Ah, Italian Wedding Soup-a timeless, comforting classic that has a way of making kitchens smell like home the second it simmers on the stove. Despite its name, it’s not really served at weddings! The term ’wedding’ actually comes from the Italian phrase minestra maritata, meaning “married soup”, which refers to the perfect marriage of flavors: tender meatballs, hearty greens, and delicate pasta dancing together in a savory broth.
And here’s the kicker: making it in a crock pot elevates the experience to a whole new level. Slow-cooking allows every ingredient to meld beautifully, creating a rich, flavorful broth with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or even a cozy dinner for friends and family.
Italian Wedding Soup Crock Pot Recipe
This crock pot version is all about convenience without sacrificing that authentic, homemade taste. Imagine a steaming bowl filled with savory mini meatballs, tender greens, delicate tiny pasta, and a broth so rich and comforting you’ll want seconds-and thirds.
Ingredients Needed
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for richer flavor)
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
For the soup:
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 cup small pasta (acini di pepe, orzo, or ditalini)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or escarole, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 stalk celery, finely diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: extra Parmesan, fresh parsley
Cooking Instructions
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Prep The Meatballs
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Form into tiny 1-inch meatballs (small is key-they cook perfectly in the slow cooker).
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Layer Your Crock Pot
- Place the chopped onions, garlic, carrot, and celery at the bottom.
- Gently nestle the meatballs on top.
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Add The Broth
- Pour the chicken broth over the meatballs and vegetables. Cover.
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Slow-cook
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer, slower cook brings out maximum flavor.
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Add Pasta And Greens
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the pasta and greens. Cook until pasta is tender.
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Season And Serve
- Taste the broth and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Ingredient Insights
- Ground meat: A mix of beef and pork gives richer flavor and juicier meatballs, but lean beef works for a lighter version.
- Breadcrumbs & milk: They keep meatballs soft, preventing them from becoming dense while slow-cooking.
- Greens: Spinach is delicate, escarole or kale adds texture and slight bitterness, balancing the savory broth.
- Pasta: Tiny shapes like acini di pepe absorb the broth flavor without overpowering the soup.
Expert Tips
- Brown the meatballs first (optional): Adds extra depth, though not necessary if you’re short on time.
- Layering matters: Keep vegetables at the bottom; this prevents meatballs from sticking to the sides and ensures even cooking.
- Don’t overcook pasta: Add it near the end to maintain texture-overcooked pasta can turn mushy in a slow cooker.
- Flavor boost: A splash of white wine or a pinch of crushed red pepper adds subtle complexity.
Recipe Variations
- Protein swap: Turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian lentil meatballs for a lighter or plant-based option.
- Broth variation: Beef or vegetable broth instead of chicken can offer a richer or lighter twist.
- Greens upgrade: Add kale, Swiss chard, or even a handful of fresh herbs for seasonal flair.
- Spice it up: A dash of crushed red pepper or a few drops of hot sauce gives a gentle kick.
Final Words
Italian Wedding Soup is more than just a meal-it’s an experience. The aroma alone can fill your home with warmth, evoking memories of family dinners and cozy evenings. Using a crock pot takes this comfort food to the next level: you get a hands-off cooking process with hands-on satisfaction at mealtime.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can adapt the meat, greens, or pasta, and each variation still feels like home. And the best part? Leftovers taste even better the next day because the flavors deepen overnight.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For An Italian Wedding Soup In A Crock Pot?
To make Italian Wedding Soup in a Crock Pot, you will need ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey), small pasta (like acini di pepe), chicken or vegetable broth, carrots, onions, garlic, spinach or escarole, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs like parsley, oregano, and basil.
Can I Use Frozen Spinach In Italian Wedding Soup?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used in Italian Wedding Soup. Just be sure to thaw and drain the spinach to remove excess moisture before adding it to the Crock Pot.
How Do I Prepare The Meatballs For Italian Wedding Soup?
For meatballs, mix ground meat with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls and either brown them in a skillet before adding to the Crock Pot or add them raw directly into the soup.
What Type Of Pasta Should I Use For Italian Wedding Soup?
Traditionally, acini di pepe pasta is used in Italian Wedding Soup, as it’s small and absorbs the broth well. However, you can substitute with other small pasta such as orzo or ditalini if you can’t find acini di pepe.
Can I Make Italian Wedding Soup Without Meatballs?
Yes, you can make a meatless version of Italian Wedding Soup by omitting the meatballs and instead using a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. You can also increase the amount of vegetables for added flavor and texture.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Italian Wedding Soup In A Crock Pot?
Cooking Italian Wedding Soup in a Crock Pot typically takes 4-6 hours on the high setting or 6-8 hours on the low setting. The meatballs should be fully cooked and the vegetables tender by the end of the cooking time.
Can I Use Store-bought Broth For Italian Wedding Soup?
Yes, store-bought chicken or vegetable broth can be used to save time. Opt for a low-sodium variety if possible, as it gives you more control over the seasoning of the soup.
Can I Freeze Leftover Italian Wedding Soup?
Yes, leftover Italian Wedding Soup can be frozen. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta, as pasta can become mushy when reheated. Add fresh cooked pasta when reheating.
How Can I Make Italian Wedding Soup Spicier?
To make the soup spicier, add red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or chopped fresh chili peppers when preparing the soup. You can also add spicy sausage or spicy Italian seasoning to increase the heat.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Greens In Italian Wedding Soup?
Yes, while spinach or escarole is traditionally used, you can substitute other leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens. Just chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to the Crock Pot.