When the cooler weather arrives, I find myself gravitating toward comforting soups that warm both body and soul. This Italian Wedding Soup has a way of transforming mundane evenings into something special. Picture this: a fragrant blend of garlic and Italian herbs wafting through the kitchen as tender meatballs simmer in a savory broth, all while fresh spinach and tiny pasta swirls add a delightful touch to each bowl.
The magical fusion of ground turkey and Italian sausage in this recipe creates flavorful meatballs that serve as the heart of the dish, while a splash of lemon juice offers a refreshing twist. It’s easy to whip up and even easier to love, making it the perfect antidote to a busy weeknight. Before you know it, family and friends will be gathered around the table, savoring the warmth and comfort of this delicious creation. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring the taste of Italy into your home!
Why will you love Italian Wedding Soup?
Comforting warmth: This soup brings a cozy feeling to any table, perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings.
Flavor explosion: The harmonious blend of ground turkey and Italian sausage creates meatballs bursting with flavor, all infused with garlic and fresh herbs.
Quick and easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a heartwarming meal ready in no time!
Versatile option: Customize with your favorite veggies or pasta, making it a delightful choice for any palate.
Crowd-pleaser: Friends and family will adore this dish, eagerly asking for seconds and sharing their own variations.
Healthy ingredients: Packed with protein and nutrients, it’s a satisfying yet wholesome option to fight off the fast-food fatigue. Give it a try alongside our other hearty soup recipes for a complete comfort food experience!
Italian Wedding Soup Ingredients
For the Meatballs
• Ground turkey – a lean protein option that keeps the meatballs tender and flavorful.
• Ground Italian sausage – adds a robust depth of flavor that complements the turkey beautifully.
• Large egg, beaten – helps bind the meat mixture together, ensuring juicy meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs – absorb moisture and add texture; you can use homemade or store-bought.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese – enhances the umami flavor of the meatballs, making them even more irresistible.
• Garlic, minced – brings a fragrant aroma and depth that makes these meatballs shine.
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped – adds a pop of color and freshness to the mix.
• Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs that enriches the meatball flavor profile.
• Salt – essential for bringing out all the flavors in the meat mixture.
• Pepper – adds a subtle kick that balances the richness of the meatballs.
For the Soup
• Olive oil – for sautéing the veggies and giving the soup a delightful richness.
• Yellow onion, chopped – adds a sweet base flavor that enhances the soup’s overall taste.
• Large carrots, diced – contribute sweetness and texture, making every spoonful delightful.
• Celery ribs, diced – a classic addition that provides crunch and flavor to the soup.
• Garlic, minced – repeating for added depth and layering of flavors in the broth.
• Chicken broth – the soul of the soup, providing warmth and flavor; feel free to use homemade or store-bought.
• Italian seasoning – reinforces the Italian theme and enhances the broth’s flavor.
• Acini de pepe pasta – tiny pasta perfect for this soup, adding a comforting texture while soaking up all the broth.
• Fresh spinach, roughly chopped – adds vibrant color and nutrients, giving the soup a fresh finish.
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste – essential for seasoning the soup to perfection.
• Lemon juice – a refreshing touch that brightens up the entire dish.
• Crushed red pepper flakes – optional for those who enjoy a little heat in their bowl!
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving – an optional topping that adds an extra layer of flavor.
This Italian Wedding Soup will not only warm your heart but will certainly bring a comforting taste to your dinner table!
How to Make Italian Wedding Soup
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Mix the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, Italian sausage, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined.
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Shape meatballs: Roll the mixture into tablespoon-sized meatballs and transfer them to a large plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
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Brown meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook half the meatballs for 4 to 5 minutes until browned on all sides. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with the remaining meatballs.
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Sauté veggies: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
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Add broth and season: Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a boil. Season the soup with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in the acini de pepe pasta and the browned meatballs, reducing the heat to low.
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Simmer: Cover the pot and cook for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are cooked through.
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Finish the soup: Stir in the chopped spinach, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute before removing from heat.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an extra burst of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Italian Wedding Soup
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Meatball Magic: Ensure the meat mixture is not overworked; this keeps meatballs tender and juicy.
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Broth Boost: For a richer flavor, try using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
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Perfect Pasta: Add acini de pepe pasta to the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking to avoid mushiness.
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Leafy Freshness: Introduce spinach near the end of cooking to retain its vibrant color and nutrients.
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Herb Harmony: Feel free to customize the herbs in the Italian seasoning for a personal touch, but avoid omitting it entirely for that authentic flavor.
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Taste Test: Always taste the soup before serving and adjust seasoning—you want the Italian Wedding Soup to shine!
What to Serve with Italian Wedding Soup?
