Are you craving a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy dinner? Look no further than this delightful Italian Wedding Soup recipe! This homemade classic is surprisingly quick to make, especially when using frozen meatballs. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe delivers a rich and satisfying experience without hours spent in the kitchen. Get ready to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup frozen meatballs
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
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Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the simmering soup and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
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Incorporate Meatballs and Spinach: Gently stir in the frozen meatballs and spinach. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through and the spinach is wilted. Adding the frozen meatballs directly to the soup saves time and effort.
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Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Italian Wedding Soup:
- For a richer flavor: Use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Boost the veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or mushrooms.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the meatballs and add extra vegetables or a can of cannellini beans for a hearty vegetarian version.
Variations:
- Chicken Italian Wedding Soup: Add cooked shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Lemon Italian Wedding Soup: Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon at the end for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Creamy Italian Wedding Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving for a richer texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This easy Italian Wedding Soup recipe is a quick and delicious weeknight dinner option. Its wholesome ingredients and satisfying flavors make it a perfect choice for a healthy and comforting meal. Enjoy!