Go Back
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium carrot, diced - 1 celery stalk, diced - 6 cups chicken broth - 1 cup baby spinach, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 cup cooked meatballs (store-bought or homemade) - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish Italian Wedding Soup combines simple ingredients for great flavor. The orzo pasta adds a nice bite. The olive oil gives the soup a rich base. Onions and garlic bring depth. Carrots and celery add sweetness and crunch. Chicken broth is the heart of the dish, making it warm and comforting. Baby spinach brings color and nutrients. Dried oregano adds a hint of earthiness. Meatballs, either store-bought or homemade, provide protein and heartiness. Finally, Parmesan cheese gives a savory finish. - Alternative greens (kale, Swiss chard) - Different types of meatballs (turkey, beef) - Gluten-free pasta options If you want to mix things up, try adding different greens like kale or Swiss chard. You can also switch up the meatballs. Turkey or beef works great too. For those needing gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Each variation adds its own twist while keeping the soul of the dish intact. For the full recipe, check out the instructions and start cooking this delightful soup. - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add 1 small, finely chopped onion. Sauté it until soft, about 3-4 minutes. - Next, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk. Cook for about 5 minutes. The veggies should start to soften. - Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a boil. - Once boiling, add 1 cup of uncooked orzo pasta and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. - Reduce the heat, then mix in 1 cup of cooked meatballs and 1 cup of chopped baby spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes. - Season the soup with salt and pepper to your taste. - Stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. For the full recipe, check out the details earlier in this article. To make your Italian Wedding Soup truly shine, try these tips: - Use homemade chicken broth for a richer taste. - Adjust seasoning to your liking with fresh or dried herbs. This can really enhance the flavor. Preventing your orzo from turning mushy is key. Here’s how: - Add orzo to the pot only when the broth is boiling. This helps keep it firm. - Stir the pasta gently while it cooks. This keeps it from sticking together. For sautéing vegetables evenly: - Cut your vegetables to the same size. This ensures they cook at the same rate. - Sauté on medium heat and stir often. This helps them soften without burning. Pair your Italian Wedding Soup with these ideas: - Serve with warm garlic bread for a nice crunch. - Add a side salad to balance the meal. For a great presentation: - Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley. - Dust with extra Parmesan cheese for a touch of elegance. You can find the Full Recipe to explore all these tips in detail! {{image_2}} Italian Wedding Soup has many traditional twists. In Southern Italy, cooks use unique herbs. They might add fresh basil or parsley for a bright touch. You can find other regional takes too, like using escarole instead of spinach. Each area brings its own flair, making the soup special. For those looking for lighter options, you can make vegetarian or vegan versions. Simply swap out the meatballs for plant-based ones. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. To make it low-carb, skip the orzo. You can add zucchini noodles or simply enjoy the broth with veggies. Let your creativity shine with this soup! Try fusion ideas by adding Asian flavors like ginger and bok choy. Or, make seasonal variations by using fresh vegetables. In summer, add zucchini and tomatoes. In winter, root veggies like parsnips can add warmth. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it! To keep your Italian Wedding Soup fresh, cool it down first. Store it in a sealed container. Place it in the fridge. It stays good for about three days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it! Use airtight containers or freezer bags. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When reheating, avoid high heat. Use a pot over medium heat to warm it gently. This keeps the flavors intact. You can also use the microwave. Just heat it in short bursts to avoid overcooking. To boost flavor, add fresh spinach or herbs when you reheat. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can also add richness. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of your soup again! For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. Italian Wedding Soup has roots in the Italian-American community. The name can confuse some. It does not come from actual weddings. Instead, it refers to the marriage of flavors. The soup mixes greens and meat. Traditionally, it features small meatballs and leafy greens, often escarole or spinach. This dish is a comfort food favorite in many homes. Yes, you can use different types of pasta. Orzo is common, but small shapes work well too. Try ditalini, acini di pepe, or even small shells. Each type adds a unique texture. Just cook the pasta according to the package. This keeps the flavor strong and the dish hearty. Italian Wedding Soup lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This helps maintain its fresh taste. If you notice any changes in smell or color, it's best to toss it. Always check before reheating. Yes, making this soup in advance is a great idea. You can prepare it a day or two ahead. Just store it in the fridge. If you want to freeze it, leave out the pasta. Freezing cooked pasta can make it mushy. When ready to eat, add fresh pasta to the heated soup. This keeps the dish fresh and delicious. For the full recipe, check out the Italian Wedding Soup section. Italian Wedding Soup is a true comfort dish. You learned about key ingredients like orzo, meatballs, and fresh greens. We covered how to cook it perfectly and shared tips to boost flavor. Variations cater to different diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy this hearty meal. Remember, proper storage can help you enjoy leftovers too. Embrace the creativity in making this soup your own, and enjoy every spoonful. Dive into this recipe, and you’ll have a warm bowl of happiness.

Italian Wedding Soup

Warm up with a bowl of delicious Italian Wedding Soup, a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Made with tender orzo pasta, savory meatballs, and fresh spinach in a rich chicken broth, this easy recipe is ready in just 30 minutes. Discover how to whip up this delightful soup step by step and impress your family with a cozy meal they'll love. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this Italian classic to your kitchen!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium carrot, diced

1 celery stalk, diced

6 cups chicken broth

1 cup baby spinach, chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup cooked meatballs (store-bought or homemade)

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

    Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

      Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

        Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and dried oregano. Cook according to the package instructions for about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.

          Reduce the heat and add the cooked meatballs and chopped spinach to the pot. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.

            Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted.

              Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese before serving. Offer a side of garlic bread for a delightful pairing!