Description
Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting, slow-cooked classic that combines savory meatballs, tender greens, and small pasta shapes in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for any season, this easy-to-make recipe delivers hearty, nutritious satisfaction for families and soup lovers alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef and/or pork (or turkey)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or fresh herbs of choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Soup Base
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Vegetables and Pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach or escarole
- 1/2 cup small pasta shapes (acini di pepe, orzo, or tiny shells; gluten-free if necessary)
To Serve
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Olive oil for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until just combined, then roll into small, bite-size meatballs.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, lightly sauté chopped onions and garlic over medium heat until translucent and fragrant to enhance the soup’s flavor base.
- Layer Ingredients in the Crock Pot: Add the broth, sautéed onions and garlic, meatballs, and Italian seasoning to the Crock Pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the meatballs and broth to meld together for rich, comforting flavors.
- Add Pasta and Greens: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the pasta and fresh spinach so they cook perfectly without becoming mushy.
- Finish with Parmesan and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil to add fresh aroma and color.
Notes
- Make small meatballs for even cooking and better integration with the broth and pasta.
- Use fresh herbs when possible to brighten the flavor profile of the soup.
- Add pasta toward the end of cooking to avoid overcooking and mushiness.
- Skim any excess fat from meatballs after browning to keep the soup lighter.
- Sautéing onions and garlic first enhances sweetness and depth in the final dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Italian wedding soup, crock pot recipe, slow cooker soup, meatball soup, comforting soup, easy Italian soup, gluten free Italian soup, family dinner