I am so happy to share this Italian Wedding Soup recipe with you because it is warm, cozy, and filled with simple ingredients that work so well together. This soup has tiny meatballs, soft bits of pasta, tender shredded chicken, and bright green spinach in a clear broth. Every spoonful feels comforting and hearty. It is great for a slow Sunday cooking day or any time you want a bowl of something soothing and homemade.
Level: Easy
Total Time: about 2 hours and 15 minutes
Prep Time: about 30 minutes
Cook Time: about 1 hour and 45 minutes
Yield: about 6 to 8 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Italian
I still remember the first time I made this soup at home, the smell of the broth with the tiny meatballs made the whole kitchen feel warm and happy. There is something special about how the pasta, chicken, meatballs, and vegetables all come together in one bowl.
This soup is simple enough for a beginner to try, but it also feels like something you could serve to guests. You make small meatballs, cook chicken until it is easy to shred, then bring everything together in a big pot with broth and soft veggies.
It is great for cold days, sick days, or anytime you want a bowl of something filling and comforting. Once you try it, you will see why so many families love this classic dish.
How to Make Italian Wedding Soup
This soup mixes tender meat, tiny pasta, and gentle broth flavors to make a bowl that feels warm and homemade. Here is how it all fits together:
• Make tiny meatballs and chill them so they hold their shape
• Cook chicken breasts until they are fully cooked, then shred them
• Cook onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in butter until soft
• Add broth and let it simmer so the flavors blend
• Add the chilled meatballs so they cook gently in the broth
• Stir in the small pasta so it becomes tender
• Add chopped spinach for color and freshness
• Add the shredded chicken at the end to warm it through
It all comes together slowly in one big pot, which makes the soup rich, comforting, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, grated
• 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Italian bread crumbs
• 1½ teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 egg whites
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced small
• 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 12 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¾ cup acini di pepe or other tiny pasta
• 8 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
Directions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- Mix the ground beef, grated onion, Parmesan, bread crumbs, parsley, basil, salt, and egg whites in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into very small balls about the size of a marble.
- Place them on a tray, cover, and chill for at least 1 hour so they firm up.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in a large pot and cover them with water by at least an inch.
- Bring to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken and shred it when cool enough to handle.
- Empty the water and set the pot aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Melt the butter in the empty pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables are soft.
- Add the Broth:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the Meatballs:
- Place the chilled meatballs gently into the simmering soup.
- Cook for about 7 minutes so the meatballs cook through.
- Add the Pasta:
- Add the small pasta and cook for about 6 minutes, until the pasta softens.
- Add the Spinach:
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for about 3 minutes, until wilted.
- Finish with Chicken:
- Add the shredded chicken back into the pot.
- Cover and let the soup simmer for about 30 more minutes so the flavors blend.
Process Details
• Shaping Tiny Meatballs: Small meatballs cook evenly and stay tender in the broth.
• Softening the Vegetables: Cooking them in butter brings out sweetness and keeps the soup gentle and smooth.
• Simmering the Broth: Letting the broth simmer helps the veggies and seasonings blend well.
• Adding Ingredients Slowly: Putting meatballs, pasta, and spinach in stages keeps everything from overcooking.
• Finishing with Chicken: Adding the chicken last keeps it soft instead of dry.
Tips for Success
• Make the meatballs very small so they cook quickly and stay tender.
• Chill the meatballs before cooking so they do not fall apart.
• Use any tiny pasta you have, like orzo or pastina.
• If your broth tastes plain, add a little more salt and pepper.
• Stir gently after adding the meatballs to keep them from breaking.
• You can use chicken thighs if you prefer richer flavor.
Serving Ideas
• Serve with warm crusty bread for dipping.
• Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
• Pair with a simple green salad for a light meal.
• Enjoy with crackers if you like a bit of crunch.
• Serve in big bowls on cold days for a cozy treat.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Let the soup cool, then store in a sealed container for about 3 to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in freezer safe containers for about 2 to 3 months. The pasta may soften more after thawing.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick.
• Pasta Tip: If you prefer firmer pasta, cook and store the pasta separately and add it only when reheating.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: ~380
• Protein: ~40g
• Carbohydrates: ~25g
• Fat: ~12g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sodium: ~1100mg
• Sugar: ~3g
This Italian Wedding Soup brings together tiny meatballs, soft pasta, tender chicken, and bright spinach in a warm and comforting broth. It is simple to make and fills the kitchen with a cozy smell that makes everyone excited for dinner.
I hope you enjoy cooking and eating this recipe as much as I do. It is a bowl of comfort that is great for sharing, and I think it will become one of your favorite homemade soups.
