Italian Wedding Soup (Cozy Broth, Tender Meatballs & Fresh Greens!)

Italian Wedding Soup is a warm, comforting classic made with tender homemade meatballs, delicate pasta, savory broth, and fresh leafy greens. Despite the name, this soup isn’t actually served at weddings — “wedding” refers to the harmonious marriage of flavors.

This version is rich, flavorful, and easy enough for weeknights while still feeling special. Pair it with Homemade Italian Bread, Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread, or a simple Classic Caesar Salad for a cozy, complete meal. Italian Wedding Soup (Cozy Broth, Tender Meatballs & Fresh Greens!)

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground chicken or ground pork (or a mix)

• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• 1 large egg

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2–3 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 8 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup acini di pepe (or orzo/pastina)

• 4 cups fresh spinach or escarole

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Grated Parmesan, for serving

Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs

1. In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.

2. Roll into small, bite-sized meatballs (about ¾-inch).

3. Set aside on a plate.

2. Start the Soup

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5–6 minutes.

3. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

3. Cook the Meatballs

1. Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering broth.

2. Simmer for 10 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through.

4. Add Pasta & Greens

1. Add acini di pepe and simmer an additional 8–10 minutes, until pasta is tender.

2. Stir in spinach or escarole until wilted.

3. Taste and season with salt & pepper.

How to Serve

Ladle into bowls and top with extra grated Parmesan and fresh cracked pepper. Serve with crusty bread or warm focaccia for the perfect cozy meal.

Conclusion

This Italian Wedding Soup is wholesome, comforting, and full of flavor — a perfect one-pot dinner that feels both light and satisfying. It’s a great recipe for anytime you want something warm, cozy, and homemade.

Italian Wedding Soup-FAQ

1. Why is it called Italian Wedding Soup?

The name comes from the Italian phrase “minestra maritata,” meaning “married soup,” referring to the perfect marriage of flavors between the meat, vegetables, and greens—not actual wedding celebrations.

2. What kind of meat is best for the meatballs?

Ground chicken, turkey, pork, or a mixture all work well. Pork adds richness, while chicken or turkey keeps it light.

3. Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes! Use small, cocktail-sized meatballs. Add them directly to the simmering broth until heated through.

4. What pasta is traditionally used?

Acini di pepe is the most classic, but orzo, pastina, or small shell pasta also work beautifully.

5. Can I make Italian Wedding Soup ahead of time?

Yes, but store the pasta separately if possible. Pasta absorbs broth and can become mushy after sitting overnight.

6. Does it freeze well?

It freezes great without the pasta. Freeze the broth, veggies, and cooked meatballs, then add fresh pasta when reheating.

7. Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely—use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs.

8. What greens can I use besides spinach?

Escarole, kale, Swiss chard, or even baby arugula work well. Escarole is the most traditional.

9. How do I keep the meatballs tender?

Don’t overmix the meat, keep the meatballs small, and simmer gently — not a rapid boil — to keep them light and delicate.

10. Can I add chicken to the soup?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken makes a great addition and adds heartiness.

11. Why is my broth cloudy?

Cloudiness usually comes from boiling the soup too hard or stirring aggressively while the meatballs are cooking.

12. How do I thicken Italian Wedding Soup?

You can simmer it longer to reduce slightly, or add an extra handful of pasta, which will naturally thicken the broth as it cooks.