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Italian Wedding Soup Recipe Easy Homemade with Tender Meatballs & Spinach

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This cozy Italian Wedding Soup features tender homemade meatballs, acini di pepe pasta, and fresh spinach in a savory chicken broth. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing soup perfect for family dinners or chilly days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz ground beef (about 1/2 lb)
  • 8 oz ground pork (about 1/2 lb)
  • 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 3/4 cup acini di pepe pasta (or orzo/ditalini)
  • 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Extra parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, parmesan, milk, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Scoop out small amounts (about 1 teaspoon each) and roll into mini meatballs (about 40-44 total). Set aside on a baking sheet or plate.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  5. Carefully drop meatballs into the simmering broth, one at a time. Cook for 8–10 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and floating.
  6. Stir in acini di pepe pasta and cook for another 8–10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally.
  7. Add chopped spinach and stir until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with extra parmesan, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta. For dairy-free, substitute nutritional yeast and plant-based milk. Add spinach at the end for best color and flavor. Soup thickens as it sits; add broth or water when reheating. Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen. For meal prep, cook pasta separately and add before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian Wedding Soup, meatballs, spinach, acini di pepe, comfort food, easy soup, family dinner, homemade soup, traditional Italian, cozy recipes

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/italian-wedding-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-with-tender-meatballs-and-spinach/