Some soups just hug the soul, and this one is definitely on that list. Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup is warm, cozy, and honestly way easier than it looks. It’s a perfect “dump and cook” recipe that feels fancy but takes very little effort.

What I love is how it walks that fine line between light and hearty. The broth is delicate, yet those tender meatballs and tiny pearl-like pasta give you that filling satisfaction – you know, the kind where one bowl just isn’t enough.

What is Italian Wedding Soup, Really?

The name can be misleading. No, it’s not a tradition at weddings. The Italian phrase “minestra maritata” actually means “married soup,” referring to the beautiful marriage of flavors – meat and vegetables working together in harmony.

You’ll often find variations across households and restaurants. Some prefer beef meatballs, others like chicken, but the true essence is always the cozy union of broth, greens, and little pasta that carries all the flavor in each bite.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 7.5 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 lb frozen meatballs (pre-cooked, mini if possible)
• 1 cup acini di pepe pasta (dry, uncooked)
• 1–1.5 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for topping

These are the basics, but everything can bend a little. Swap with your favorite pasta, toss in another leafy green, or even change up the meatballs – customization is half the fun here.

Best Time to Serve This Dish

This soup thrives in all seasons, but it truly shines in colder months. Imagine the slow cooker bubbling away on a chilly afternoon, filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma of garlic, herbs, and broth.

It’s also an excellent choice for family dinners because the pot makes enough for everyone to grab seconds. And, honestly, it’s unbeatable as a make-ahead comfort dish for a cozy weekend gathering.

How to make Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup?

Step 1: Prep the veggies

Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to your slow cooker. If you want more depth, sauté them first in a little butter or olive oil until fragrant – trust me, that tiny step goes a long way.

Step 2: Add liquids and seasoning

Pour in the chicken broth, sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it all a quick stir. This will be the flavorful base your entire soup rests on.

Step 3: Cook low and slow

Cover the lid and let the slow cooker work its magic – about 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low. During this time, the veggies soften and blend beautifully into the broth.

Step 4: Add meatballs and pasta

In the final half hour, toss in the acini di pepe pasta and the meatballs. The pasta will plump perfectly and the meatballs warm through just right.

Step 5: Stir in spinach

Now comes the fresh green finish. Add chopped spinach, stir, then turn off the heat. The residual warmth will wilt it gently while keeping that gorgeous color intact.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy

Ladle into bowls, sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan, and dig in. Each spoonful feels like pure comfort wrapped up in a bowl.

Pairing Ideas – What Goes Well With It?

Bread, of course. Thick, crusty pieces of ciabatta or warm garlic bread are perfect for soaking up the broth. You don’t want to miss a single drop.

If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, a simple grilled cheese sandwich turns the whole thing into an ultra-comforting combo. Even a cucumber or tomato sandwich works beautifully here.

On the lighter side, pair it with a mild salad – avoid heavy or creamy dressings so the soup stays the star of the show. Roasted veggies on the side also make the meal feel grounded and wholesome.

Ingredient Substitutions That Work

No spinach? Try kale, escarole, or even a handful of tender arugula for a peppery kick. Each green changes the personality of the soup just slightly.

Pasta-wise, acini di pepe is traditional, but you can always use orzo, ditalini, or even mini macaroni. If you’re feeling fun, swap with tortellini for a stuffed surprise in every bite.

As for meat, turkey or chicken meatballs are a leaner option, while crumbled Italian sausage brings bold flavor. Even shredded rotisserie chicken works for a quick swap.

Tips

• Serve the soup as soon as it’s ready – the pasta keeps soaking up broth the longer it rests, which can make it thicker than you’d like. A splash of extra broth fixes it, but fresh always tastes best.
• If it gets too watery, just simmer it uncovered a little longer. On the flip side, if it’s too thick, a ladle of hot water or broth loosens it back up.
• Both homemade or store-bought meatballs work fine, but keep them bite-sized. Bigger meatballs tend to feel clumsy when you’re chasing them around the bowl with a spoon.
• Always use fresh greens when you can. Frozen spinach works in a pinch, but drain it well or your broth becomes dull and watered down. Fresh keeps color and flavor alive.

How to Store and Reheat?

Leftovers last about 2–3 days in the fridge, sealed tightly. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, but be prepared to add a splash of broth since the pasta continues to expand and thicken the soup.

If you want to freeze it, skip adding pasta ahead of time. Freeze just the broth, meatballs, and veggies, then add fresh pasta later when reheating. That trick keeps the soup’s texture just right.

Always garnish again with Parmesan right before serving – the cheesy hit feels fresher and makes each bowl shine a little brighter when reheated.

Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Author: katie Smith Cooking Method: Slow Cooking Cuisine: Italian Courses: Main Course, Soup

Difficulty: easy Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 4 hrs Total Time 4 hrs 15 mins

Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 13.00 Calories: 340

Best Season: Fall, Winter

Description

This Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting, classic dish that brings the heartwarming flavors of Italy straight to your kitchen. Packed with tender vegetables, savory pre-cooked meatballs, and delicate acini di pepe pasta in a rich, herb-infused chicken broth, it's a hearty yet balanced meal. Topped with fresh spinach and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, this easy one-pot wonder is perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 cup onion (finely chopped)
• 1 cup carrots (peeled and diced)
• 1 cup celery (diced)
• 2-3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 7.5 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• 1 lb frozen meatballs (pre-cooked, any variety)
• 1 cup acini di pepe pasta (dry, uncooked)
• 1-1.5 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated, for topping)

Instructions

1. Combine Base Ingredients

   In a 6-quart slow cooker, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
   For deeper flavor, sauté vegetables in butter or oil for 4-5 minutes before adding to the slow cooker.
   Mark as complete

2. Cook Soup Base

   Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 8 hours, until vegetables are tender.
   Do not add pasta or meatballs yet.
   Mark as complete

3. Add Meatballs and Pasta

   In the final 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen meatballs and dry acini di pepe pasta. Cover and cook on LOW for 30 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
   Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.
   Mark as complete

4. Wilt the Spinach

   Turn off the slow cooker. Stir in the fresh spinach and let it sit for 1–2 minutes until wilted from the residual heat.
   Do not overcook spinach to preserve color and nutrients.
   Mark as complete

5. Serve

   Ladle the soup into deep bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
   Garnish with extra black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Serving Size 1.5 cups

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 340kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 14g22%

Saturated Fat 6g30%

Trans Fat 0.5g

Cholesterol 60mg20%

Sodium 980mg41%

Potassium 820mg24%

Total Carbohydrate 32g11%

Dietary Fiber 4g16%

Sugars 6g

Protein 22g44%

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Calcium 180 mg

Iron 3 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Pasta Tip: Acini di pepe can be substituted with orzo, ditalini, or small elbow macaroni.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the soup base (without pasta) up to one day in advance. Add pasta and meatballs when reheating.
• Freezing: Freeze the soup without pasta for up to 1 month. Add fresh pasta when reheating.
• Reheating: Add a splash of broth or water when reheating, as pasta absorbs liquid over time.
• Variations: Use turkey, chicken, or plant-based meatballs. Swap spinach for kale or escarole.
• Creamy Version: Stir in 1/2 cup of half-and-half or heavy cream at the end for a richer texture.

Keywords: italian wedding soup, slow cooker soup, crockpot soup, meatball soup, easy soup recipe, comfort food, family dinner, make-ahead soup, healthy soup