Meatball Italian Wedding Soup
A hearty Italian wedding soup featuring flavorful meatballs, tender pasta, and greens in a savory broth, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat chicken broth to a boil.
- Add the Italian style meatballs, chopped carrots, sliced escarole or spinach, dried basil, and onion powder to the broth.
- Return to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring frequently.
- Serve sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes or zucchini. If you can't find orzo, ditalini pasta works well as a substitute. You can also use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme instead of dried basil for a brighter flavor. Make sure to stir the soup occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Wedding Soup pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For an extra touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. It also goes well with lighter Italian recipes, like Italian Chicken And Bric, for a delightful family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over medium heat until heated through. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatball Italian Wedding Soup contains roughly 232 calories, with 12g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (174% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen meatballs can be used in this recipe. Just add them directly to the boiling broth. They may take a bit longer to heat through than fresh meatballs, so ensure they are fully cooked before serving.
What can I substitute for escarole?
If you can't find escarole, spinach is a great alternative that also adds a nice color and flavor. Kale can also be used, but it may require a longer cooking time to become tender.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. However, if you plan to store it, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it right before serving, as it can become mushy if left in the soup.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).