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    Home » Recipes » Soups & Chilis » Stracciatella Italian Wedding Soup

    January 13, 2020

    Stracciatella Italian Wedding Soup

    5 from 11 votes

    18 Comments

    Jan 13, 2020

    (updated Jun 14, 2021)

    by Lori Murphy

    Jump to Recipe
    two images one with meatballs being made and the other with a black bowl with meatball soup.
    black bowl with meatball soup, parsley and ancini de pepe.
    white bowl with meatball mix in it and a sheet pan of uncooked meatballs on it.
    black bowl with meatball soup, parsley and ancini de pepe.
    stockpot of meatballs being cooked and transferred to a baking sheet.
    black bowl with Italian Wedding Soup and a spoon, plate of bread and a spoon on a blue napkin.

    You don't have to have a wedding or be married to make (or eat) Italian Wedding Soup. With a stracciatella twist, this soup is a big bowl of comfort. Pairs so well with my Italian Arugula Salad.

    black bowl with Italian Wedding Soup and a spoon, plate of bread and a fig leaf salt and pepper shaker set

    Earning Its Name

    It seems very few restaurants serve Italian Wedding Soup. Whether it's because it's too rustic, or someone thinks it too time-consuming (to make, not eat), you might agree that it's just plain disappointing. What could be better than mini meatballs and baby spheres of pasta co-mingling in a bowl of amazing broth? Adding a stracciatella finish!

    With a handful of vegetables thrown in for health and wealth, you've got all the things one wishes on a married couple. It is said that Italian wedding soup was given its name because the ingredients are married together: as in the broths from the meat and vegetables cooking. Hence, the married broths — or minestra maritata (not to be confused with hakuna matata)—of the cooking liquids of the meats and vegetables.

    Let's break it down. Here are the traditional components of the recipe:

    celery,carrots, spinach and onion on a dark wooden board on a light backgroundThe Ingredients

    • meatballs
    • pasta
    • broth
    • greens
    • stracciatella

    Now how those ingredients are sourced (as in beef, pork, chicken) or blended varies from region, country or even family. But then again, isn't that the case with most recipes? Or most marriages? You and your significant other can debate that...over a bowl of this soup, of course.

    a white bowl with ground chicken,pork, cheese, parsley and a whole egg with some parsley and basil and a small carton of brown eggs on a light backgroundChicken or Beef?

    Meatballs -The favorite part of this soup has got to be the meatballs, amirite? Whether it takes one back to the mini-meatballs you could get from a certain school lunch spaghetti or no,t I don't know (because we weren't allowed to eat canned spaghetti in our house growing up...bitter much?) OR whether it's because they are kind of like the inside of soup dumplings in Chinese cuisine, I'm not sure. Or maybe it's some other reason such as being unbelievably and soulfully GOOD.

    The meatballs in this recipe are made from two kinds of meat: chicken and pork. Could you use beef instead of chicken? Sure. I won't stop you. My grandmas wouldn't stop you. Just give the original recipe a shot before you decide. If you have to have beef meatballs, give these meatballs a try (but cut the recipe at least in half because it makes a lot).

    Pasta - Traditionally, you would use acini di pepe for Italian Wedding Soup. If you have a box of orzo or pastina in your pantry or some other really small pasta, go for it. And then refer to the paragraph above regarding my grandmas and permission and such. It's all good.

    Broth: Because I am using chicken in my meatballs, chicken broth makes the most sense. Could you use beef broth in your soup? Totally. But don't use only beef broth. Add some chicken or vegetable broth. It is a wedding after all. And since you're asking, I'd use more chicken than beef (say if you had some leftover of one or the other you needed to use  up).

    Greens: You'll notice that I used spinach here. Escarole is the most traditional which I would have used. However, it's a long story involving a grocery clerk insisting that what I had in my hand was escarole when I felt pretty confident it wasn't. I trusted him, It wasn't. Minestra maritata.

    Ok— on to the good stuff...getting all these ingredients good and married.

    Meatball mix with bread in a bowl with a scoop and measuring cup of water and blue napkin

    Make Some Meatballs

    You'll want to use a large bowl and your favorite kitchen tool - your hands. That's how you can feel the texture. First, blend the meats together so that you know they're good and incorporated. Next, add all the other meatball ingredients to the bowl EXCEPT the water. You want the meatball mix to be on the looser side but you need it to hold its shape. A lot depends on the amount of fat in your meat and the grind of the chicken. If you have a butcher who grinds chicken for you on-site, that's the way to go. You won't have as much moisture because a lot of time the meat is shipped frozen to the store leading to more moisture in your meat mix. FYI—if you have a Fresh Market store in your area, they usually will grind fresh chicken right from the butcher case and it's so worth it.

    meatballs being scooped from a white bowl and lined up on a parchment covered baking sheetTo shape the meatballs, use either a small melon baller or just your hands. You want about a 1" meatball. Lightly roll it into a ball and place it on a cookie sheet. Keep going until you use them all up.

    sauteed minced carrots, celery, basil, garlic and onions in a stockpot with a wooden spatula and blue napkinThe Broth Base

    Having a food processor for this step is going to save you some time. If you don't, that's ok! There are directions in the recipe for each. Either way, you are going to end up with some minced veggies that you are going to quickly saute in a hot pan. To that, you'll add the broth and deglaze the pan. (Deglazing is just scraping up all the brown bits at the bottom which is where the flavor is).

    poached meatballs in a stockpot with a strainer spoon holding some meatballs and some on a parchment lined trayWedded Meatball + Soup Bliss

    In another pan, you're going to heat up some broth and add your meatballs. You are essentially poaching the meatballs and will finish cooking them in the other pot. After poaching them and straining the water, add them to the other pot with where the remaining broth and pasta will have been cooking. [TIP: you can always add the meatballs and all the broth directly to the first pan. That'll definitely save on clean up. But- you won't get as clear of a broth. Entirely your call.]

    Right at the end, you'll add in the spinach or escarole along with the stracciatella.

    black bowl with Italian Wedding Soup and a spoon, plate of bread and a spoon on a blue napkinWhat Is Stracciatella?

    If you've been to Italy, you've eaten gelato. Every gelato shop has a stracciatella flavor which to Americans is like chocolate chip. While stracciatella soup inspired the creation of the gelato, it doesn't have chocolate in it. It's more of a chicken soup with a swirl of eggy Parmesan right before serving. The egg cooks in the broth with little cheesy strands strewn through the soup. It's magical and adds an amazing flavor layer.

    Does Italian wedding soup freeze well?

    Yes! There are a couple of ways to do it:

    • make the meatballs ahead of time, freeze them separately and make the broth the day you plan to serve.
    • make the whole soup—pasta and all—and freeze it.

    I prefer the first because the pasta doesn't get as soft

    black bowl with Italian Wedding Soup and a spoon, plate of bread and a fig leaf salt and pepper shaker setTips

    For a crowd: A lighter alternative to my Completely Steak Chili, especially if you have guests who choose not to eat red meat. Fun for your Super Bowl party!

    For a few: Freeze half of the meatballs for another meal.

    Make ahead: Perfect to make ahead up to two days. The soup can also be frozen. If you make extra meatballs, freeze them separately. Then you'll always be ready to have soup.

    shop this post

    black bowl with Italian Wedding Soup and a spoon, plate of bread and a fig leaf salt and pepper shaker set.
    5 from 11 votes

    Italian Wedding Soup

    Print RATE PIN
    Spoon-sized chicken and sausage meatballs and a stracciatella finish elevate this classic Italian Wedding Soup.
    Prep Time:30 mins
    Cook Time:20 mins
    First Meatball cooking time:5 mins
    Total Time:55 mins
    Servings 8
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    Ingredients
     

    For the soup base:

    • 1 small onion, refer to instructions
    • 1 stalk celery, refer to instructions
    • 1 large carrot or 5-7 baby carrots, refer to instructions
    • 5 basil leaves, directions below
    • 2 cloves garlic , peeled

    For the Meatballs

    • ½ lb ground chicken
    • ½ lb ground Italian sausage, w/o fennel if possible. See note below
    • ¾ cup Romano Cheese, grated and divided
    • 1 tablespoon parsley, minced
    • 1 egg, lightly whisked
    • 2 slices white or wheat bread, broken into small pieces
    • 2 tsp salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ¼ cup warm water

    For the soup

    • 1 Tbsp olive oil
    • 3½ qts chicken stock, divided
    • 1 cup acini di pepe, see note below
    • 1 head escarole or 6 cups (or handfuls) of fresh spinach, cleaned and chopped
    • 2 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon pepper
    • 1 egg
    • ½ lemon
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    FIRST STEP || WITH A FOOD PROCESSOR:

    • Place 2 quarters of the onion, the celery, carrots, basil, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor and pulse for about 15 seconds until the contents are minced. Set aside and continue to the second step.

    FIRST STEP || WITHOUT A FOOD PROCESSOR:

    • Mince the onions, celery, carrots, and garlic. Place in medium bowl.
    • Stack the basil leaves one on top of each other and roll into a long cylinder. Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the roll. Add to other minced veggies. Set aside and continue to the second step.

    SECOND STEP || Make the Meatballs

    • Using your hands, lightly combine all the meatball ingredients including ½ cup of Romano except the water in a large bowl until well mixed. Don't overmix it. Add the water and using your hands again, gently incorporate it.
    • Put a little water in a small cup or bowl. Using a teaspoon or small scoop, make small meatballs scooping with one hand and placing in the fingertips of the other hand, lightly shaping the ball. Dip fingers into the water bowl in between making each meatball. Place meatballs on a lightly sprayed or parchment-lined baking sheet.
    • Meanwhile, bring 2 cups of the chicken stock to a low boil in a medium saucepan. Keep on a low simmer.
    • After all the meatballs are made, gently place them in the simmering broth and cook for 5 minutes. You might have to do this in batches. [See notes below for making extra or making ahead]
    • Through a fine mesh strainer, strain the meatball poaching liquid and add it to the other pan with the other broth.

