Description
A hearty and comforting Italian Wedding Soup featuring flavorful Parmesan meatballs, tender pasta, and fresh vegetables in a savory broth. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for family gatherings or a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (like acini di pepe)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Form the mixture into small, one-inch diameter meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and onion is translucent.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the prepared meatballs and small pasta to the pot. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is al dente and meatballs are cooked through.
- Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter option.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Ensure meatballs are cooked through by using a meat thermometer (internal temperature of 160°F or 70°C) or by cutting one in half.
- Add spinach towards the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant color and texture.
- Allow the soup to simmer for a bit longer to deepen flavors, if time permits.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to thin the soup if needed, and avoid boiling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg