Easy Italian Wedding Soup With Frozen Meatballs Recipe

If you’ve ever craved the warmth and comfort of a hearty soup, then Italian Wedding Soup might just be the perfect dish for you. Known for its rich flavors, wholesome ingredients, and satisfying nature, this soup has become a favorite among home cooks and restaurant-goers alike. The name might sound fancy, but don’t be fooled-making Italian Wedding Soup is a breeze, and it’s an excellent meal to prepare for any occasion.

This version, in particular, is an easy-to-make rendition that cuts down on prep time by using frozen meatballs, without sacrificing any of the flavor or authenticity. Imagine: tender meatballs floating in a savory broth, surrounded by tender greens, and sprinkled with Parmesan. It’s all the things that make comfort food comforting.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the easy Italian Wedding Soup with frozen meatballs recipe, step-by-step, plus a deep dive into the ingredients, expert tips, variations, and more. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this soup is perfect for making in large batches or for impressing guests with minimal effort.

Easy Italian Wedding Soup With Frozen Meatballs Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 6-8 people

This recipe is ideal for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. By using frozen meatballs, you’re already one step ahead, saving time while still creating a delicious dish that’ll warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a simple, straightforward list of what you’ll need to gather. Don’t worry; there’s no hunting for obscure ingredients here:

• Frozen meatballs (1-1.5 pounds): These save you from the hassle of making them from scratch, and they’re perfectly seasoned.
• Chicken broth (4 cups): The base of the soup. You can go for low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
• Baby spinach (3 cups, roughly chopped): This leafy green adds the “wedding” component in the soup and gives it a lovely pop of color and nutrition.
• Carrots (2 medium, diced): Sweet, earthy, and perfectly balanced when softened in the broth.
• Celery (2 stalks, diced): Adds crunch and a mild flavor to complement the meatballs.
• Onion (1 small, diced): A basic aromatic that brings depth to the broth.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic enhances the savory quality of the soup.
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): This will be sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty finish.
• Pasta (1/2 cup, small pasta like acini di pepe, orzo, or ditalini): Tiny pasta shapes are perfect for this soup, absorbing the broth but not overpowering the other ingredients.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the vegetables and building flavor.

Cooking Instructions

Now let’s dive into how to pull everything together to create this flavorful soup. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to make it.

1. Sauté The Veggies

   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and the onion turns translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Add The Broth

   Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer.

3. Cook The Meatballs

   Gently add the frozen meatballs into the broth. They will cook directly in the broth, absorbing all the wonderful flavors. Let the meatballs simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re fully cooked through. If you’re using large meatballs, you may need to cut them in half to ensure they heat evenly.

4. Add The Spinach And Pasta

   Stir in the chopped spinach and your choice of small pasta. Let the soup simmer for another 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and the spinach is wilted.

5. Season And Serve

   Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Ingredient Insights

To truly appreciate the depth of flavors in this soup, let’s break down some of the key ingredients:

• Frozen Meatballs: The beauty of using frozen meatballs is that they are pre-seasoned, so they lend an instant boost of flavor. The seasoning typically includes breadcrumbs, garlic, and a mixture of herbs like parsley and oregano, which adds complexity to the broth.
• Chicken Broth: While you could make your own broth, store-bought chicken broth is convenient and perfectly adequate. Opt for a low-sodium version to control the amount of salt in the dish, especially since the meatballs and Parmesan cheese add their own saltiness.
• Spinach: Baby spinach is not only a nutrient powerhouse but also cooks quickly, making it perfect for soups. It gives a lovely green color and a mild, earthy flavor that complements the richness of the broth.
• Pasta: Small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or orzo are traditional for Italian Wedding Soup. These tiny pieces absorb the broth without becoming mushy. It’s important not to overcook the pasta to ensure it holds its shape and texture.

Expert Tips

• For Richer Flavor: If you have the time, you can brown the frozen meatballs in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the soup. This will add a nice caramelized flavor to the meatballs that enriches the entire dish.
• Adjusting the Broth: If you prefer a more robust flavor, add a splash of white wine to the broth after sautéing the vegetables. Let it cook down for a minute to reduce the alcohol, then proceed with adding the broth.
• Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Spinach cooks down very quickly, so be sure to add it last, right before the pasta. Overcooked spinach can become mushy and lose its vibrant color.
• Pasta Cooking Tip: If you plan to have leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual bowls before pouring the soup over it. This helps prevent the pasta from soaking up too much of the broth and becoming too soft.

Recipe Variations

While this easy Italian Wedding Soup is delicious as written, there’s always room to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

• Meatball Variation: Instead of using frozen meatballs, try making your own from scratch using ground turkey, beef, or chicken. Add fresh herbs and a little grated Parmesan to the meat mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
• Greens Substitution: If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can use kale, arugula, or Swiss chard. Each of these greens brings a slightly different texture and flavor to the soup.
• Broth Alternatives: For a deeper flavor, substitute chicken broth with beef broth or even a vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian version of this soup.
• Add Beans: For extra heartiness, consider adding a can of white beans (like cannellini or Great Northern) to the soup. They’ll add more protein and texture while also enhancing the flavor.

Final Words

This easy Italian Wedding Soup with frozen meatballs is truly a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy dish to enjoy on your own, this soup hits all the right notes. It’s flavorful, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to make, with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.