What’s in an Italian Wedding Soup?

Traditional Italian Wedding Soup includes: ✔ Mini meatballs – Made from beef, pork, or turkey with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and herbs. ✔ A flavorful broth – Usually chicken-based, with onions, garlic, and seasonings. ✔ Leafy greens – Spinach, escarole, or kale add freshness and nutrients. ✔ Tiny pasta (optional) – Acini de pepe or orzo for a light, delicate texture.

Why is it called Italian Wedding Soup?

Despite the name, this soup isn’t traditionally served at Italian weddings . The name comes from the Italian phrase "minestra maritata," meaning "married soup." It refers to the perfect marriage of flavors between the meat and greens, not an actual wedding tradition!

What’s the difference between minestrone and Italian Wedding Soup?

Minestrone and Italian Wedding Soup are both Italian classics, but they differ in key ways. Minestrone is a thick, vegetable-packed soup with a tomato-based broth , often including beans and larger pasta like ditalini. It’s typically vegetarian but can have pancetta. Italian Wedding Soup , on the other hand, features a clear chicken broth , mini meatballs , tiny pasta (optional), and leafy greens like spinach or escarole. While minestrone is heartier and chunkier, Italian Wedding Soup is lighter, with a delicate balance of flavors.

Do Italians serve soup at weddings?

No, Italian Wedding Soup isn’t a traditional wedding dish in Italy . While Italians enjoy soups, wedding feasts typically feature multiple courses, including antipasti, pasta, meat, and seafood dishes . The confusion comes from the mistranslation of "minestra maritata" .

Italian Wedding Soup : 5 Secrets to Make the Best in 2025

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

½ lb ground beef
½ lb ground pork (or turkey/chicken)
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
½ tsp salt & black pepper

For the Soup:

8 cups chicken broth
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
¾ cup acini de pepe (or orzo)
4 cups fresh spinach (or escarole)
½ tsp salt & black pepper
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
1 Parmesan rind (optional, for extra flavor)

For Garnish:

Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or basil
A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Roll into ¾-inch mini meatballs and set aside.

2. Cook the Broth

In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
Add onions and cook until soft (3 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Pour in chicken broth, add bay leaf, Parmesan rind, salt, and pepper, and bring to a simmer.

3. Cook the Meatballs & Pasta

Drop meatballs into the simmering broth and cook for 10 minutes.
Stir in acini de pepe and cook for another 8-10 minutes until pasta is tender.

4. Add Greens & Finish

Stir in spinach or escarole and let wilt for 2 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf & Parmesan rind. Adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread.

Notes

Use a Parmesan Rind for Extra Flavor
Simmering a Parmesan rind in the broth enhances the soup’s richness and depth—just remove it before serving!
Make Meatballs Ahead for Meal Prep
Prepare and freeze raw meatballs, then drop them directly into the simmering broth when ready to cook for an easy meal.

Author: Nick
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soupe
Method: Stovetop Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: ~320 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: ~7g
Trans Fat: ~0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Italian Wedding Soup, Classic Italian Wedding Soup, Homemade Italian Wedding Soup, How to Make Italian Wedding Soup at Home