Italian Wedding Soup

A single batch of this soup is my secret weapon for effortless, healthy lunches all week long. This Italian Wedding Soup recipe is designed for meal prep, holding its texture and bright flavor beautifully in the fridge. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a busy Tuesday, yet tastes like you spent all Sunday afternoon at the stove.

I think we all have those recipes that become more than just food; they become a system. A promise to our future selves that a good, homemade meal is waiting, no matter how chaotic the day gets. For me, that promise is a pot of Italian Wedding Soup simmering on the stove. It’s the ultimate expression of “comfort food, made easy.” This isn’t just another soup recipe. It’s a strategy. A way to wrap tender meatballs, delicate pasta, and vibrant greens in a savory broth that somehow gets better with each passing day. It’s about building layers of flavor with simple ingredients, then letting time do the rest of the work. Regular kitchen, regular time, great results. Let’s make a pot of food that feels like home.

Print

Ingredients List

Italian Wedding Soup starts with humble, honest ingredients that come together to create something truly special. You likely have most of this in your pantry and fridge right now.

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken (or a mix of chicken and pork)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs (panko works great)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup small pasta, like acini di pepe, orzo, or ditalini
• 5 ounces fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Extra grated Parmesan for serving

Smart Swaps & Notes:

• Meat: Ground turkey, beef, or Italian sausage all work beautifully. For a lighter take, lean ground chicken is perfect.
• Greens: Escarole or chopped kale are classic swaps for spinach. Add kale a few minutes earlier to soften.
• Pasta: To keep this among healthy soup recipes, you can use a whole wheat small pasta or even quinoa. For a grain-free version, skip the pasta altogether—it’s still incredibly satisfying.
• Broth: Homemade chicken broth is king, but a good quality store-bought broth makes this a weeknight reality.

Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (most of this is making the meatballs!)
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

The active time is surprisingly short. While the soup simmers, you can tidy up the kitchen, making this one of those delicious soup recipes that doesn’t leave a huge mess in its wake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Italian Wedding Soup is a gentle, rhythmic process. Don’t rush it. Enjoy the aromas filling your kitchen.

1. Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix gently but thoroughly. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. The mixture should be moist and hold together easily.

2. Form the Meatballs
Using a small cookie scoop or a teaspoon, portion the mixture. Roll gently between your palms to form small meatballs, about 3/4-inch in diameter. You should get around 30-40. Place them on a plate or baking sheet. They don’t need to be perfect—homemade charm is part of the appeal.

3. Build the Soup Base
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until fragrant.

4. Simmer the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the broth to a gentle simmer. This flavorful base is the soul of your Italian Wedding Soup.

5. Cook the Meatballs
Carefully drop the meatballs, one by one, directly into the simmering broth. Don’t stir right away—let them set for about 2 minutes. Then, gently nudge them to make sure they’re not sticking. Let them simmer for 10 minutes, until cooked through.

6. Add the Pasta and Greens
Stir in the dry pasta and cook according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in the handfuls of fresh spinach. It will wilt dramatically into the hot broth. Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Pro Tip: If you plan to have leftovers or meal prep, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual bowls. This prevents it from absorbing all the broth and becoming mushy in the fridge. The soup itself will keep beautifully.

Nutritional Information

A serving of this Italian Wedding Soup (about 1.5 cups) is approximately:

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 3g

This soup is a fantastic source of lean protein from the chicken and egg, and vitamins A and C from the carrots and spinach. It’s a balanced, nourishing meal that proves healthy soup recipes can be deeply comforting and flavor-forward.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything fancy to make this Italian Wedding Soup.

• A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot (5-6 quart size is ideal)
• A sharp knife and cutting board
• A large mixing bowl
• A measuring cup and spoons
• A ladle for serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Wedding Soup recipe earns its spot in the regular rotation for so many reasons.

