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Cozy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe with Mini Meatballs Easy and Perfect

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A comforting Italian wedding soup featuring tender mini meatballs, fresh herbs, spinach, and tiny pasta in a flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy weeknights and family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred, or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (kale works too)
  • 1 cup acini di pepe or orzo pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley or basil, crusty bread for serving

Instructions

  1. Make the Mini Meatballs (15-20 minutes): In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Roll into 1-inch diameter mini meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables (5-7 minutes): Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until onions are translucent and carrots are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add Broth and Herbs (2 minutes): Pour in chicken broth and add dried oregano and basil. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Cook the Mini Meatballs (10-12 minutes): Gently drop mini meatballs into simmering broth. Cook until they float to the top, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Add Pasta and Spinach (8-10 minutes): Add pasta and chopped spinach to the pot. Simmer until pasta is tender but al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Final Touches and Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

Use a gentle hand when mixing meatballs to keep them tender. Simmer broth gently to prevent meatballs from falling apart. Leftovers taste better the next day. Freeze soup without pasta for best texture. For dairy-free, substitute cottage cheese with dairy-free yogurt and omit Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian wedding soup, mini meatballs, cozy soup, easy dinner, comfort food, spinach soup, pasta soup, family meal

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/cozy-italian-wedding-soup-recipe-with-mini-meatballs-easy-and-perfect/