Italian Wedding Soup is the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. With tender meatballs, fresh greens, and tiny pasta all swimming in a flavorful broth, it’s the perfect bowl of comfort. Despite its name, it’s not traditionally served at weddings in Italy but rather symbolizes the “marriage” of flavors between the meat and vegetables.

This soup has roots in rustic Italian kitchens, where frugality met creativity. It’s become a beloved staple in many American households, cherished for how satisfying and wholesome it is. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or prepping meals for the week, this soup checks all the boxes: hearty, healthy, and deeply flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Wedding Soup

You’ll love this Italian Wedding Soup because it hits every note of comfort food. The homemade meatballs are tender and juicy, the broth is rich without being heavy, and the greens bring in a fresh, slightly bitter balance. It’s easy to make in big batches and even better the next day. Plus, it’s kid-approved and freezer-friendly.

What Kind of Meatballs Should I Use?

You can use either homemade or store-bought meatballs depending on your time. Homemade gives you full control over the flavor, especially when using a mix of beef and pork with Italian herbs. If you’re short on time, grab your favorite brand of mini meatballs from the freezer aisle. Just be sure they’re bite-sized to keep the texture right with the rest of the soup.

Ingredients for the Italian Wedding Soup

The ingredients for this Italian Wedding Soup are simple yet come together beautifully. Each one plays a specific role in building up the flavor and texture that make this dish so craveable.

Ground beef and pork: The base for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and add a nice texture.
Parmesan cheese: Adds depth and that nutty-salty finish to the meatballs.
Egg: Helps hold the meatballs together.
Garlic: Fresh and pungent, giving the soup its classic savory base.
Carrots, celery, and onion: The traditional mirepoix that creates a rich flavor foundation.
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that ties everything together.
Acini di pepe or orzo pasta: Small pasta that adds a satisfying bite.
Fresh spinach or escarole: Brings in that green goodness and a slightly bitter note.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the meatballs and the broth.

How To Make the Italian Wedding Soup

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roll into small 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet. You can either bake them at 400°F for about 15 minutes or brown them in a skillet until cooked through.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large soup pot, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until softened and aromatic, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Gently add in the cooked meatballs and let everything simmer together for 15 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Greens

Add in your small pasta and let it cook until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the fresh spinach or escarole and cook until just wilted.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and top with more parmesan if you like.

Serving and Storing Italian Wedding Soup

This recipe serves about 6 people generously. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead. Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days and taste even better as the flavors develop. To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. If freezing, leave out the pasta and add it fresh when reheating to avoid mushiness.

What to Serve With Italian Wedding Soup?

Crusty Italian Bread

A warm loaf of crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up the broth.

Simple Side Salad

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the soup.

Roasted Vegetables

Oven-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts bring a caramelized sweetness to the meal.

Grilled Cheese Panini

A gooey grilled cheese on sourdough pairs deliciously with the savory soup.

Garlic Knots

Soft, buttery garlic knots make for a fun and flavorful side.

Antipasto Skewers

Mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, olives, and cured meats on a skewer offer a bright, briny contrast.

White Bean Salad

A chilled white bean salad with herbs and lemon offers a nice texture and protein boost.

Parmesan Crisps

Crunchy parmesan crisps can be served on the side or floated on top like croutons.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you loved this Italian Wedding Soup, you might want to try these other cozy favorites:

Chicken Wild Rice Soup with hearty grains and tender chunks of chicken.
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup if you’re craving something velvety and comforting.
Spicy Mexican Street Corn Soup for a zesty twist.
Hearty Beef Vegetable Stew packed with root vegetables.
Classic Tomato Basil Soup perfect with grilled cheese.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it any time.

And if you try it, let me know how yours turned out. Did you go with escarole or spinach? Homemade or store-bought meatballs? I love hearing how everyone puts their own spin on it.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting soups and more comfort meals on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new favorite go-to meals! Mia Recipes on Pinterest