Description
This Italian Wedding Soup is the perfect cozy comfort dish for chilly nights, combining tender homemade meatballs, hearty greens, and tiny pasta pearls all simmered in a rich chicken broth. It’s a quick dinner idea that’s satisfying, full of texture, and layered with flavor. Whether you’re planning a comforting family meal, a warm lunch prep, or looking for easy soup recipes, this classic brings home-style flavor to your table in under an hour. Perfect for healthy snack cravings, hearty dinner ideas, or even light lunch bowls.
Ingredients
½ pound ground beef
½ pound ground pork
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
½ cup diced onion
8 cups chicken broth
¾ cup acini di pepe pasta
4 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into marble-sized meatballs.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then set aside.
3. In a large soup pot, sauté carrots, celery, and onion in a little olive oil until softened, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the browned meatballs and acini di pepe pasta. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender and meatballs are fully cooked.
6. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2 more minutes until wilted.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use a high-quality chicken broth for the most flavorful base.
Don’t skip browning the meatballs—it adds depth and prevents them from falling apart.
Watch the pasta closely—acini di pepe can quickly become overcooked and mushy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Italian Wedding Soup, quick dinner, easy soup, homemade meatballs, fall comfort food, healthy lunch, soup recipe, weeknight meal