Italian wedding soup is a traditional Italian soup known for its delicate broth, tender meatballs, and leafy greens. Despite the name, this soup isn’t served at weddings the term comes from the Italian phrase “minestra maritata,” meaning the perfect marriage of flavors between meat and vegetables.
This is an authentic Italian wedding soup recipe, inspired by old-world nonna cooking simple ingredients, gentle simmering, and comforting flavors.
What Makes This Italian Wedding Soup Authentic 🇮🇹
- Small, tender Italian meatballs
- Clear, flavorful broth
- Traditional leafy greens (escarole or spinach)
- Simple seasoning—never heavy or creamy
- Light yet deeply comforting
Ingredients
For the Italian Meatballs
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork (optional but traditional)
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Soup
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade preferred)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, sliced thin
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup small pasta (acini di pepe or orzo)
- 3 cups escarole or baby spinach, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving
How to Make Italian Wedding Soup
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix gently and roll into small bite-sized balls (about 1 inch). Set aside.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Carefully drop in the meatballs and simmer for 10 minutes, until cooked through.
Step 4: Add Pasta & Greens
Stir in pasta and cook according to package instructions.
Add escarole or spinach during the last 3–4 minutes, just until wilted.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve hot with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
Italian Nonna Tips 🍲
- Keep meatballs small for a delicate texture
- Simmer gently—never boil aggressively
- Add greens at the end to keep them bright
- Parmesan is added at the table, not in the pot
Variations (Still Italian!)
- Vegetarian: Skip meatballs, add white beans
- High-protein: Increase meatball quantity
- Low-carb: Skip pasta and add more greens
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta or rice
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Store pasta separately if possible
- Freezes well without pasta
Final Thoughts
This Italian wedding soup recipe is a beautiful example of authentic Italian comfort food—light, nourishing, and full of tradition. Whether served as a starter or a full meal, it’s a timeless dish found in every true Italian recipe book.