• The Ultimate Make-Ahead Meal: It tastes even better the next day, and the flavors continue to develop. It’s my top recommendation for weekly meal prep.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: It’s universally appealing. The tender meatballs and soft pasta are a hit with kids, while the sophisticated broth satisfies adults.
• Flexible & Forgiving: Out of spinach? Use kale. Want more protein? Use larger meatballs. This recipe adapts to your fridge and your mood.
• Nourishing & Balanced: It’s a complete meal in a bowl with protein, veggies, and carbs. It’s the kind of delicious soup recipe that leaves you feeling satisfied and well-fed, not heavy.
• Simple Ingredients, Warm Memories: It turns basic pantry staples into a pot of something that feels celebratory and cozy.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

This Italian Wedding Soup is already quite wholesome, but here are easy tweaks for different dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats blitzed in a food processor for the meatballs. Choose a gluten-free pasta like brown rice orzo or quinoa pasta.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the Parmesan from the meatball mixture and use a nutritional yeast substitute if you like. The soup will still be fantastic.
• Lower-Carb / Keto: Skip the pasta entirely. You can add extra vegetables like diced zucchini or cauliflower rice in the last few minutes of cooking. For a creamy, keto-friendly soup experience, check out my Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Cream Cheese Soup.
• Higher-Protein: Use all lean ground chicken or turkey for the meatballs. You can also add an extra egg white to the meatball mixture for binding and protein. For another high-protein, Italian-inspired bowl, my High Protein Lasagna Soup is a reader favorite.

Serving Suggestions

Ladle this Italian Wedding Soup into deep, warm bowls. The final flourish is everything.

• The Essential Topping: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is non-negotiable. It adds a salty, umami punch.
• With Bread: A slice of crusty, toasted bread or a warm dinner roll is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of broth.
• For a Heartier Meal: Serve it alongside a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Extra Freshness: A light drizzle of good olive oil and a crack of black pepper right before serving elevates it beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few small tips can make the difference between a good Italian Wedding Soup and a great one.

• Overworking the Meatballs: Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined. Compact, over-mixed meatballs become dense and tough.
• Crowding the Pot When Browning: We don’t brown these meatballs in oil first (it saves time and dishes!), but if you choose to, do it in batches. Crowding steams them instead of browning.
• Overcooking the Pasta: If storing leftovers, cook the pasta al dente. It will continue to soften in the hot broth and when reheated.
• Skipping the Taste Test: Broths vary in saltiness. Always taste your Italian Wedding Soup at the end and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten all the flavors wonderfully.
• Adding Spinach Too Early: Add the spinach at the very end. It wilts in seconds, and adding it early turns it slimy and dulls its vibrant color.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This Italian Wedding Soup is a meal prep superstar.

• Refrigerator: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors truly improve by day two.
• Freezer: Freeze the soup (without pasta for best texture) in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Cook fresh pasta when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. The microwave works for single servings—heat in 60-second intervals, stirring in between.

Conclusion

At its heart, this Italian Wedding Soup is more than a recipe. It’s a little pot of preparedness. It’s the knowledge that a wholesome, heartwarming meal is just a reheat away, whether you’ve had a long day or are welcoming friends for a simple dinner. It proves that the best delicious soup recipes are often the most straightforward, built on a foundation of good broth, tender meatballs, and fresh greens.

I hope this becomes your new secret weapon for effortless dinners, too. There’s a special kind of peace that comes from opening the fridge to a container of homemade soup. It’s a small act of care for yourself and your people.

If you’re in the mood for other comforting, one-pot wonders, you might love my Creamy White Chicken Chili for a different twist on chicken soup recipes homemade, or the rich, cozy notes of my Velvety Chicken Tortilla Soup Delight. And for another family-friendly Italian favorite, don’t miss my second version of High Protein Lasagna Soup.

Now, I’d love to hear from you. Did you make your meatballs tiny or a little bigger? What green did you use? Let me know how your Italian Wedding Soup turned out in the comments below. And if you share a photo, don’t forget to tag @HarmonyMeal so I can see your beautiful creation. Happy, cozy cooking.

FAQs about Italian Wedding Soup

💬 Let’s Stay Connected!
For daily recipes, kitchen tips, and exclusive content, follow me on:
👉 Facebook for behind-the-scenes & community fun
👉 Pinterest for visual inspiration & meal ideas
👉 X (Twitter) for quick tips & trending recipes

📲 Join the flavor journey, your next favorite recipe is just a follow away!