Best 10 Light Italian Wedding Soup Recipes

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Italian wedding soup is a delicious and flavorful soup made with meatballs, vegetables, and a light broth. It is a popular dish in Italy and is often served at weddings and other special occasions. The soup gets its name from the small meatballs that are added to it, which are said to resemble wedding rings. Italian wedding soup is a relatively easy soup to make, and it can be tailored to your own taste preferences. For example, you can adjust the amount of vegetables or meatballs in the soup, or you can add different spices or herbs. No matter how you make it, Italian wedding soup is a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at your table.

Let's cook with our recipes!

EASY ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP



Easy Italian Wedding Soup image

"After one taste, you'll find that this soup is absolutely delicious," promises Paula Sullivan from Barker, New York. "Lean ground beef and reduced sodium broth help keep it light. For variety, substitute garbanzo beans for the kidney beans."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 55m

Yield 7 servings (about 2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 tablespoon plus 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/8 teaspoon plus 1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
1/2 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1/4 cup uncooked orzo or acini di pepe pasta
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 celery ribs, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
4 cups chopped fresh spinach

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the egg, bread crumbs, parsley, 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 3/4-in. meatballs. , Place in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° until no longer pink, 8-10 minutes; drain., Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. In a large saucepan, saute onion and celery in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the broth, beans and spinach. Stir in pasta, meatballs and remaining salt and pepper. , Cook until spinach is tender and meatballs are heated through. Garnish with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 205 calories, Fat 6g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 49mg cholesterol, Sodium 1024mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 17g protein.

MINESTRA MARITATA (ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP)



Minestra Maritata (Italian Wedding Soup) image

Forget the marble-size meatballs you find in many versions of this Italian Wedding Soup. In this easy recipe, they're full-size, full-flavored and plenty filling.

Provided by Robin Bashinsky

Categories     Healthy Italian Soup Recipes

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 ⅓ cups chopped yellow onion
⅔ cup chopped carrot
⅔ cup chopped celery
2 tablespoons minced garlic
6 cups unsalted chicken broth
6 ounces orzo, preferably whole-wheat
1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
½ teaspoon kosher salt
24 cooked chicken meatballs (12 ounces), such as Easy Chicken Meatballs (see associated recipe)
4 cups baby spinach
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrot, celery and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Add broth, cover and bring to a boil. Add orzo, oregano and salt; cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is just tender, about 9 minutes.
  • Stir in meatballs and spinach; cook until the meatballs are heated through and the spinach is wilted, 2 to 4 minutes.
  • Serve sprinkled with cheese and drizzled with the remaining 3 tablespoons oil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 415.1 calories, Carbohydrate 36.1 g, Cholesterol 100.6 mg, Fat 19 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 25.8 g, SaturatedFat 4.7 g, Sodium 728 mg, Sugar 5.2 g

ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP I



Italian Wedding Soup I image

Coming from Rhode Island, a very ethnic state, this soup was traditionally served at Italian weddings. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

Provided by Star Pooley

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

½ pound extra-lean ground beef
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon onion powder
5 ¾ cups chicken broth
2 cups thinly sliced escarole
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
⅓ cup finely chopped carrot

Steps:

  • In medium bowl, combine meat, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, basil and onion powder; shape into 3/4 inch balls.
  • In large saucepan, heat broth to boiling; stir in escarole, orzo pasta, chopped carrot and meatballs. Return to boil, then reduce heat to medium. Cook at slow boil for 10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 416.3 calories, Carbohydrate 43.3 g, Cholesterol 86.8 mg, Fat 14.2 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 27.3 g, SaturatedFat 5.3 g, Sodium 1211 mg, Sugar 4 g

ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP



Italian Wedding Soup image

For a warm bowl of Italian comfort, try Giada De Laurentiis' Italian Wedding Soup recipe, studded with tasty little beef-pork meatballs.

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     appetizer

Time 35m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 small onion, grated
1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 large egg
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1 slice fresh white bread, crust trimmed, bread torn into small pieces
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
8 ounces ground beef
8 ounces ground pork
Freshly ground black pepper
12 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 pound curly endive, coarsely chopped (1 pound of escarole would be a good substitution)
2 large eggs
2 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan, plus extra for garnish
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • To make the meatballs: Stir the first 6 ingredients in a large bowl to blend. Stir in the cheese, beef and pork. Using 1 1/2 teaspoons for each, shape the meat mixture into 1-inch-diameter meatballs. Place on a baking sheet.
  • To make the soup: Bring the broth to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and curly endive and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through and the curly endive is tender, about 8 minutes. Whisk the eggs and cheese in a medium bowl to blend. Stir the soup in a circular motion. Gradually drizzle the egg mixture into the moving broth, stirring gently with a fork to form thin stands of egg, about 1 minute. Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve. Finish soup with parmesan cheese if desired.