As you gather around the table, the comforting aroma of Italian Wedding Soup fills the air, inviting everyone to enjoy a complete meal.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf is perfect for soaking up the rich broth. Choose sourdough or ciabatta for added texture.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these breadsticks are deliciously paired with each spoonful of soup, enhancing the Italian experience.
The combination of silky soup and crunchy bread creates a delightful contrast, satisfying every craving.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with tangy vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the hearty flavors, making it a perfect companion.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring out natural sweetness, complementing the savory soup beautifully while adding a colorful, nutritious touch.
Think of how vibrant the plate looks against the backdrop of warm soup, providing both nourishment and aesthetic appeal.
- Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or a smooth Merlot pairs wonderfully with the soup’s flavors and elevates the meal into something memorable.
- Tiramisu: End on a sweet note with this classic Italian dessert, creating a perfect finale to a comforting meal that warms the heart.
Each pairing thoughtfully enhances the experience, transforming a simple dinner into a delightful gathering of family and flavors.
Variations & Substitutions for Italian Wedding Soup
Feel free to personalize this soup to suit your taste or dietary needs—it’s all about bringing joy to your table!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely crushed gluten-free crackers for the meatballs without sacrificing texture.
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Lean Meat: Use ground chicken or lean beef in place of turkey to mix things up while keeping the delicious flavor intact.
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Vegan Option: For a plant-based twist, replace meatballs with chickpea or lentil balls and use vegetable broth to create a hearty vegan alternative.
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Extra Veggies: Add diced zucchini and bell peppers for a more colorful soup that packs in even more nutrition and taste. Both blend wonderfully with the existing flavors.
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Pasta Variety: Instead of acini de pepe, try orzo or small shells for a different texture that still captures the essence of the dish.
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Herbal Boost: Swap in fresh basil or thyme for part of the Italian seasoning for a fragrant twist that elevates the classic taste.
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Spicy Kick: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for those who crave a little heat in their soup.
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Zesty Flavor: Mix in a tablespoon of pesto towards the end of cooking for an extra layer of flavor, turning your soup into a burst of Italian goodness.
Make Ahead Options
These Italian Wedding Soup components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance by rolling and browning them, then storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their flavor and moisture. The soup base—sautéed vegetables and broth—can be prepped up to 3 days in advance; simply cool it, refrigerate, and reheat when ready to serve. To finish, add the acini de pepe pasta and meatballs to the simmering broth just before serving for that fresh taste. This make-ahead approach saves time on busy weeknights while ensuring your Italian Wedding Soup is just as delicious and comforting!
How to Store and Freeze Italian Wedding Soup
Room Temperature: Enjoy your Italian Wedding Soup fresh; it’s best consumed right after cooking. If left out, only keep it at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Freezer: Freeze individual portions of Italian Wedding Soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop. If the pasta absorbs too much broth, add a splash of water or extra broth while warming.
Italian Wedding Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of meat should I use for the meatballs?
For the meatballs in Italian Wedding Soup, I recommend using a mix of ground turkey and ground Italian sausage. The turkey provides a lean protein base, while the sausage contributes a robust flavor that makes each meatball juicy and delicious.
How long can I store leftovers of Italian Wedding Soup?
You can store leftover Italian Wedding Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through.
Can I freeze Italian Wedding Soup?
Absolutely! Freeze individual portions of the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stovetop. If the pasta absorbs too much broth during freezing, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water or extra broth while reheating.
What if the meatballs fall apart while cooking?
If you find that your meatballs are falling apart, it could be due to a few reasons. Make sure you’re using enough binding agents like egg and breadcrumbs, and avoid overmixing the meat. Cooking them in batches and turning them gently can also help them hold together better. Always ensure the oil is hot enough before adding them to achieve a nice golden crust!
Can I make Italian Wedding Soup gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this soup gluten-free! Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free bread or use crushed gluten-free crackers. For the pasta, look for gluten-free acini de pepe or any small-sized gluten-free pasta to keep the dish true to its comforting roots.
Is Italian Wedding Soup safe for pets?
Although some ingredients in Italian Wedding Soup are safe for dogs, it’s best not to share with pets. The broth may contain salt and seasonings that aren’t suitable for their diets. Always check with your vet before introducing new foods to your furry friends!
Ultimate Italian Wedding Soup: Comfort in Every Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, Italian sausage, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into tablespoon-sized meatballs and transfer them to a large plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook half the meatballs for 4 to 5 minutes until browned on all sides. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with the remaining meatballs.
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a boil. Season the soup with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in the acini de pepe pasta and the browned meatballs, reducing the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and cook for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are cooked through.
- Stir in the chopped spinach, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute before removing from heat.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.