Italian Wedding Soup recipe

A slow cooker brings out the rich, layered flavors of this classic Italian Wedding Soup, melding tender meatballs, fragrant herbs, and hearty greens into a comforting bowl. Each ingredient infuses the broth with savory depth and an irresistible aroma.

Despite its name, Italian Wedding Soup isn’t tied to weddings but to the “marriage” of meat and vegetables—a harmonious pairing that defines the dish. The slow cooking process enhances this union, ensuring every spoonful delivers balanced, heartwarming flavor.

Perfect for cozy dinners or make-ahead meals, this recipe invites you to savor authentic Italian-American tradition with minimal effort. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a splash of lemon complete a soup that feels both rustic and refined.

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup – Ingredients Spotlight

Italian Sausage
Savory and robust, the sausage brings a rich, meaty depth that infuses the broth with hearty flavor while creating tender, bite-sized morsels throughout the soup.

Hearty Winter Greens
Kale, escarole, or collard greens add earthy freshness and a gentle bitterness, perfectly balancing the richness of the meat and broth.

Aromatic Vegetables
Garlic, onions, carrots, and celery form the classic flavor base, releasing sweetness and aroma that build a warm, comforting foundation.

Chicken Broth
A soulful canvas that absorbs every layer of flavor, delivering a nourishing and savory backdrop for the meat and greens.

Parmesan Rind
Slowly melting into the soup, it lends a subtle nuttiness and luxurious depth that elevates each spoonful.

Fresh Rosemary
Fragrant and woodsy, this herb weaves herbal complexity through the broth, brightening the dish with its distinctive aroma.

Recipe Tips

1. Build Layers of Flavor Early
For a deeply savory broth, sauté the garlic, onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker. This simple step caramelizes the vegetables, releasing natural sweetness and rich aroma that intensifies as the soup simmers. Adding the Parmesan rind during cooking further infuses the broth with a subtle nutty complexity, creating a restaurant-quality base without extra effort.

2. Perfectly Cooked Sausage and Greens
Pinching the sausage into small pieces ensures each bite is tender and evenly seasoned. Add the sausage only after the initial cooking stage to keep it juicy and flavorful rather than overcooked. Similarly, introduce the greens near the end so they stay vibrant and maintain a pleasant texture, offering a balanced contrast to the hearty broth.

3. Adjust Seasoning Gradually
Because flavors deepen over long cooking times, taste the soup just before serving and fine-tune the seasoning. A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the broth, while an extra pinch of salt or red-pepper flakes can enhance complexity. Finishing with grated Parmesan adds a final savory note that elevates the entire dish.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Pair this comforting soup with warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic knots to soak up the rich broth. A crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the hearty flavors. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a simple antipasto platter featuring marinated olives, roasted peppers, and slices of aged cheese. These accompaniments create a well-rounded dining experience, perfect for a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage?
Yes. Substitute with ground turkey or chicken and season with Italian herbs for a lighter version without losing flavor.

Q2: Is it necessary to add pasta?
No. Pasta is optional and the soup is equally satisfying without it, making it suitable for low-carb diets.

Q3: How can I store leftovers?
Cool the soup completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Simmer all ingredients in a large pot over low heat for about 1½ hours, adding sausage and greens toward the end.

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup is a beloved classic that unites a savory broth with tender meat and vibrant greens. Rooted in the Italian tradition of “minestra maritata,” meaning “married soup,” the name celebrates the perfect harmony between vegetables and meat rather than an actual wedding. Preparing it in a slow cooker allows the ingredients to gently meld, producing a deeply flavorful and comforting dish with minimal effort.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 21 minutes mins

Servings: 6 People

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Italian sausage sweet or hot, casings removed
• 7 cups chicken broth
• 6 large garlic cloves smashed and finely chopped
• 1 yellow or red onion minced
• 2 large carrots sliced (halve lengthwise if thick)
• 2 celery stalks sliced
• 1 Parmesan rind optional
• 1 large sprig fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon red-pepper flakes or to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon about 2 tablespoons, plus more if needed
• 5 ounces hearty winter greens such as kale escarole, or collard greens, ribs and stems removed, roughly chopped
• ½ cup small pasta such as pearl couscous, ditalini, or stelline (optional)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving optional

Method

 

1. Combine and Slow Cook
2. In a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker, place the garlic, onion, carrots, celery, Parmesan rind, rosemary, chicken broth, olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, red-pepper flakes, lemon juice, kosher salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Stir well and cook on low for about 6 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are fully developed.
3. Add Sausage and Greens
4. Increase the heat to high and remove the lid. Stir in the chopped greens. Pinch the sausage into 1-inch pieces and gently drop them into the hot broth. Cover and cook for an additional hour, or until the sausage is thoroughly cooked. If including pasta or couscous, add it 40 minutes after the sausage and continue cooking for 20 minutes more.
5. Finish and Serve
6. Discard the Parmesan rind and rosemary stem. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, red-pepper flakes, or lemon juice as desired. Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan, if preferred.

Notes

Parmesan rinds, available in many grocery stores, enrich the broth with a subtle, nutty flavor. Keep rinds frozen for long-term storage; they can be added directly to hot soups without thawing.