    STEP THREE || Make the Soup

    • Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot. Add the veggies from step one and saute over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes.
    • Add the remaining stock to the stockpot along with salt and pepper. Bring to a low boil.
    • Add the pasta to the pot and cook for 5 minutes. Then, add the meatballs and strained poaching liquid along with the spinach or escarole. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 5 minutes more.
    • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, add the remaining ¼ cup of Romano to the 2 eggs and whisk lightly together. Right before serving, take the handle of a wooden spoon and swirl the soup while slowly pouring the egg and cheese mixture into the pot.
    • Squeeze some lemon in just before serving and sprinkle some grated romano on top. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

    Notes

    • Acini di pepe pasta is a small round rice-like pasta typically used in Italian wedding soup.
    • If you can't find Italian sausage without fennel, you can substitute plain ground pork for the sausage or use 100% ground chicken. I would add a little drizzle of olive oil to compensate for the loss of fat. Per the post, you can also use ground beef (85%).
    • Gluten-free /dairy free options: use gluten free breadcrumbs or bread. And omit the cheese from the meatballs and finishing of the soup.
    Course: Lunch, Main Course, Soup
    Cuisine: Italian
    Author: Lori Murphy
    Did you make this recipe? Tag @josieandnina or tag #josieandnina!
    Soups & ChilisChickenParmesanSausageSpinach

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    1. Traci says

      February 13, 2020 at 10:48 am

      5 stars
      I'm crazy about this stuff! Especially the combination of Italian sausage and chicken. That's the best of both, right there! Thanks for sharing another winner. Easy and delicious!

      Reply
      • Lori says

        February 13, 2020 at 11:01 am

        I know - I love the spicy warmth the sausage adds and the chicken lightens it all up in the best way. Thank you Traci!

        Reply
    2. Toni says

      February 13, 2020 at 10:27 am

      5 stars
      This is really amazing! Such a great comfort food!

      Reply
      • Lori says

        February 13, 2020 at 11:02 am

        Thank you Toni! Especially this time of year when you need something that warms from the inside out!

        Reply
    3. Tawnie Kroll says

      February 13, 2020 at 9:52 am

      5 stars
      One of my favorite soups! I love that you used a small melon baller for the meatballs, such a good idea!

      Reply
      • Lori says

        February 13, 2020 at 9:54 am

        Mine too, Tawnie! It def keeps the hands from getting too messy and goopy!

        Reply
    4. Kushigalu says

      February 13, 2020 at 9:49 am

      5 stars
      Something new to me. Soup sounds so flavorful. I will try your recipe soon.

      Reply
      • Lori says

        February 13, 2020 at 9:52 am

        Please do! And I hope you like it - let me know!

        Reply
    5. Sunrita | Spiceitupp says

      February 13, 2020 at 9:41 am

      5 stars
      Looks so good and soothing. Will surely be making this, my kids love soupy broth and meatballs. So I know for sure this will be a hit!

      Reply
      • Lori says

        February 13, 2020 at 9:55 am

        My kids love this one! And is so good leftover for lunches! Thanks Sunrita!

        Reply
    6. Kristie Dienst says

      January 15, 2020 at 8:59 pm

      5 stars
      Made it tonight and it was delicious!

      Reply
      • Lori says

        January 16, 2020 at 12:34 pm

        So glad you all liked it, Kristie! Stay warm!!

        Reply
    7. Tara says

      January 15, 2020 at 1:34 pm

      I do love Italian Wedding Soup. I'll try your recipe sometime. But in the meantime... where did you get that wooden paddle spatula thingy? Seems like I need one of those!

      Reply
      • Lori says

        January 15, 2020 at 2:14 pm

        Hi Tara! Hope you and let me know how you like it 😉 I LOOOVE my olivewood paddle - I actually got it in Italy but I added a similar one in my "shop this post" section above. Thanks for the suggestion!

        Reply
    8. Lisa says

      January 14, 2020 at 6:08 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness, so delicious! My husband is a bit cautious about trying new things, and HE LOVED IT! Perfect for this damp evening! I substituted arborio rice for the pasta, because that what I had on hand; took a bit longer for the final “cook time.” I will definitely be making this again! Thanks, Lori!

      Reply
      • Lori says

        January 15, 2020 at 7:46 am

        YAY! That makes me so happy! Glad you (and especially your husband) liked it! And arborio rice is a great substituition. Stay warm!☺️

        Reply
    9. Jim says

      January 14, 2020 at 12:51 pm

      5 stars
      So tasty!

      Reply
      • Lori says

        January 14, 2020 at 1:35 pm

        Glad you liked it! 😋You made my day!

        Reply

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