Carrabba’s Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Italian Wedding Soup, or minestra maritata, is one of those dishes that feels like home no matter where you’re from. Originating in Italy, this soup has found a special place in American kitchens, especially with its popularity at Italian-American restaurants like Carrabba’s. The name wedding soup comes from the Italian phrase "minestra maritata," which translates to "married soup." The idea behind this is the perfect "marriage" of flavors – tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth.

What makes this dish even better is that it’s both hearty and healthy. It’s filled with lean protein from the meatballs, tons of nutrients from the vegetables, and just the right amount of seasoning to make each spoonful feel like a comforting hug. Plus, the recipe is super customizable, so you can play around with it based on your preferences.

So, if you’re ready to take a step into the world of rich, flavorful soups, let’s talk about how you can recreate the magic of Carrabba’s Italian Wedding Soup in your own kitchen!

Carrabba’s Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever visited Carrabba’s, you know their Italian Wedding Soup is the star of the show. It’s a beautiful balance of savory, fresh, and perfectly seasoned ingredients. Here’s a recipe that comes pretty close to replicating that restaurant-quality soup right at home.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s start with the basics. To recreate Carrabba’s version of Italian Wedding Soup, you’ll need the following:

• For The Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef (you can mix beef and pork for extra flavor)
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs (preferably fresh or Italian-style)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg (for binding)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup milk (to moisten the breadcrumbs)

• For The Soup

  • 6 cups chicken broth (or homemade broth for a deeper flavor)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (or escarole, for a more traditional choice)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

Making this soup is surprisingly simple. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Prepare The Meatballs

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, milk, and seasonings. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
   • Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set aside.

2. Start The Soup Base

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
   • Add the minced garlic and dried oregano, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add The Broth And Bring To A Boil

   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Add The Meatballs And Spinach

   • Carefully drop the baked meatballs into the simmering broth. Let them cook in the broth for an additional 10 minutes.
   • Add the fresh spinach (or escarole) to the pot and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top before serving.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in Italian Wedding Soup plays a vital role in the overall flavor profile, so let’s take a moment to dive into what makes these ingredients so essential:

• Ground Beef (or Beef/Pork Mix): The foundation of the meatballs, the beef provides a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the broth. Using a mix of beef and pork can enhance the meatballs’ tenderness and richness.
• Spinach (or Escarole): Spinach is a popular choice because of its mild flavor and soft texture, but escarole is more traditional and provides a slightly bitter contrast, balancing the rich flavors of the meatballs.
• Chicken Broth: The broth is the heart of the soup, providing the liquid base that ties all the ingredients together. Homemade broth will always have more depth, but store-bought is convenient and still flavorful.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the meatballs and soup. It also gives the soup a nice finish when sprinkled on top.

Expert Tips

To make your Italian Wedding Soup even better, here are a few expert tips:

• Make Ahead: This soup actually gets better with time! You can prepare the meatballs and broth a day or two in advance. The flavors will meld together beautifully as it sits in the fridge.
• Broth Variations: If you want a richer flavor, try using homemade chicken stock or adding a splash of white wine to the broth while cooking.
• Meatball Secrets: For super tender meatballs, use fresh breadcrumbs instead of dry ones. The fresh breadcrumbs soak up more moisture and create a more delicate texture.
• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with herbs. Fresh thyme, basil, or rosemary can add a lovely aromatic depth to the soup.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about Italian Wedding Soup is how adaptable it is. Here are a few variations you can try based on your preferences:

• Meatball Variations

  • Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the soup.
  • Add some cooked Italian sausage to the meatball mix for extra flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almond flour.

• Vegetable Variations

  • Switch out the spinach for kale, chard, or arugula for different textures and flavors.
  • Try adding some peas, beans, or zucchini for added bulk.

• Broth Variations

  • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
  • For a creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half toward the end of cooking.

Final Words

This Italian Wedding Soup recipe is a perfect way to bring the flavors of Italy right into your kitchen. It’s warming, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying, with all the right components: juicy meatballs, savory broth, and fresh greens. Plus, it’s easy to make in large batches, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

If you love Italian food, this soup is definitely a must-try. You can even experiment with different variations to make it your own. Once you make this soup, it’ll likely become a family favorite, especially during colder months or special occasions.