One-Pot Italian Wedding Soup: A Flavorful Harmony of Comfort and Tradition

Embark on a culinary journey with our One-Pot Italian Wedding Soup, a dish that combines the warmth of a hearty soup with the elegance of traditional Italian flavors. This recipe not only satisfies your cravings for comfort food but also invites you to experience the joy of crafting a soul-soothing dish with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this One-Pot Italian Wedding Soup is your ticket to a bowlful of Italian tradition and culinary delight. Join us as we unravel the secrets to creating a soup that resonates with warmth, flavor, and the joy of sharing a comforting meal.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup acini di pepe pasta or small pasta of your choice
• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs:

1. Combine Meatball Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, mix together ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Form small meatballs and set aside.

Start the Soup:

2. Sauté Onion, Carrots, and Celery:
   • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add Minced Garlic:
   • Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Brown Meatballs:
   • Add the meatballs to the pot and brown them on all sides. This step adds flavor to the soup.
5. Pour in Chicken Broth:
   • Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to simmer.

Cook the Pasta and Greens:

6. Add Pasta:
   • Stir in the acini di pepe pasta or your pasta of choice. Cook until the pasta is al dente, following the package instructions.
7. Incorporate Spinach:
   • Once the pasta is cooked, add the chopped spinach to the pot. Stir until the spinach wilts.

Season and Garnish:

8. Season the Soup:
   • Season the soup with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences. Adjust as needed.
9. Finish with Fresh Parsley:
   • Stir in the fresh parsley, adding a burst of color and freshness to the soup.

Serve and Enjoy:

10. Serve Hot:
    • Ladle the One-Pot Italian Wedding Soup into bowls. Top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese.
11. Enjoy the Harmony of Flavors:
    • Serve the soup hot and savor the harmonious blend of meatballs, pasta, and greens in every comforting spoonful.

Cook Notes

• Meatball Size: Keep the meatballs small to ensure they cook through in the soup without becoming dense.
• Fresh vs. Frozen Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant touch, but if unavailable, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw and drain it before adding to the soup.
• Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente as it will continue to cook slightly in the hot soup.
• Make-Ahead Meatballs: Prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate or freeze for a quicker assembly on busy days.

Variations

Orzo Exchange:

• Substitute orzo for acini di pepe for a slightly different texture in the pasta.

Turkey Twist:

• Use ground turkey in place of ground beef for a leaner meatball option.

Rustic Bean Addition:

• Introduce cannellini beans to the soup for an added layer of creaminess and protein.

Keto Versions

Almond Flour Meatballs:

• Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour in the meatball mixture for a keto-friendly option.

Zoodle Transformation:

• Swap pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a low-carb alternative.

Cauliflower Comfort:

• Add cauliflower florets instead of pasta for a keto-friendly and gluten-free option.

Low-Carb Versions

Spaghetti Squash Switch:

• Substitute spaghetti squash strands for pasta to create a low-carb alternative.

Turnip or Radish Substitution:

• Dice turnips or radishes instead of carrots for a lower-carb option in the soup.

Heavy Cream Elegance:

• Finish the soup with a drizzle of heavy cream for a richer, low-carb twist.

A Bowlful of Italian Comfort and Joy

In conclusion, our One-Pot Italian Wedding Soup isn’t just a soup; it’s a bowlful of Italian comfort and joy that brings together the robust flavors of meatballs, pasta, and greens in a harmonious blend. Whether you follow the classic recipe, experiment with variations, explore keto adaptations, or savor the low-carb alternatives, this soup promises to be a star in your collection of comforting recipes.

As you enjoy each spoonful, imagine the satisfaction that comes from crafting a soup that embodies the essence of Italian warmth and tradition. The One-Pot Italian Wedding Soup is not just a meal; it’s a promise of shared moments, family gatherings, and the creation of heartwarming memories. So, gather your ingredients, let the pot simmer, and relish in the anticipation of savoring a soup that invites you to experience the comforting embrace of Italian culinary tradition. Cheers to the One-Pot Italian Wedding Soup – where every bowl is a celebration of flavor, comfort, and the simple joy of a well-prepared dish!