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Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup with Escarole and Meatballs

This Italian Wedding Soup is the definition of comfort in a bowl - tender meatballs, delicate greens, and a rich, savory chicken broth all coming together in the most delicious way. The escarole softens as it cooks, losing its bitterness and adding a subtle, nutty flavor that makes this soup truly special.
Whether you add a handful of pasta or creamy cannellini beans, this is an easy, flexible recipe that’s perfect for weeknights, cozy weekends, or making ahead (it’s even better the next day!). Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan and some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal everyone will love.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Soup:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 stalks celery diced
  • 5 carrots diced
  • 8 cups chicken stock
  • 25 small cooked meatballs homemade or frozen
  • 2 heads escarole cleaned and chopped (or 8 cups spinach)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional:

  • 1 cup small pasta ditalini, orzo, etc.
  • 1 can cannellini beans drained and rinsed
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

Prep the Meatballs & Pasta (if using)

  • Cook meatballs if homemade (400°F for ~25 minutes)
  • Cook pasta separately until al dente, drain, and set aside

Build the Flavor Base

  • Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat
  • Add onion, celery, and carrots
  • Cook for 10–15 minutes until softened

Add Garlic

  • Stir in garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes

Add Broth

  • Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil
  • Reduce to a simmer

Add Meatballs

  • Add cooked meatballs and simmer for 10–15 minutes

Add Escarole

  • Stir in chopped escarole
  • Simmer for 20–30 minutes until very tender

Finish

  • Season with salt and pepper
  • Add beans if using

Serve

  • Ladle into bowls
  • Add pasta (if using)
  • Top with Parmesan and red pepper flakes

Notes

📝 Notes

  • Escarole needs time - don’t rush it or it will stay bitter
  • Pasta is best added per bowl, not to the pot
  • Soup thickens slightly as it sits (and gets even better the next day!)
 

🔄 Variations

  • Greens: spinach, kale, Swiss chard
  • Protein: turkey meatballs, chicken, or beans
  • Broth: homemade, store-bought, or vegetable