Description
This Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and pasta simmered in a flavorful chicken broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time using a slow cooker, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully for authentic Italian taste.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- ½ pound small frozen meatballs (beef or turkey)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Greens
- ½ cup small pasta (such as orzo or acini di pepe)
- 4 ounces fresh spinach (about 2 cups, roughly chopped)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the frozen meatballs, chicken broth, sliced carrots, sliced celery, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. This forms the flavorful base for the soup.
- Cook the Soup: Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 5 hours or on High for 2 to 3 hours. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the meatballs are fully heated through for optimal texture and flavor.
- Add Pasta and Spinach: Stir in the small pasta and continue cooking on High for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Then, stir in the chopped fresh spinach and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes just until wilted, preserving its bright color and nutrition.
- Season and Serve: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve warm. For added flavor, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or to suit dietary needs.
- For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta or omit it altogether.
- If using homemade meatballs, cook them first before adding to the slow cooker to ensure safety.
- This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving for an extra fresh taste.
