Best Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Tender mini meatballs, greens, and pasta in a savory broth make Italian wedding soup a high protein, family-favorite classic. This comforting bowl is a delicious way to enjoy a healthy, balanced meal.

Cook 60 min Difficulty NORMAL 320 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • ground chicken 1 lb
  • Italian sausage (mild, casing removed) 4 oz
  • Italian-style breadcrumbs 0.5 cup
  • parmesan cheese (finely grated) 0.25 cup
  • egg 1 piece
  • baby spinach 5 cups
  • carrots (peeled, diced) 1 cup
  • celery (diced) 0.75 cup
  • small pasta (acini di pepe or orzo) 0.5 cup
  • chicken broth 8 cups
  • onion (small, finely diced) 1 piece
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • garlic (minced) 2 cloves
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • dried oregano 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 29 g 36%
Protein 21 g 27%
Fat 13 g 37%
Serving size 350g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, 1/4 tsp salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix gently by hand until just combined.

  2. 2

    Roll mixture into mini meatballs, about 3/4-inch wide, and place them on a lined baking sheet.

  3. 3

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and brown on all sides, turning gently, about 4 minutes. Remove browned meatballs and set aside.

  4. 4

    Add the remaining olive oil to the pot. Sauté onion, celery, and carrots over medium heat until softened, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in garlic and dried oregano; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  5. 5

    Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Return the meatballs to the pot, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.

  6. 6

    Add pasta and 3/4 tsp salt. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, about 8 minutes.

  7. 7

    Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Season with black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan if desired.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Italian wedding soup recipe?
The mini meatballs made from ground chicken, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, and parmesan are the heart of Italian wedding soup, providing its signature savory bite and substantial protein. Along with chicken broth and fresh greens, they create the comforting, classic flavor that defines this dish.
Q. How do I ensure the meatballs stay tender and don't overcook?
Gently mix and form the meatballs to avoid compacting them, then brown them quickly over medium heat for flavor without fully cooking through. Once they're added to the simmering broth, cook just until they're done—overcooking makes them dense. Simmering preserves tenderness while infusing the soup with savory juices.
Q. What's the best way to manage pasta texture in this soup?
Add the pasta after the meatballs have simmered and cook uncovered until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. Overcooking pasta can make the soup cloudy and the pasta mushy; timing is key for a pleasant bite.
Q. How many calories and macronutrients are in one serving?
Each serving (350g) has about 320 kcal, with 29g carbohydrates (36% of calories), 21g protein (27%), and 13g fat (37%). This balanced profile makes Italian wedding soup a high protein, satisfying meal for family dinners or meal prep.
Q. Which ingredients contribute most to the soup’s Mediterranean appeal?
Olive oil, fresh greens (spinach), aromatic vegetables, and lean meats make this soup align with Mediterranean flavors and dietary principles. These elements, combined with the use of herbs like oregano, give it its characteristic wholesome taste and balance.
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