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To make a delicious Italian Wedding Soup, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s a simple list to follow: - 1 pound ground turkey or ground chicken - 1 cup small pasta (such as acini di pepe or orzo) - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 6 cups chicken broth - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish Each ingredient plays a role in creating the rich flavor and heartiness of the soup. The ground turkey or chicken gives the soup its protein punch, while the small pasta adds a lovely texture. Fresh spinach brings a burst of color and nutrients. Chicken broth serves as the warm base that ties all flavors together. Using fresh garlic and onion adds depth and aroma, making each bite delightful. The Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs help form the meatballs, which are the stars of this dish. Italian seasoning brings a perfect hint of herbiness, and salt and pepper round out the taste. Make sure to gather all these ingredients before starting. This will keep your cooking flow smooth and enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey or chicken. 2. Add grated Parmesan cheese, fresh breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. 3. Use your hands to blend the mix until it is well combined. 4. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch wide. 5. Place the meatballs on a plate and set them aside. 1. Heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes. 3. Cook until the onion is soft and clear. 4. Pour in the chicken broth and raise the heat. 5. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer. 1. Carefully add the prepared meatballs into the simmering broth. 2. Cook the meatballs until they are fully done, about 10-12 minutes. 3. Add the small pasta to the pot, cooking it based on the package instructions. 4. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. 5. Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt for 2-3 minutes. 6. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. 7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if you like. Mixing the meatball ingredients well is very important. It helps all the flavors blend. I like to use my hands for this. The warmth helps the mix come together. Make sure to add fresh breadcrumbs to the meat. They give the meatballs a nice texture. This makes them light and juicy when cooked. To get the right soup consistency, you can adjust the broth. If the soup looks thick, add more broth. If it seems too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. Always taste the soup as you cook. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to match your taste. This step is key to a great flavor. Garnish your soup with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan. This adds color and flavor. Serve the soup in warm bowls for a cozy feel. A drizzle of olive oil on top makes it look fancy. A sprinkle of cracked pepper adds a nice touch too. Enjoy the beautiful presentation as much as the taste! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an extra burst of flavor in your soup. Chill the Meatball Mixture: Let the meatball mixture chill for 10-15 minutes before rolling to help them hold their shape better during cooking. Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition and flavor. Leftover Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for later enjoyment. {{image_4}} You can easily make Italian wedding soup vegetarian. Start by using plant-based meat. Options like lentils or veggie crumbles work well. They add protein and texture. Next, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. This keeps the soup hearty and full of flavor. You’ll still enjoy the comforting feel of the dish. Herbs and spices can change the taste of your soup. Try adding fresh basil or thyme for a bright kick. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds warmth. You can also mix in vegetables like carrots or celery. These add sweetness and crunch. Just chop them up and toss them in with the onions. Italian wedding soup has many global versions. For example, in Greece, they add lemon for a zesty twist. In Mexico, you can add cilantro and lime for a fresh flavor. Think about your favorite cuisines. You can play with different herbs and spices. This adds a unique flair to your soup while keeping the essence of the dish. Italian Wedding Soup lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To store it, let the soup cool first. Pour it into an airtight container. This keeps the flavor fresh and prevents spills. Label the container with the date. This way, you know when to use it. Freezing soup is easy and great for later. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. This helps avoid messy spills. To thaw, move the soup to the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. When ready to eat, heat it on the stove until hot. Stir well to mix flavors. Leftover soup is versatile and fun. You can serve it over rice or in a casserole. Add fresh veggies to boost nutrition. Another idea is to mix it into pasta dishes. This adds flavor and makes meals interesting. Keep experimenting with your leftovers! Italian Wedding Soup comes from Italy, but its roots are deeper. The name "wedding" does not mean it is served at weddings. It refers to the "marriage" of flavors in the soup. People made it to celebrate family and friends. The dish is popular in Italian-American homes, especially in the Northeastern U.S. Different regions in Italy have their own versions. For example, in Campania, they add different greens or meats. In Northern Italy, you might find a richer broth. Each region gives it a unique twist, reflecting local tastes and traditions. Absolutely! You can mix it up with different meats. Ground beef or pork works well, too. Some people like a blend of meats for a richer flavor. You can also try using sausage for a kick. When changing meats, remember to adjust the cooking time. Sausages may need a little longer to cook through. This gives you a chance to explore flavors and textures. Feel free to experiment until you find your favorite mix! You can make Italian Wedding Soup gluten-free! To do this, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many options that taste great. You can also skip the pasta if you want a lighter soup. For breadcrumbs, use gluten-free ones or even ground nuts. This keeps the texture while making it friendly for gluten-sensitive folks. Always check labels to be sure. Enjoy your soup without worry! In this post, we explored the delightful recipe for Italian Wedding Soup. We covered essential ingredients like ground turkey and small pasta. Step-by-step instructions guided you in making perfect meatballs and a rich broth. Tips helped enhance the soup's flavor and presentation. You discovered variations, including vegetarian options, storage tips, and answers to common questions. My final thought is this soup is a great way to bring warmth to any meal. Try it today!

Hearty Italian Wedding Soup

A comforting and flavorful soup featuring meatballs, pasta, and fresh spinach in a savory broth.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup small pasta (such as acini di pepe or orzo)
  • 1 pound ground turkey or ground chicken
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey or chicken with the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well integrated, creating a uniform mixture.
  • Using your hands, roll the mixture into small meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter. Arrange the meatballs on a plate and set them aside for later use.
  • In a large stockpot, heat a teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
  • Carefully pour in the chicken broth and raise the heat to bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the prepared meatballs into the pot, cooking them until fully cooked through, which should take about 10-12 minutes.
  • Once the meatballs are cooked, add the small pasta directly to the pot and let it cook according to package instructions (this usually takes about 6-8 minutes).
  • After the pasta is tender, stir in the roughly chopped spinach and allow it to wilt for 2-3 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly cracked pepper as needed.
  • Serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant finish. Add a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper on top for extra flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy!
Keyword comfort food, Italian, meatballs, pasta, soup