Italian Wedding Soup with Parmesan Meatballs

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Hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, Italian Wedding Soup with Parmesan Meatballs is the kind of soul-warming dish that brings the whole family together. Every spoonful combines juicy, golden-browned meatballs with tender greens, tiny pasta, and a savory broth that soothes from the inside out. It’s a classic recipe that feels gourmet but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

This isn’t just a soup—it’s an experience. The rich aroma of herbs, the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the meatballs, and the subtle bite of the greens all work in harmony to deliver a bowl full of comfort. Serve it with crusty bread and you’ve got yourself a complete, nourishing meal that feels like a warm hug.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Wedding Soup with Parmesan Meatballs

This soup checks every box: it’s satisfying, loaded with protein and veggies, and full of flavor. The homemade meatballs seasoned with Parmesan give it a luxurious texture that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy night in or feeding a hungry group, this recipe delivers.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Traditionally, Italian Wedding Soup features small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, orzo, or even ditalini. These tiny pasta varieties cook quickly and soak up the broth beautifully without overpowering the other elements. If you can’t find them, feel free to substitute with any small pasta you have on hand. The key is choosing something that complements the bite-sized meatballs and doesn’t steal the spotlight.

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Ingredients for the Italian Wedding Soup with Parmesan Meatballs

Each ingredient in this Italian Wedding Soup plays a special role in crafting a flavorful and satisfying dish:

• Ground beef and pork – A mix of the two creates a tender, juicy meatball with just the right richness.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, umami depth to the meatballs and helps bind them together.
• Breadcrumbs – These keep the meatballs soft by absorbing moisture.
• Egg – Helps hold the meatball mixture together.
• Garlic and onion – Essential aromatics that build a savory base for both the broth and meatballs.
• Italian parsley – Adds a fresh, herby brightness.
• Chicken broth – A flavorful base that ties everything together.
• Acini di pepe – This tiny pasta soaks up the broth and provides satisfying texture.
• Carrots – Sweet and tender, they add color and a touch of natural sweetness.
• Fresh spinach or escarole – Adds vibrant green color and balances the richness of the soup.
• Salt and black pepper – Enhances all the flavors.
• Olive oil – For browning the meatballs and building a base for the broth.

How To Make the Italian Wedding Soup with Parmesan Meatballs

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef and pork, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined, then form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Working in batches, brown the meatballs on all sides until golden. They don’t need to be fully cooked through. Transfer them to a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed and sauté chopped onion, garlic, and carrots until softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Gently return the meatballs to the pot, lower the heat, and let simmer for about 10-12 minutes until fully cooked.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Stir in the acini di pepe and cook for about 8-10 minutes until the pasta is tender.

Step 6: Add the Greens

In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in the spinach or escarole until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle soup into bowls and top with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread for a perfect meal.

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How to Serve and Store Italian Wedding Soup with Parmesan Meatballs

This cozy soup makes a comforting dinner for 4 to 6 people, especially when paired with some warm, crusty bread. Serve it hot in generous bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a touch of chopped parsley for a finishing flourish.

To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Just keep in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid over time, so you may need to add extra broth when reheating.

What to Serve With Italian Wedding Soup?

Crusty Artisan Bread

Warm bread is the perfect companion to soak up the flavorful broth.

Caesar Salad

A crisp, garlicky Caesar adds texture and freshness to the meal.

Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts for a hearty, colorful side.

Garlic Breadsticks

Soft, buttery breadsticks with a hint of garlic elevate the cozy vibe.

Antipasto Platter

Add a Mediterranean touch with olives, cheese, cured meats, and marinated veggies.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil are a light and refreshing pairing.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A melty grilled cheese is a comforting partner, especially for lunch.

Simple Arugula Salad

Peppery arugula with lemon vinaigrette offers a bright, balanced contrast.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup is great for meal prep. Just store the pasta separately if you’re making it in advance to prevent it from soaking up too much broth.

2. Can I freeze Italian Wedding Soup?
Absolutely. Let the soup cool, then freeze in individual portions. It’s best to add fresh greens after thawing and reheating for the brightest flavor.

3. What can I use instead of acini di pepe?
You can substitute with orzo, ditalini, or even small elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you use.

4. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs and substitute the pasta with a gluten-free variety. Double-check your broth to ensure it’s gluten-free too.

5. Can I make the meatballs in advance?
Yes! You can shape and refrigerate them a day ahead, or even freeze them raw. Brown them straight from the fridge or thawed from the freezer.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use spinach or try escarole? Did you make mini meatballs or keep them hearty and big?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

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Conclusion

Italian Wedding Soup with Parmesan Meatballs brings together the best of rustic Italian cooking—simple ingredients, rich flavor, and comforting textures. Whether you’re making it for family dinner or prepping for the week, this dish always hits the spot. It’s nourishing, easy to make, and loved by kids and adults alike. Keep it in your rotation for cozy days, sick days, or any day you need a bowl of love.

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