Italian Wedding Soup — Easy Slow Cooker Recipe

Italian wedding soup has always been my go-to comfort dish, especially on days when I’m juggling work, family, and the mysterious disappearance of my favorite wooden spoon. There’s just something magical about the tender meatballs, the swirl of spinach, and those tiny acini de pepe pasta bits floating in golden broth. First, let’s admit it: the name Italian wedding soup sounds fancy, but this is one of the coziest, least fussy soups you’ll ever make.

Also, I love how forgiving this soup is. If you forget to dice the carrots perfectly or toss in an extra handful of spinach (oops, guilty), it still turns out delicious. So, whether you’re a Crockpot newbie or you’ve burned more than one batch of soup in your day, this recipe has your back. Finally, there’s nothing like walking in after a long day and being greeted by the aroma of slow-cooked Italian wedding soup wafting through your kitchen.

My Kitchen Story

First, let’s talk about the scene in my kitchen the first time I tried making Crockpot Italian Wedding Soup. Meatballs were rolling off the counter, my toddler was singing about spinach, and I realized halfway through that I’d forgotten to buy celery. However, I powered through, substituting with extra carrots, and the end result? Still a big hit. Sometimes, it’s the little mishaps that make a meal memorable.

Then, I found the slow cooker method to be a total game changer. No standing over a hot stove or panicking about burning the broth. You just brown the Italian wedding soup meatballs (try not to eat half of them, I dare you), toss everything into the Crockpot, and let it work its magic. Also, if you’ve ever tried a slow cooker chicken dinner, you know how life-changing this hands-off approach can be.

What Makes It Stand Out

So, what really sets this Italian wedding soup recipe apart? First, it’s the mix of beef and turkey in the meatballs—super tender, not greasy. Then, there’s the fun of sneaking in extra veggies (my kids never complain about the spinach here!). Finally, cooking it low and slow brings out those classic, authentic flavors that remind me of a cozy Italian Sunday. If you love easy, soul-warming soups, you’ll want to check out this healthy weeknight chicken burrito bowl too. Trust me, the slow cooker is your new kitchen bestie.

What You’ll Need

Handy Kitchen Helpers

When I make italian wedding soup, my slow cooker is my best friend. With the Crockpot working its magic, I can brown the Italian Wedding Soup Meatballs in a pan and then just toss everything into the pot. This hands-off approach means less time fussing and more time relaxing. Plus, the slow and gentle heat lets the flavors mingle just right, making every spoonful taste like a cozy family dinner.

If you love easy slow cooker meals, you might also enjoy my Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe Easy Dump And Go Crockpot Dinner or this Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe Made Easy In Your Slow Cooker Crockpot. Also, if you’re new to Crockpot Italian Wedding Soup, it’s good to know that cooking pasta separately can help it stay perfectly textured. For tips on healthy ingredient swaps and nutrition basics, I often check advice from MyPlate.gov—it’s a great resource for families who want the most from their meals.

Finally, don’t forget a sturdy ladle and a big serving bowl, especially if you want to serve up a classic Italian Wedding Soup Recipe at your next gathering. Crockpots make it easy to keep everything warm and ready, so seconds are always welcome!

Step-by-step method for a Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipe

Step 1

First, prepare the meatballs by mixing ground beef, ground turkey, beaten egg, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Then, brown the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil until they are cooked through and nicely golden.

Step 2

Next, transfer the browned meatballs to the Crockpot. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours to let the flavors meld together perfectly.

Step 3

Finally, if you prefer, cook the acini de pepe pasta separately to keep it from soaking up too much broth in leftovers. Alternatively, add the pasta directly to the Crockpot and cook on low for 30 minutes. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Serve hot topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips and tricks to make this Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipe shine

Also, remember that cooking the pasta separately keeps the soup broth flavorful, especially if you plan to enjoy leftovers. For a twist on your meatball game, try the Pan Fried Chicken Piccata Meatballs With Lemon And Capers Recipe, which offers a fresh, zesty flavor. Moreover, if you want to experiment with other comforting dishes, the Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Baked Recipes bring a cozy touch to your table. This Italian wedding soup shines in a Crockpot, making it an easy and hearty meal that fills your home with warmth and good memories.

What to serve with this Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipe

Italian wedding soup pairs wonderfully with hearty sides that complement its rich flavors. Try serving it alongside the Baked Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza Recipe Easy And Delicious for a meal that feels both cozy and satisfying. Also, the creamy texture of this soup works well with pasta dishes like the One Pot Merry Me Chicken Pasta Creamy Dinner Recipe Easy And Delicious, which adds a delightful contrast to the broth and meatballs.

How to store and reheat

Thanks to the slow cooking process, leftover Italian wedding soup develops even deeper flavors after a day or two in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container and it should keep well for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The Crockpot / Slow Cooker method makes this soup especially forgiving during reheating, as the ingredients stay tender and the broth remains well balanced.

FAQ

Can I make Italian wedding soup without a Crockpot?

Absolutely! You can prepare it on the stovetop by simmering the broth and meatballs gently. However, the slow cooker helps meld the flavors beautifully with less hands-on time.

What kind of meat is used in Italian wedding soup meatballs?

Typically, a mix of ground beef and veal or turkey is used, but you can customize it to your taste with ground chicken or a combo of your choice.

Is Italian wedding soup authentic?

Yes, it’s a classic Italian-American soup featuring meatballs, greens, and broth. Variations exist, but the essentials remain consistent.

Can I add gnocchi to this soup?

Definitely! Adding gnocchi makes the soup heartier. You might enjoy a crockpot gnocchi soup variation for a twist on the classic.

How long does it take to cook in a Crockpot?

Generally, it needs about 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, depending on your slow cooker’s settings.

Italian Wedding Soup – Full recipes

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• Author: July
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (high) or 8 hours 20 minutes (low)
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Mediterranean Diet Recipes

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Description

This Italian Wedding Soup combines juicy meatballs, fresh vegetables, and tender pasta in a flavorful broth. It can be prepared traditionally or using a Crock Pot for easy cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 Tablespoon olive oil
½ lb. ground beef, 85% lean
½ lb. ground turkey
1 egg, beaten
½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 yellow onion, diced
1 ¼ cups carrots, diced
2 celery ribs, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
¾ cup acini de pepe pasta, uncooked
4–5 cups fresh spinach
Salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (to garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground turkey, beaten egg, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and brown the meatballs until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the Crock Pot, add diced onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth.
4. Place the browned meatballs into the Crock Pot with the vegetables and broth.
5. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.
6. If preferred, cook acini de pepe pasta separately and add to individual servings to prevent sogginess. Alternatively, add uncooked pasta to the Crock Pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking on low.
7. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.
8. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Cook pasta separately to keep it firm if you plan leftovers.
Meatballs can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen.
Use low sodium chicken broth to control salt content.
Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 8 hours (low)
• Category: Soup
• Method: Crock Pot, stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg

Thanks for spending time with me in the kitchen making this comforting Italian wedding soup recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug, especially when you let it simmer slowly in the Crockpot. If you loved this recipe, don’t miss out on other homestyle meals like the Baked Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza or the creamy goodness of One Pot Merry Me Chicken Pasta. For more cozy recipes and kitchen inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest. Happy cooking and see you next time!