s seasonings. Turned out really nice! Yum!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Kelli! I am so glad that you liked it! Good idea with the ground turkey.
Dominic Mottillo
I use Endive and Escarole in mine instead of spinach. Try it I guarantee that you will love it
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the tip!
Roseann Flagiello
That is awesome that someone else uses the Escarole, I’ve been using escarole for years and love it… But I do love it with the spinach too.
Darlene B.
I always use escarole, and all beef for the meatballs. I also add shredded or cubed chicken breast. I believe it is called wedding soup as it is traditionally served as a first course at many Italian weddings and other gatherings!
Ari
Actually that is false. It’s not served traditionally at Italian weddings. its original Italian name is really minestra maritata, which means “married soup” in relation to the “marriage” or unity of all the ingredients.
Amy
Yes! I’m from Ohio where it is VERY well known! We do the same.
gale reynolds
You are absolutely correct! This soup was ALWAYS served as first course at family weddings!
gale reynolds
Yes!!! This soup has ALWAYS been first course at all our family weddings!!!