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Comforting Italian Wedding Soup Recipe with Tender Meatballs Easy and Perfect

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A cozy and nostalgic Italian wedding soup featuring tender meatballs, savory broth, fresh greens, and small pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork (adds tenderness)
  • 1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs (fresh recommended)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup small pasta like acini di pepe or orzo (or gluten-free pasta)
  • 3 cups fresh spinach or escarole, chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: extra grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley or basil leaves

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place on a plate or tray.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery; cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, careful not to burn.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add meatballs carefully to the simmering broth. Cook gently for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
  7. Add small pasta directly into the soup. Cook 7-9 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally.
  8. Stir in chopped spinach or escarole during the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking.
  9. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.
  10. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not overmix meatball mixture to keep meatballs tender. Simmer meatballs gently to prevent breaking apart. Add pasta near the end to avoid mushiness. A squeeze of lemon juice or splash of vinegar brightens the broth. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs and pasta accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian wedding soup, meatballs, comforting soup, easy dinner, family recipe, tender meatballs, cozy soup

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