Italian Wedding Soup
Italian wedding soup is a hearty and comforting classic made with tender homemade meatballs, pasta, vegetables, and a rich savoury broth.
This wholesome soup combines beef and pork meatballs with ditali pasta, kale, parmesan, and fresh herbs for the perfect family dinner or cosy winter meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and hearty
- Packed with flavour
- Perfect for cold nights
- Great for meal prep
- Family-friendly recipe
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- Lean beef mince
- Pork mince
- Egg
- Grated parmesan
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Brown onion
- Fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper
For the Soup
- Olive oil
- Celery
- Carrots
- Chicken stock
- Bay leaves
- Ditali pasta
- Parmesan rind
- Lemon juice
- Kale
To Serve
- Fresh parsley
- Extra parmesan
- Crusty bread
How to Make Italian Wedding Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Combine beef mince, pork mince, egg, parmesan, breadcrumbs, onion, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Roll the mixture into small meatballs.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven.
Cook meatballs in batches until browned on all sides.
Transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Add celery and carrots to the pan and cook until softened slightly.
Pour in chicken stock and add bay leaves.
Bring to a simmer.
Stir in the pasta and cook for several minutes.
Step 4: Finish the Soup
Return meatballs to the pan along with the parmesan rind.
Simmer until the meatballs are cooked through and the pasta is tender.
Remove bay leaves and parmesan rind.
Stir in lemon juice and kale until just wilted.
Season to taste.
Step 5: Serve
Ladle soup into bowls.
Top with parsley and extra parmesan.
Serve with crusty bread.
Tips for the Best Italian Wedding Soup
- Keep meatballs small for quicker cooking
- Use freshly grated parmesan for richer flavour
- Parmesan rind adds extra depth to the broth
- Don’t overcook the pasta
- Add spinach instead of kale if preferred
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup pairs perfectly with:
- Crusty bread
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Extra parmesan cheese
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Pasta may absorb broth over time, so add extra stock when reheating
- Reheat gently on the stovetop
Health Benefits
Lean Beef and Pork
These provide:
- Protein
- Iron
- B vitamins
Kale
Kale is rich in:
- Fibre
- Vitamin C
- Antioxidants
Homemade Broth-Based Soup
Broth-based soups can be:
- Filling and nutritious
- Great for hydration
- Lower in calories than creamy soups
Final Thoughts
This Italian wedding soup is warm, comforting, and packed with flavour. With tender homemade meatballs, pasta, vegetables, and rich savoury broth, it’s the perfect hearty meal for cosy nights and family dinners.