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A close-up of a steaming bowl of Italian Wedding Soup, featuring meatballs, pasta, greens, and grated cheese.

Italian Wedding Soup

A comforting and flavorful Italian Wedding Soup, perfect for chilly nights. This soup features mini meatballs, escarole, and pasta in a savory broth.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 clove garlic minced
For the Soup
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup small pasta like orzo or acini di pepe
  • 4 cups escarole chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1/2 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet.
  3. Bake the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
  4. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced carrots and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the small pasta and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  6. Add the cooked mini meatballs and chopped escarole to the pot. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the escarole is wilted.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls. Serve hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

You can substitute spinach for escarole if preferred. For a vegetarian option, omit the meatballs and use vegetable broth.

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