Italian wedding soup with chicken meatballs is a true culinary delight. This homemade soup and meatball combination is not only filling and hearty but also incredibly flavorful. The traditional Italian recipe features tender chicken meatballs infused with the aromatic flavors of paprika, basil, and garlic, all swimming in a savory broth made with fresh spinach and lemon notes. Acini de pepe pasta adds a delightful texture to this satisfying meal. If you’re as fond of this soup as I am, you might also enjoy exploring more Italian-inspired creations, such as French onion soup or pairing it with a refreshing antipasto salad or the sweetness of strawberry fields salad for a well-rounded meal.
How to Make the Best Traditional Italian Soup
Indulge in the rich flavors of Italian wedding soup with chicken meatballs! This recipe may seem overwhelming at first glance, but trust us, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
What is Acini de Pepe Pasta?
In the world of Italian cuisine, you may have stumbled upon a peculiar ingredient called acini de pepe pasta. Its name roughly translates to ‘peppercorn’, ‘seeds of pepper’, or even ‘grape seeds’ in Italian. This type of pasta is often found in Italian wedding soup with chicken meatballs, but its significance goes beyond just being an added flavor component. According to tradition, acini de pepe pasta serves as a fertility symbol, which adds another layer of cultural richness to this beloved dish. But what’s remarkable about this pasta is that it’s not only suitable for soups like Italian wedding soup – it also excels in cold salads, offering a delightful textural contrast and a subtle nutty flavor.
How to Store Mini Meatball Soup
When it comes to storing leftover soup, there are a couple of options you can consider. For short-term storage, you can place the leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a few days. To reheat, simply warm the soup gently over low heat on the stove. Alternatively, you can freeze the soup in portion-sized containers and enjoy it within 2 to 3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Minestra Maritata
I’m thrilled to share with you one of my go-to recipes that brings together an unlikely combination of ingredients – parmesan cheese, chicken stock, small pasta, baby spinach, and tiny meatballs. This delectable soup is none other than minestra maritata, an ancient Neapolitan dish that has been a staple at Italian Easter, Christmas, or San Silvestro feasts for centuries. The name ‘married soup’ might raise an eyebrow – it’s not about weddings, but rather the harmonious union of meat and vegetables. This hearty and comforting soup is sure to become a family favorite!
Chicken Meatball Soup FAQs
While it’s ideal to stick with chicken broth for a traditional Italian wedding soup, you can experiment with other broths if you prefer. However, keep in mind that vegetable or beef broth will significantly alter the flavor profile, so I would caution against making such substitutions. In terms of vegetables, you have the flexibility to choose from a variety of options. Consider swapping spinach for kale or escarole, but be mindful that these greens require additional cooking time when adding pasta. For added substance and nutrition, consider incorporating a drained can of cannellini beans into your soup. If you’re looking to incorporate meatballs, while making them from scratch is the ultimate preference, store-bought Italian-style options are a decent alternative. Just ensure they’re fresh or frozen meatballs rather than relying on old or low-quality alternatives.
Italian Wedding Soup with Chicken Meatballs Recipe
The BEST Italian Wedding Soup with Chicken Meatballs
Italian wedding soup with chicken meatballs is an unforgettable culinary experience. This homemade, from-scratch recipe yields a rich and satisfying meal that combines the comforting warmth of chicken meatballs with the delightful texture of acini de pepe pasta. As you savor each bite, you’ll be delighted by the freshness and zestiness of this traditional Italian soup. With its impressive 50-minute preparation time and 30-minute cooking time, this mini meatball soup is an ideal solution for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal that’s sure to impress your guests. Serve it up to a crowd of six and get ready to be showered with compliments!
Instructions
Combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, egg, and spices in a bowl until well-mixed. Form the mixture into small balls, about 1” in diameter, and place them on a tray as you go. Once all the meatballs are formed, melt butter and oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, searing each side until browned. Remove the cooked meatballs from the pot and set aside. Next, add the carrots, onions, celery, and most of the soup seasonings (except parsley) to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Pour in white wine vinegar, lemon juice, and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a light boil. Add the meatballs back into the pot and let boil for a few minutes. Cook Acini de Pepe pasta until tender, then carefully taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. If using a low-sodium broth, you may need to add salt at this time. Just before serving, stir in spinach and fresh parsley. Garnish with additional parsley and a slice of lemon.
