Italian Wedding Soup Classic (Printer-Friendly)
Comforting Italian soup featuring meatballs, fresh vegetables, and tender pasta in a flavorful broth.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Meatballs
01 -
1 pound ground chicken
02 -
1 large egg
03 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
04 -
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
05 -
½ teaspoon kosher salt
06 -
1 teaspoon black pepper
07 -
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
08 -
½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
→ Soup
09 -
9 to 10 cups chicken broth
10 -
3 celery stalks, diced
11 -
3 carrots, diced
12 -
1 sweet onion, diced
13 -
1 teaspoon salt
14 -
1 teaspoon black pepper
15 -
2 tablespoons fresh oregano
16 -
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
17 -
6 garlic cloves, minced
18 -
1½ cups Acini di Pepe pasta
19 -
3 to 4 ounces fresh spinach
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick cooking spray or use nonstick foil.
02 -
Combine ground chicken, fresh parsley, fresh oregano, egg, Italian breadcrumbs, kosher salt, black pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until combined.
03 -
Shape the mixture into ½-inch diameter meatballs using a cookie scoop or your hands. Arrange evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 14 to 15 minutes until golden brown. Meatballs may not be fully cooked and will finish cooking later in the soup.
04 -
While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 7 to 8 minutes until vegetables soften.
05 -
Stir in fresh oregano and red pepper flakes into the softened vegetables. Cook for an additional minute to release flavors.
06 -
Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring to a boil. Add Acini di Pepe pasta and cook for 5 minutes.
07 -
Add baked meatballs to the pot. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld flavors and finish cooking meatballs.
08 -
Stir in fresh spinach and allow it to wilt briefly before serving.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Alternative meats may be used for meatballs. Pasta varieties such as orzo or small shapes can substitute Acini di Pepe. Kale can replace spinach. For freezing, omit pasta and spinach prior to freezing.