Italian Wedding Soup: Best Recipe with 10+ Veggies

Get ready to make the most heartwarming and nutritious meal with our recipe for Italian Wedding Soup: Best Recipe with 10+ Veggies! This classic comfort food, often misunderstood by its name, is a delicious marriage of tender tiny meatballs and vibrant vegetables simmered in a rich, savory broth. It’s a truly satisfying dish perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy family dinner.

Introduction to Italian Wedding Soup

Despite its charming name, Italian Wedding Soup (minestra maritata in Italian, meaning “married soup”) doesn’t originate from weddings at all. The “marriage” refers to the beautiful combination of green vegetables and meat within the broth, creating a harmonious and flavorful union. It’s a staple in Italian-American cuisine and a beloved dish worldwide for its hearty ingredients and delightful taste.

Our rendition brings you an authentic yet easy-to-follow method to create this traditional delight right in your own kitchen. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare this flavorful meatball soup.

Why This Italian Wedding Soup Recipe is the Best

What makes our Italian Wedding Soup recipe stand out? We’ve packed it with over ten different vegetables, ensuring every spoonful is bursting with flavor and nutrients. From nutrient-rich escarole to vibrant carrots and celery, this soup is a healthy powerhouse.

Our homemade meatballs are incredibly tender and flavorful, seasoned perfectly to complement the rich broth. Plus, the step-by-step instructions make it approachable for even beginner cooks. This isn’t just a soup; it’s a wholesome meal that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

For the Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and diced
3 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
4 cups water
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup small pasta (e.g., acini di pepe, stelline, or orzo)
1 large head escarole, chopped (or spinach/kale)
1 cup zucchini, diced
1 cup yellow squash, diced
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
1 cup fresh or frozen peas
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh Parmesan cheese, for serving

How to Make Italian Wedding Soup: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
Roll the mixture into tiny meatballs, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter. This should yield about 50-60 meatballs. Place them on a plate or baking sheet.

Step 2: Cook the Soup

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, water, and diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Carefully drop the prepared meatballs into the simmering broth. They will cook quickly.
Add the small pasta, zucchini, yellow squash, and green beans. Continue to simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the chopped escarole (or spinach/kale) and peas. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted and peas are tender-crisp.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Ladle the hot Italian Wedding Soup into bowls and serve immediately, topped with fresh grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Perfect Italian Wedding Soup

For extra tender meatballs, avoid overworking the meat mixture. Gentle handling is key! If you’re short on time, you can prep the meatballs a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Also, don’t forget to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor in your vegetable soup.

To deepen the flavor of your broth, consider roasting some of your vegetables before adding them to the pot. This brings a lovely caramelized sweetness. For more cooking inspiration, Explore more delicious soup recipes.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to customize your Italian Wedding Soup! If escarole isn’t available, baby spinach, kale, or Swiss chard make excellent substitutes. For the meatballs, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meatballs and add chickpeas or cannellini beans.

Experiment with different small pasta shapes like ditalini or even broken spaghetti. The beauty of this homemade soup lies in its versatility.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the rich flavors of the soup. Don’t forget an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top!

For more insights into the history of this delightful dish, you can learn more about its origins.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Italian Wedding Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta tends to absorb more broth over time, so you might want to add a splash of extra chicken broth or water when reheating. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.

FAQ

What kind of pasta is best for Italian Wedding Soup?

Small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, stelline, or orzo are traditionally used. These tiny pastas cook quickly and blend perfectly with the other ingredients, ensuring every spoonful is full of flavor and texture.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. This can significantly cut down on your cooking time when you’re ready to make the soup.

What vegetables are essential for Italian Wedding Soup?

While many vegetables can be added, escarole (or other leafy greens like spinach or kale), carrots, and celery are considered essential for the classic flavor profile. Our recipe adds even more for a truly hearty and nutritious bowl!