LIGHT ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP



Light Italian Wedding Soup image

This healthier take on a classic soup includes lots of greens, diced tomatoes, and turkey meatballs. Parmesan cheese brings salty, savory flavor and dried breadcrumbs add a bit of texture.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Soups, Stews & Stocks     Soup Recipes

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound ground dark-meat turkey (93 percent lean)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes in juice
2 heads escarole (2 pounds total), cored, trimmed, and coarsely chopped

Steps:

  • In a bowl, combine turkey, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Using 1 tablespoon for each, roll mixture into balls.
  • In a large pot, heat oil over medium. Cook onion, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add broth and tomatoes (with juice); bring to a simmer. Add meatballs; cook, without stirring, until meatballs float to surface, about 5 minutes.
  • Add as much escarole to pot as will fit. Cook, gradually adding remaining escarole, until wilted and meatballs are cooked through, about 5 minutes more. Thin soup with water if desired; season with salt and pepper. Serve soup sprinkled with more Parmesan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 250 g, Fat 10 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 24 g

THE BEST ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP



The Best Italian Wedding Soup image

We tried all-sausage meatballs but found them heavy and dense - adding ground pork keeps them light but still extremely flavorful. Wilting the escarole at the end adds a texture and freshness that you won't get from spinach or a less-sturdy green. If you really want to up the umami factor you can always toss a Parmesan rind into the broth as it simmers, but we didn't miss it when made without.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

3 sprigs thyme
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs oregano
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 large egg, beaten
4 cloves garlic, finely grated
3/4 pound ground pork
3/4 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and meat broken up
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
3 stalks celery, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 large bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
1/2 cup white wine
1 cup uncooked ditalini pasta
1/2 head escarole, torn into 2-inch pieces (about 7 cups)
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped

Steps:

  • Combine the thyme, bay, oregano and peppercorns in a 10-inch square of cheesecloth and bring the corners together to create a parcel. Tie it closed with kitchen twine.
  • Stir the panko, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a medium bowl until combined. Stir in the cream, egg and half the grated garlic until completely combined.
  • Combine the ground pork and sausage in a large bowl. Pull the ground meat apart with two forks as if you were shredding pulled pork, breaking up the clumps and incorporating the meat without compacting it until thoroughly mixed and no clumps remain.
  • Add the breadcrumb mixture to the meat and use the same pulling technique to mix until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  • Scoop out portions of the meat mixture with a 1-ounce ice cream scoop (or use two heaping tablespoons). Roll the meat gently between your hands into balls. Arrange the balls on a rimmed baking sheet. You should have about 24 meatballs.
  • Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add half the meatballs and cook, turning and rolling occasionally, until they are lightly browned on all sides, about 5 minutes total. Remove to a plate; the meatballs will not be cooked through, just browned on the outside. Repeat with the remaining meatballs.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and add the chicken skin-side down. Cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Turn the chicken and add the onions, carrots, celery, remaining grated garlic. Season the chicken and vegetables with 1 tablespoon kosher salt and cook, stirring occasionally and scraping up the browned bits, until the vegetables have softened slightly, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and cook until it's almost completely evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add 8 cups water and the cheesecloth parcel and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the chicken is just cooked through, about 30 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken to a plate and let cool slightly. Shred the chicken with two forks, discarding the skin and bones.
  • Meanwhile, add the meatballs and pasta to the broth and simmer until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove the sachet. Stir in the escarole and shredded chicken and continue cooking until the escarole is wilted and tender, about 5 minutes. Serve topped with parsley and grated Parmesan.

EASY ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP



Easy Italian Wedding Soup image

This is a quick go to soup on a chilly day. It's quick, it's easy, and it tastes great. My husband who tends to be a picky eater (Yuck) was not too sure about it at first. Now it is his favorite. It doesn't get any easier than this.

Provided by BumpsLady

Categories     Vegetable

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans chicken broth
1 cup water
1 cup medium pasta shell, uncooked (sometimes I use Ditalini also, same amount)
16 frozen meatballs, cooked
2 cups spinach leaves, finely shredded
1 cup pizza sauce

Steps:

  • Bring broth and one cup water to a boil in a large saucepan.
  • Add pasta and meatballs.
  • Return to a boil; cook 7 to 9 minutes or until pasta is done.
  • Do Not Drain.
  • Reduce heat; stir in spinach and pizza sauce.
  • Cook one to two minutes or until thoroughly heated.
  • I like to top mine with a little bit of shredded Mozzarella.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 162.4, Fat 3.1, SaturatedFat 0.6, Sodium 1006.4, Carbohydrate 24.1, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 6.6, Protein 8.8

ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP WITH MEATBALLS



Italian Wedding Soup with Meatballs image

This soup is just wonderful. It's so filling and chock-full of veggies. I first simmered up a batch of this soup when it was featured in our local newspaper, the Palm Beach Post Times. You can also substitute chicken sausage, rolled up into little balls, for the meatballs here.-Amy McGowen, Jupiter, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 1h10m

Yield 7 servings (1-3/4 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 large egg white
1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 pound ground pork
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 medium parsnip, peeled and chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 teaspoons herbes de Provence
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the egg white, bread crumbs and Italian seasoning. Crumble pork over mixture and mix well. Shape into 3/4-in. balls. , Place meatballs on a greased rack in a foil-lined 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° until a thermometer reads 160°, 15-18 minutes. , Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, saute the carrots, celery, parsnip and onion in oil until tender. Stir in the broth, herbes de Provence, pepper flakes and pepper. , Drain meatballs on paper towels. Bring soup to a boil; add meatballs. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Add orzo; cook until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally, 8-10 minutes longer. Add spinach; cook and stir until spinach is wilted. Sprinkle with cheese and parsley. , Freeze option: Do not add orzo or spinach. Cool soup; transfer to freezer containers and freeze up to 3 months. To use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Transfer to a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Add orzo, then proceed with recipe as directed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 281 calories, Fat 10g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 24mg cholesterol, Sodium 615mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

INSTANT POT® ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP



Instant Pot® Italian Wedding Soup image

Meatballs, pasta, and cheese are a marriage made in heaven. There are many, many versions of this recipe, this is mine. I hope that you enjoy it!

Provided by Bren

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Noodle Soup Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ½ cups chopped carrots
1 cup sliced celery
½ cup diced red onion
1 teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
6 cups no-salt-added chicken broth
20 Italian meatballs, preferably home made
½ cup pastina pasta
6 ounces baby spinach
4 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese
salt to taste

Steps:

  • Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®) and select Saute function. Pour in oil and heat until hot. Add carrots, celery, and red onion; cook until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Season with parsley, basil, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth and add meatballs. Close and lock the lid. Close the valve and select the Soup function according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 3 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
  • Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid. Add pastina and stir to combine. Replace the lid. Close the valve and select the Soup function according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 3 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
  • Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Add spinach and stir. Let soup sit for 5 minutes so pasta will be fully cooked and spinach will be wilted. Season with salt to taste.
  • Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 308.9 calories, Carbohydrate 24.5 g, Cholesterol 66.8 mg, Fat 14.2 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 21.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.7 g, Sodium 409.7 mg, Sugar 5 g

EASY ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP



Easy Italian Wedding Soup image

My aunt makes a much more complicated version of this soup (and she won't give me the recipe!), and this is the best recipe I can find in its place. There is a LOT of room for variation, so have fun experimenting! This is the original recipe here. The easiest way to make the meatballs is to roll them into a 3/4 inch "log" and then cut them off in 3/4 inch segments, THEN roll them into meatballs. My sister prefers to brown the meatballs first, but I like them better this way. Also, it is best to add a small portion of meatballs at a time. When the meatballs cook they rise. Once they begin to rise, add more meatballs and stir gently. I also add a clove of garlic to the meatballs and I usually double the breadcrumbs.

Provided by MarineCorpsWife

Categories     Clear Soup

Time 45m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb extra lean ground beef
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup dried breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried basil
3 tablespoons minced onions
2 1/2 quarts chicken broth
2 cups spinach, packed, rinsed and thinly sliced
1 cup orzo pasta
3/4 cup diced carrot

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, combine the beef, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, basil and onion.
  • Shape mixture into 3/4-inch balls and set aside.
  • In a large stockpot heat chicken broth to boiling; stir in the spinach, pasta, carrot and meatballs.
  • Return to boil; reduce heat to medium.
  • Cook, stirring frequently, at a slow boil for 10 minutes or until pasta is al dente, and meatballs are no longer pink inside.
  • Serve hot with Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 248.4, Fat 6.7, SaturatedFat 2.5, Cholesterol 89.1, Sodium 1067, Carbohydrate 21.1, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 2.2, Protein 23.8

Tips:

  • Use a variety of vegetables. This will give your soup a more complex flavor. Some good choices include carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, and zucchini.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. Italian seasoning, garlic, and pepper are all good choices, but you can also try adding other herbs and spices that you like.
  • Use a good quality broth. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your soup. If you don't have any homemade broth on hand, you can use a store-bought broth, but be sure to choose one that is low in sodium.
  • Don't overcook the soup. The vegetables should be tender, but still have a little bit of a bite to them. Otherwise, the soup is going to be mushy.
  • Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or crackers. This will help to soak up the delicious broth.

Conclusion:

Italian wedding soup is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is also a relatively easy soup to make, so it is a great option for busy weeknights. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a delicious and satisfying soup that the whole family will enjoy.

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