Description
A comforting and hearty Italian Wedding Soup made easy in the slow cooker using frozen meatballs, tender greens, and small pasta in a flavorful broth.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
3 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup water
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pound frozen Italian-style meatballs
1 cup small pasta (such as acini di pepe or orzo)
4 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
Transfer the sautéed vegetables and garlic to the slow cooker.
Pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt.
Add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
After 3 hours, add the small pasta to the slow cooker. Stir well.
Cover and cook on low for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Stir in the chopped baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
