Italian Wedding Soup is a classic comfort dish that combines savory meatballs with fresh vegetables and pasta in a hearty broth. This version, featuring mild Italian sausage and lean ground beef meatballs that are cooked in the smoker before hitting the soup pot, is a must-try for anyone who loves a warm, nourishing meal.
Smoked Italian Meatball Soup
Italian Wedding Soup is such a delicious meal! It is a hearty, comforting, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in any season. The combination of meaty flavors from the sausage and beef, paired with the tender vegetables and the richness of the broth, makes for a well-rounded dish that’s both filling and flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a cozy winter warmer or a light summer supper, this soup fits the bill perfectly.
One of the great things about Italian Wedding Soup is its ability to cater to various dietary preferences. For those looking to keep it lighter, the meatballs can be made with turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage. Vegetarians can even enjoy a version of this soup by substituting meatballs with a plant-based alternative and using vegetable broth. The inclusion of pasta and spinach adds a wonderful texture and a boost of nutrients, making it a balanced meal.
The soup’s foundation is a rich and aromatic broth, enhanced with the subtle tang of dry white wine and the depth of Johnny’s Au Jus Mix or beef Better Than Bouillon. Tiny ancini de pepe pasta lends a traditional touch, but other small pasta shapes can also be used. Pasta like orzo, ditalini, and stelline (tiny star-shaped pasta) would be perfect. The spinach, added towards the end, wilts beautifully into the broth, providing color and a healthy dose of greens.
Why you’ll love this dish…
- Versatile for Any Season: Warm and comforting for cold days, yet light enough for summer.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the meatballs and broth to suit dietary needs.
- Rich and Flavorful: This is not your average soup!
- Nutritious: Offers a good balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables.
Italian Wedding Soup shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Mild Italian Sausage
- Lean Ground Beef
- Egg
- Whole Milk
- Panko Breadcrumbs
- Italian Seasoning
- Shredded Parmigiano Reggiano
- Salt
- Onion Powder
- Pepper
- Olive Oil
- Carrots
- Celery
- Sweet Onion
- Chicken Broth
- Johnny’s Au Jus Mix or Beef Better Than Bouillon
- Dry White Wine
- Bay Leaves
- Ancini de Pepe Pasta
- Baby Spinach
- Parmigiano Reggiano, for serving
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How to make Italian Wedding Soup
Wondering what you’re getting yourself into when you make this dish? Here’s a quick overview of the process! Make sure you follow the instructions at the recipe card at the bottom of the post while you’re cooking.
- MeatballsMix and shape the meatball ingredients, place onto a rack or baking sheet, and cook on the smoker for 45 minutes at 300°F.
- SautéWhile the meatballs smoked, sauté carrots, celery, and onion in olive oil in a large pot.
- SoupAdd broth, flavor enhancers, and meatballs to the pot and bring to a simmer.
- PastaIncorporate the pasta, cooking according to package instructions.
- SpinachStir in the spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
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Italian Wedding Soup FAQ
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, Italian Wedding Soup can be made in advance. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Just reheat on the stove over low heat. The pasta, being so tiny, resists getting too mushy like some large pasta does. It will absorb more of the broth overnight, however, so you may need to add some more broth for serving the next day.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Absolutely, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for the meatballs and opt for gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those avoiding gluten.
What’s the best way to store and reheat the leftovers?
Keep your leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave until hot and steaming throughout, especially in the middle of the meatballs. Those tend to take the longest to heat up during a reheat.
Serve this with…
More great soup recipes to love!
- Mexican Beef Stew
- Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup
- Zuppa Toscana
- Beef Dumpling Soup Recipe
- Venison Chili
- Traeger Chicken Chili
- Smoked Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Italian Wedding Soup
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1/2 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/8 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmigiano Reggiano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Soup
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups diced carrots
- 3 stalks celery diced
- 1 large sweet onion finely diced
- 3 quarts chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Johnny’s Au Jus Mix or beef Better Than Bouillon
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup ancici de pepe pasta
- 3 handfuls baby spinach
- Parmigiano Reggiano for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your pellet smoker to 300°F.
- Mix together the meatball ingredients until combined. Roll into 1" big balls. Place onto a grill-safe baking dish and put it into the smoker. Smoke for 45 minutes at 300°F.
- Add the olive oil in a large stock pot and let it heat over medium-high heat.
- Add the carrots, celery, and onion to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the chicken broth, au jus powder or bullion, dry white wine, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a simmer and add the meatballs into the soup.
- Cook for 5-10 minutes, and then add in the pasta. Cook according to package directions.
- Add the spinach to the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Enjoy with the Parmigiano on top when serving.
