Italian Wedding Soup with Orzo

A delightful and comforting bowl of Italian wedding soup with orzo offers a truly satisfying experience. The rich, flavorful chicken broth is the perfect base for tender, succulent meatballs, while the combination of fresh vegetables adds color and nutrition. Tiny orzo pasta complements the hearty ingredients, creating a well-rounded and delicious meal. This classic Italian dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or warming up on a chilly day, bringing together the best of traditional flavors in every spoonful.

Did you know that this soup was originally called minestra maritata, which translates to “married soup”?

Based on my research, the name “wedding soup” comes from the perfect harmony between the meat and vegetables, symbolizing a “marriage” of flavors. Additionally, it’s referred to as “Italian” because it has long been a favorite among Neapolitans.

I thought it was because they served this soup at weddings. I have been schooled.

Christopher and I love the melding of the flavors and eat it often as a main dish with a buttered piece of crusty bread.

Helpful tips

• Fresh vegetables, good-quality chicken broth, and fresh herbs will enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
• We love this soup with homemade chicken meatballs, but you can use store-bought or make your own with a mix of ground beef and pork instead of ground chicken. Ground turkey is another great choice.
• Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the broth brings out their sweetness and adds depth to the soup. I’m using carrots and onions, but I’ve also used celery, so you can add a few stalks if you like.
• If you prefer a different pasta than orzo, you can use other small pasta, like ditalini or stars.
• Traditional Italian wedding soup often includes spinach or escarole. Feel free to use a mix of your favorite greens for added flavor and nutrition.
• Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
• Allow the soup to simmer gently to meld the flavors together without overcooking the meatballs or vegetables.
• If you want to add fresh herbs like parsley or basil, stir them at the end of cooking to keep their flavor bright and fresh.
• Offer freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the side for sprinkling over the soup, adding a rich, savory note.
• Italian wedding soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Reheat gently to maintain the best texture.
• You can freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

How to make Italian wedding soup with orzo

Pre-step

Get a Dutch oven or stockpot and a large bowl.

Step one

Gather the ingredients – carrots and an onion. (A)

Step two

Heat the Dutch oven on medium, and chop the carrots and onion into chunks. Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the pot, and once the oil is heated, add the veggies and sauté for 10 minutes. (B)

Step three

As the vegetables are sautéing, gather the meatball ingredients – ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, a large egg (I only used one – use as many as you want), tarragon, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. (C)

Step four

Add the above ingredients to a bowl. Take your hand and mix the meatball ingredients together.

Step five

Take a small amount of meat in your hand and roll it into a small to medium-sized ball. Place the meatballs on a plate until the chicken mixture is used up.

Step six

Remove the vegetables from the Dutch oven. Add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Once it has heated up, add the meatballs. As they brown, gently turn the meatballs so you don’t break them.

It takes about 10 minutes. Add the vegetables back to the pan.

Step seven

Take out the chicken broth and orzo pasta. (D)

Step eight

Pour the chicken broth into the pan and bring it to a simmer for 15 minutes.

Step nine

Add a heaping half cup of orzo and let it simmer for 8 minutes.

Step ten

Add two large handfuls of baby spinach. Simmer the spinach until it wilts.

Perfect.

Time to ladle some soup in soup crocks.

Yum.

I hope you enjoyed this Italian wedding soup recipe.

Please feel free to leave me a comment.  What is your favorite soup?

Other delicious soup recipes

• Cream of broccoli
• Chicken soup
• Pea soup
• Butternut squash stew
• Lamb stew
• Udon noodle

And as always, may all your dishes be delish!

If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!