Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup: 6 Easy Steps

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup is the epitome of comfort food, combining savory meatballs, tender vegetables, delicate pasta, and fresh spinach in a flavorful chicken broth. This traditional dish brings the warmth of Italian kitchens to your table, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or chilly winter evenings. With the slow cooker doing all the work, you can savor each moment as the flavors meld beautifully throughout the day.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

This Italian Wedding Soup recipe offers numerous benefits that will make it a staple in your home. First, it’s a hearty wedding soup with meatballs that fills you up without weighing you down. Second, it’s incredibly easy to make; simply throw the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Third, it’s a great way to sneak in those veggies, making it a family-friendly soup recipe. Fourth, the use of fresh spinach adds a touch of green, enhancing not just the flavor but also the nutritional benefits. Fifth, you can customize it according to your preferences, whether you want to add more vegetables or swap the types of meat. Lastly, it’s perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time, fitting seamlessly into your busy weeknight schedule.

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup: 6 Easy Steps - Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup - main visual representation

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Gather these items:

  • ½ lb. ground Italian sausage (or plain ground pork)
  • ½ lb. ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 celery ribs, diced
  • 2 whole carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ¾ cup Acini de pepe pasta
  • 5 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

How to Make Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup Step-by-Step

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground Italian sausage, ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are well incorporated.
  2. Step 2: Form the mixture into small meatballs approximately ¾ inch in diameter.
  3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides.
  4. Step 4: Place the seared meatballs into the slow cooker.
  5. Step 5: Add the diced celery, carrots, onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Step 6: Set the slow cooker to high for 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours. Allow the soup to cook until the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded together.
  7. Step 7: About 30 minutes before the soup finishes cooking, stir in the Acini de pepe pasta.
  8. Step 8: Once the soup is done cooking, add the fresh spinach to the slow cooker and stir.
  9. Step 9: Ladle the hot Italian wedding soup into bowls, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup: 6 Easy Steps - Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Keep these in mind:

  • Be sure not to overcrowd the meatballs in the pan when browning.
  • Using homemade chicken broth will elevate the flavors.
  • Adjust the seasoning according to your taste; don’t hesitate to add more Italian seasoning if you love the flavors.
  • This soup can easily be made healthy Italian Wedding Soup by swapping the meats for leaner options or using whole grain pasta.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

This crockpot Italian wedding soup is delightful on its own, but you can enhance the experience by serving it with:

  • Crusty Italian bread for dipping.
  • A side salad for a complete meal.
  • More grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

To store leftover soup, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will keep well for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

What is Italian Wedding Soup?

Italian Wedding Soup is a traditional dish that features meatballs, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful broth. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for family gatherings. This easy Italian wedding soup can be prepared effortlessly in a slow cooker. For more information on its origins, check out this source.

Can I make Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just remember to add the spinach and pasta when reheating to keep them fresh.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure the meatballs are browned properly for flavor. Additionally, don’t skip the step of adding pasta towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy. This will guarantee you a perfect traditional Italian wedding soup.

Variations of Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup You Can Try

Get creative with your soup! Here are some variations you might enjoy:

  • Use turkey or chicken in place of beef for a lighter option.
  • Add or substitute with other vegetables like zucchini or green beans for more nutrients.
  • For a spicy kick, include red pepper flakes or spicy sausage.
  • Consider using whole grain pasta for a healthier Italian wedding soup cooking time in crockpot.
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Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup: 6 Easy Steps


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  • Author: Margaret
  • Total Time: 6 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Description

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup combines savory meatballs with tender vegetables, delicate pasta, and fresh spinach in a flavorful chicken broth.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ lb. ground Italian sausage (or plain ground pork)
  • ½ lb. ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 celery ribs, diced
  • 2 whole carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ¾ cup Acini de pepe pasta
  • 5 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground Italian sausage, ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are well incorporated.
  2. Form the mixture into small meatballs approximately ¾ inch in diameter.
  3. Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides.
  4. Place the seared meatballs into the slow cooker.
  5. Add the diced celery, carrots, onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Set the slow cooker to high for 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours.
  7. About 30 minutes before the soup finishes cooking, stir in the Acini de pepe pasta.
  8. Once the soup is done cooking, add the fresh spinach to the slow cooker and stir.
  9. Ladle the hot Italian wedding soup into bowls, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Notes

    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Cook Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
    • Category: Soup
    • Method: Slow Cooking
    • Cuisine: Italian

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 bowl
    • Calories: 310
    • Sugar: 2g
    • Sodium: 800mg
    • Fat: 15g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
    • Carbohydrates: 24g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Protein: 20g
    • Cholesterol: 70mg

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    Hi! I’m Margaret!

    A passionate home cook and food lover who loves nothing more than sharing my favourite recipes with the world.

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