Are you craving that comforting, heartwarming bowl of Olive Garden's famous Wedding Soup? The delicate broth, perfectly cooked vegetables, and tender meatballs? You don't need a reservation to enjoy this delicious dish! This easy recipe lets you recreate the magic of Olive Garden's Wedding Soup right in your own kitchen. It's a perfect healthy meal, a quick dinner idea, and a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and surprisingly simple recipe!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or small egg noodles)
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound Italian wedding meatballs (store-bought or homemade – recipe below!)
Homemade Italian Wedding Meatballs (Optional)
For an extra touch of homemade goodness, try making your own meatballs!
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Delicious Soup
Follow these easy steps and you'll be enjoying a delicious bowl of soup in no time!
Step 1: 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. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, and basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Meatballs: Add the pasta and meatballs to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the meatballs are heated.
Step 4: Finish the Soup: Stir in the spinach and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Wedding Soup
- For a richer broth: Use homemade chicken broth.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Follow the package directions for cooking time to avoid mushy pasta.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or mushrooms.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This Olive Garden copycat Wedding Soup recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a classic Italian-American comfort food. It's a perfect example of a healthy meal that’s both quick and satisfying, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy!