Despite the name, Italian Wedding Soup isn't traditionally served at weddings. The name comes from the Italian phrase "minestra maritata" - married soup - referring to the delicious marriage of meat and greens. This Italian-American favorite is beloved for its tender mini meatballs and satisfying combination of textures.
The tiny meatballs are the star - tender, flavorful, and perfectly bite-sized. Combined with small pasta, fresh greens, and golden broth, it's a soup that wins over everyone from kids to grandparents.
Perfect Mini Meatballs
- Size matters - Keep them tiny (3/4 inch)
- Don't overmix - Keeps them tender
- Wet hands - Prevents sticking
- Make ahead - Freeze uncooked
Traditional Greens
- Escarole - Traditional, slightly bitter
- Spinach - Mild, widely available
- Kale - Heartier, more cooking time
- Endive - Authentic Italian choice
Pasta Options
- Acini di pepe - Traditional tiny pasta
- Orzo - Rice-shaped
- Ditalini - Small tubes
- Pastina - Any tiny pasta
Italian Wedding Soup
A beloved Italian-American soup featuring tender mini chicken meatballs, small pasta, and fresh greens in golden broth. A family favorite.
Nutrition per serving
295 Calories
24g Protein
22g Carbs
12g Fat
2g Fiber
Ingredients
Instructions
- . Mix meatball ingredients. Form tiny meatballs.
- . Sauté vegetables. Add broth and bring to simmer.
- . Add meatballs and pasta. Cook 10-12 minutes.
- . Add greens. Serve with Parmesan.
Recipe Notes
- Pork/beef version: Use a mix of ground meats for richer flavor.
- Freeze meatballs: Form on baking sheet, freeze, then bag for later.
- Cook pasta separately: If making ahead, to prevent mushiness.
- Storage: Refrigerate 4 days. Pasta absorbs liquid - add more broth.