Olive Garden Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for something hearty and comforting, Olive Garden’s Italian Wedding Soup is ALWAYS a great choice.

This yummy dish combines tender meatballs, fresh greens, and tiny pasta in a savory broth. Salivatin’ city, ya’ll!

When making this soup, I recommend letting the meatballs simmer gently, which allows the flavors to develop beautifully.

Follow the rest of my great tips and enjoy!

How to Make Olive Garden Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
• 1/8 tsp Ground Nutmeg
• 10 oz Yellow Onion (minced, divided)
• 1/2 lb Ground Beef
• 1/2 lb Ground Pork
• 1 Egg
• 5 tbsp Olive Oil (divided)
• 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 1 Onion (large, minced)
• 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
• 2/3 cup White Wine
• 1 lb Spinach
• 6 cups Chicken Broth
• 3/4 cup Small Pasta
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, nutmeg, half the minced onion, egg, ground beef, and ground pork in a bowl.

Shape this mixture into small meatballs about 3/4 inch in diameter.

Step 2:

In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add meatballs and cook until browned all over, then remove from the pot and set aside.

Step 3:

In the same pot, add remaining olive oil, garlic, and onion.

Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, then add flour and stir constantly for one minute.

Step 4:

Pour in the white wine and chicken broth.

Add pasta, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook until the pasta is tender.

Step 5:

Add spinach and meatballs back to the pot.

Simmer until the spinach is wilted and meatballs are thoroughly cooked.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Meatball Perfection

Make sure your meatballs are uniformly sized so they cook evenly in the soup.

A small ice cream scoop or tablespoon can make this task easier.

Broth Boost

For richer flavor, consider using a homemade chicken broth or adding a splash of low-sodium soy sauce.

The added depth can make the soup even more delicious.

Pasta Choice

Any small pasta like orzo or ditalini works well, but you can try mixing in other types for a twist.

Cooking them directly in the broth enhances flavor by absorbing some of that goodness.

Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Italian wedding soup!

What to Serve with Olive Garden Italian Wedding Soup

Focaccia Bread

Focaccia is a fantastic choice when you’re serving Olive Garden Italian Wedding Soup.

The chewy texture and the infusion of olive oil, rosemary, and garlic make it an excellent companion.

You can enjoy dipping it in the soup or eating it alongside for a tasty experience.

Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad provides a crisp and refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

The crisp romaine lettuce and savory dressing offer a bright flavor profile.

Adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the top elevates the flavors remarkably.

Garlic-Mushroom Risotto

How about trying something a little different, like garlic-mushroom risotto?

Its creamy and earthy flavors pair excellently with Italian Wedding Soup.

The risotto’s richness enhances the experience, giving you a complete, comforting meal.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Roasted Brussels sprouts with a touch of crispy bacon offer an unexpected treat.

Their slightly bitter edge and the smokiness of bacon balance the flavors of the soup beautifully.

You’ll find this side dish brings a new angle to your traditional meal setup.

Caprese Salad

For something light, prepare a classic Caprese salad with ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.

A drizzle of balsamic glaze and a few basil leaves add the perfect finishing touch.

The salad’s freshness wonderfully complements the savory notes of the soup.

These side dishes can make your Olive Garden Italian Wedding Soup meal exciting and complete!

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Choices

You can swap out the ground meats to suit your taste.

Try using ground chicken or turkey instead of beef and pork for a lighter option.

Each choice brings its unique flavor to the table, so feel free to experiment.

Bread and Pasta Alternatives

Pasta options can be tailored to your preference.

Acini di pepe is traditional, but orzo is also a fantastic alternative.

For breadcrumbs, consider using panko for extra crunch.

Oil and Cheese Options

You might enjoy using avocado oil instead of olive oil for a slightly different taste.

Parmesan cheese can be substituted with pecorino for a sharper flavor.

Both work beautifully in this soup!

Vegetables and Spices

Elevate the soup’s flavor by experimenting with different spices.

Consider adding a bit of paprika or Italian seasoning.

Fresh herbs like basil can also make for a fragrant addition.

How to Store Leftover Olive Garden Italian Wedding Soup

Once you’ve enjoyed your Olive Garden Italian Wedding Soup, you’ll want to store the leftovers correctly to maintain their deliciousness!

Storing this soup is easy if you know a few simple steps.

First, allow your soup to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to storage containers. This helps preserve the flavor and texture of the soup.

Use Airtight Containers

Choose airtight containers for storing your leftover soup.

Properly sealed containers prevent the soup from absorbing any unwanted flavors from your refrigerator.

They also help avoid spills and leaks, ensuring freshness for days.

Refrigeration

Place your airtight containers of soup in the refrigerator.

It’s usually fine to keep it there for up to three days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing to maintain its quality.

Freezing for Longer Storage

Freezing is a great option if you want to keep your soup for an extended period.

Just pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, making sure there’s some space for expansion.

Label the containers with the date before you pop them into the freezer. Enjoy your soup anytime by storing it right!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Meatballs

You’re making meatballs, and letting them overcook can lead to dryness.

Keep a close watch and make sure they’re cooked just until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for juiciness!

Skipping the Browning Step

Browning the meatballs is worth the extra effort for added flavor.

If you skip this step, you miss out on that savory caramelized taste that takes your soup to the next level.

Neglecting to Season the Broth

To avoid bland soup, season the broth generously!

Tasting as you go will help prevent a lack of flavor you’ll surely notice later.