A simple recipe for classic Wedding Soup that comes together so quickly as a one-pot soup. Italian wedding soup is known for its flavorful meatballs with vegetables, spinach, and pasta in a delicious broth.Wedding soup gets its name from an Italian phrase which is translated to “married soup”. It is a reference to the flavors coming together so well, like a marriage.
Meatballs in a hearty broth with acini di pepe pasta, greens, and vegetables. It’s a little like the Italian version of Chicken Noodle Soup. The recipe comes together so quickly, making it a great recipe for busy evenings.
Ingredients
For the Italian Meatballs1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 lb ground beef
1 large egg
1 garlic clove, minced
1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
3 Tbsp whole milk
1 tsp salt, or to taste
¼ tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
½ tsp Italian seasoning
For the Wedding Soup
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
5 oz fresh spinach, coarsley chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup dry acini de pepe pasta, or orzo
8 cups chicken broth
1 ½ tsp salt, or to taste
½ tsp ground black pepper, or to taste
1 Tbsp olive oil
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Method
* In a bowl, combine together the ground pork, beef, egg, garlic, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Shape into 18-20 meatballs (or 35-40 mini meatballs).
* In a Dutch oven, heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium/high heat. Once the oil is hot, add half of the meatballs. Cook until the meatballs are browned, turning occasionally. Remove the meatballs to a separate dish and repeat with remaining meatballs.
* Add 1 Tbsp butter with onions and carrots and sautee until soft and golden (6-7 minutes), then add the minced garlic and saute another minute.
* Pour in the broth and add the pasta, bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
* Add the meatballs back to the soup, season with salt and pepper to taste, and keep at a low boil for an additional 7-9 minutes, or until pasta is cooked to your desired doneness.
* Add the spinach and cook another minute, or until spinach is wilted. Serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese.