Italian Wedding Soup with Lemon Herbs

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a hug in a bowl? Ever wondered what happens when chicken noodle soup gets a chic Italian makeover? I'm talking about Italian chicken soup , folks! This isn't just soup; it's a bowl of sunshine.

It is bursting with fresh flavors.

Brief Overview

This minestra maritata (Italian Wedding Soup) is more than just soup. It is culinary tradition. This recipe? Medium difficulty, folks.

Count on an hour and fifteen minutes, give or take. This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, perfect for a family dinner or impressing your mates.

Main Benefits

Honestly, beyond the taste, this soup is healthy! Think lean protein and vitamins from all those veggies. It's the perfect way to trick the kids to eating greens.

What makes it special? It's the balance of flavors savory meatballs, a bright lemony broth, and fresh herbs.

Okay, let's get this Italian Wedding Soup party started! I can't wait to show you how to make this fantastic dish.

You know what, that is so easy! I swear this is going to blow your mind. This version really does taste like a million bucks.

For the meatballs, you'll need ground chicken, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Don't skip the Parmesan, it makes a difference! Next are the soup essentials like olive oil, onion, carrots, celery, chicken broth, chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, acini di pepe pasta, escarole, and lemon juice.

And hey, don't forget extra parsley and red pepper flakes for garnish! Okay, let's get cooking.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!

Okay, let's get this Italian Wedding Soup party started! It's easier than you think to make some proper comfort food.

It's like a hug in a bowl. Honestly , you don't need a Michelin star to pull this off.

Main Ingredients for Italian Chicken Soup

• Meatballs:

  • 1 pound (454g) ground chicken or pork. Make sure it is good quality
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese. Get a proper aged block, not the powdery stuff.
  • 1/4 cup (15g) breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

• Soup:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup/115g)
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup/115g)
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup/115g)
  • 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth
  • 1 pound (454g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 5 ounces (140g) acini di pepe pasta
  • 5 ounces (140g) escarole or spinach
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley

Seasoning Notes for Lemon Herb Chicken Soup

Italian Chicken Soup sings when you get the herbs right! A good Italian seasoning blend is key. It should have basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.

A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick if you're feeling brave. Lemon juice really brightens up the whole thing.

Don't skip it! A squeeze at the end is the chef's kiss. If you cannot find Acini de Pepe pasta, you can substitute Orzo pasta.

If you cannot find Escarole, you can use Swiss chard or Kale. If you cannot find Italian seasoning, you can use oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme and marjoram.

Equipment Needed

You really don't need much for this Meatball Soup Recipe .

• A big pot or Dutch oven is essential .
• A mixing bowl for the meatballs.
• A cutting board and knife for chopping veggies. Honestly, that’s about it!

So there you have it. Now, go make some Minestra Maritata Recipe . You'll wonder where this Italian Chicken Soup Recipe has been all your life. Trust me .

Cooking Method: Italian Wedding Soup, My Way

Okay, let's get this Italian Chicken Soup party started! Honestly, this Italian Chicken Soup Recipe is easier than you think.

It is nothing to get anxious about. It will feel like a warm hug in a bowl. Are you ready? Let's do it!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Pro

First, get everything ready. It's called mise en place fancy, right? Chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince that garlic.

Mix your meatball ingredients in a bowl. This saves time later. Trust me on this one.

Safety reminder : wash your hands before you start. You know? Nobody wants germ soup.

step-by-step: Soup Making Magic

1. Roll your meatballs. They should be tiny, about 1/2 inch.
2. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until soft, about 5- 7 minutes .
3. Add chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add chicken, Italian seasoning , salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5- 7 minutes .
5. Drop meatballs and acini di pepe into the broth.
6. Cook until pasta is tender and meatballs are cooked through, about 8- 10 minutes .
7. Stir in escarole and lemon juice. Cook for 2- 3 minutes , until wilted.
8. Serve hot with parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips: From Novice to Nonna

Don't overmix those meatballs! They get tough.

Use quality broth! It makes a difference. Honestly, it changes everything.

Taste as you go. Add more lemon or salt if needed. You are the boss.

This Meatball Soup Recipe tastes even better the next day. So, feel free to make it ahead.

We've just made Italian Wedding Soup , packed with tiny pasta also known as Acini de Pepe Soup . It's a bit like a Lemon Herb Chicken Soup , but with a unique twist.

Enjoy your Small Pasta Soup a bowl of Comfort Food Soup .

Recipe Notes: Getting the Most from Your Italian Chicken Soup

Okay, let's get this Italian Wedding Soup party started! This isn't just a recipe; it's a hug in a bowl.

Honestly, there are a few extra tidbits that'll elevate your soup to next level comfort food. Think of these notes as my little secrets to success.

Plating and Presentation: Make it Pretty!

Okay, presentation matters, right? A simple swirl of olive oil on top does wonders. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese, always a winner.

And don't forget a generous handful of fresh parsley. This Lemon Herb Chicken Soup looks and tastes divine. Some red pepper flakes can bring a good color and flavor contrast!

For a side, some crusty bread perfect for soaking up all that flavorful broth. A simple green salad complements it nicely, too.

Honestly, it's all about making it look as good as it tastes.

Storage Tips: Soup for Days!

This Italian Chicken Soup Recipe keeps like a champ! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

It actually tastes better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld together.

Freezing is also an option. Let the soup cool completely. Portion it out into freezer safe containers. It'll keep for up to 2-3 months.

When reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, gently heat on the stovetop until warmed through. Don't boil it, though.

Variations: Make it Your Own!

Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This will give your Meatball Soup Recipe a little kick.

For a vegetarian option, swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Use vegetarian meatballs, too.

If you're watching your carbs, use cauliflower rice instead of acini de pepe . Swap escarole for spinach or kale. Seasonal ingredient swaps are a brilliant way to keep things fresh.

A touch of pesto on top? Magnifico!

Nutrition Basics: Good for the Soul (and Body!)

This soup is packed with goodness. Chicken provides protein, while veggies offer vitamins and fiber. Acini de pepe adds a little bit of carbohydrates.

This Minestra Maritata Recipe is also relatively low in fat, especially if you use lean ground chicken or pork for the meatballs.

It's comfort food that won't leave you feeling guilty.

So there you have it! A bowl full of deliciousness and sunshine! I promise, even if things feel a little stressful, whipping up a batch of Italian Chicken Soup will instantly make everything better.

Buon Appetito!