Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup made with tender chicken meatballs, veggies, pasta, and spinach in a savory broth. A quick, comforting 30-minute soup the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 8 ounces ground chicken
- 8 ounces ground chicken sausage casings removed
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup onion chopped
- 3 large carrots chopped
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 10 cups chicken stock
- ½ cup acini di pepe pasta or orzo
- 4 cups spinach chopped
- ½ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
Instructions
Make the Meatballs
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chicken sausage, breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until fully combined.
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs, yielding about 25–30.
Cook the Soup
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until tender.
- Add chicken stock, pasta, and meatballs. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and pasta is tender.
Finish & Serve
- Stir in chopped spinach and allow to wilt.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and top with freshly grated parmesan.
Notes
Uniform Meatballs: Keep them the same size for even cooking.
Use Orzo if Needed: It’s a great substitute for acini di pepe.
Boost Flavor: Add a parmesan rind while simmering, then remove before serving.
Make Ahead: Meatballs can be shaped and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance.
Storage
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freeze: Freeze soup (without spinach or pasta) for up to 2 months. Add fresh spinach and cooked pasta when reheating.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat. Add broth if it thickens.
FAQs
Why is it called Italian Wedding Soup?
It comes from the Italian phrase “minestra maritata,” meaning “married soup,” referring to how well the flavors marry together. Can I use beef or pork meatballs?
Yes — traditional versions use beef and pork, but chicken keeps it lighter. Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, but the flavor and texture of homemade meatballs are superior.
It comes from the Italian phrase “minestra maritata,” meaning “married soup,” referring to how well the flavors marry together. Can I use beef or pork meatballs?
Yes — traditional versions use beef and pork, but chicken keeps it lighter. Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, but the flavor and texture of homemade meatballs are superior.