There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup—it’s hearty, wholesome, and feels like a hug in a bowl. And the best part? The slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting while you go about your day. Perfect for busy moms, professionals, or anyone who craves comfort food without standing over the stove for hours.
I still remember the first time I made this soup for my family—it was a rainy Sunday, the kind of day that begs for cozy flavors. By dinnertime, the whole house smelled like an Italian grandma had moved in (minus the lectures about portion sizes). My kids couldn’t wait to dive in, and even my picky eater polished off a bowl. That’s when I knew this soup would be on repeat in our home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup
- Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
- Kid-friendly (yes, even with the spinach!).
- Freezer-friendly for future busy nights.
- Cozy enough for Sunday dinners, quick enough for weeknights.
What Does Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup Taste Like?
Imagine savory meatballs simmering all day in a broth that’s rich and aromatic, with tender pasta and vibrant spinach stirred in at the end. It’s hearty without being heavy, fresh but still deeply comforting. Each spoonful gives you a mix of juicy meatball, soft pasta, and flavorful broth—basically, it’s the soup version of a warm blanket.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup
One of the best parts about making Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup is that the ingredient list is simple, wholesome, and easy to find at any grocery store. Every component plays an important role in building that comforting flavor we all love—savory meatballs, tender vegetables, a light but rich broth, and a pop of greens to brighten things up. Let’s break it down:
For the Meatballs and Base:
- 1 pound small meatballs (beef or turkey): Traditionally, Italian wedding soup is made with pork and beef, but for this slow cooker version, I stick to beef or turkey. If you’re using frozen pre-made meatballs, go for the small bite-sized ones—they cook evenly and don’t overwhelm each spoonful. Homemade? Even better! Just roll them small so they stay tender while simmering.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: This is your aromatic base. Onion brings a subtle sweetness that balances the savory broth.
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced: Carrots add color, natural sweetness, and a little extra nutrition. Think of them as the cheerful note in your soup’s melody.
- 2 stalks celery, diced: Celery gives the broth depth and a mild earthy flavor. It’s not flashy, but it’s essential.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The heart of your soup. Use a good-quality low-sodium chicken broth so you can control the seasoning. Homemade broth makes it extra special.
- 2 cups water: This stretches the broth while keeping it light and balanced.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil & 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herbs that bring warmth and familiarity to every sip.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Don’t be shy—seasoning here makes all the difference.
Final Touches:
- ½ cup acini di pepe pasta (or another small pasta): This tiny pasta is the classic choice for Italian wedding soup. It cooks quickly and soaks up all those savory flavors without getting heavy. If you can’t find acini di pepe, try orzo, ditalini, or even small shells. (For another cozy pasta-based soup, you’ll love my Vegetable Orzo Soup).
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped: This green goodness wilts right into the broth at the end, adding color, freshness, and a nutritional boost. My kids call it the “confetti” in the soup.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving: Don’t skip this! A sprinkle of Parmesan on top adds saltiness, creaminess, and that irresistible Italian flair.
When you gather these simple ingredients and let the crock pot work its magic, you end up with a bowl of Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup that feels both nourishing and indulgent.
How to Make Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup
Making Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup is wonderfully simple, and the beauty is that the slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting for you. Here’s the step-by-step process to help you get a flavorful, hearty pot of soup on the table with very little stress.
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
If you’re using homemade meatballs, roll them into small, bite-sized portions—think the size of a large marble. This ensures they cook evenly and stay tender throughout the long simmer. If you’re short on time, frozen pre-made meatballs work perfectly. Place them directly into the bottom of your crock pot as the very first layer. This way, they’ll soak up all that savory broth as they cook.
Step 2: Add the Aromatic Vegetables
Next, scatter your chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery right on top of the meatballs. These veggies form the flavor base of your soup. As they slowly cook, they’ll soften and release their natural sweetness into the broth, making each bite of Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup comforting and well-balanced.
Step 3: Season the Layers
Sprinkle in your dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. These Italian herbs bring out the cozy, classic flavor that makes this dish so beloved. Seasoning at this stage ensures every ingredient gets infused with flavor from the very beginning.
Step 4: Add the Liquids
Carefully pour the chicken broth and water over everything. Be sure that the meatballs and vegetables are fully submerged—this helps them cook evenly and keeps the flavors consistent. Using a mix of broth and water prevents the soup from becoming too salty while still giving it a rich, hearty taste.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. This is where the magic happens—the broth becomes rich, the meatballs tender, and the vegetables soft and flavorful. Your kitchen will smell incredible, almost like you’ve been simmering soup on the stove all day.
Step 6: Add the Pasta
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the acini di pepe pasta (or your pasta of choice). This tiny pasta is quick to cook and won’t overpower the soup. Adding it late in the process ensures it stays firm and doesn’t turn mushy.
👉 Pro tip: If you love pasta soups, you’ll also enjoy my One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup, another weeknight favorite that’s both hearty and wholesome.
Step 7: Stir in the Spinach
During the last 10–15 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped fresh spinach. It will wilt beautifully into the hot broth, adding vibrant green color and a boost of nutrition. Even kids who “don’t like spinach” usually gobble it up in this soup because it blends so naturally with the pasta and meatballs.
Step 8: Final Taste and Serve
Before serving, taste your Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup and adjust the seasoning with a little extra salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This final touch adds creaminess and ties all the flavors together.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup
- Homemade meatballs? Roll them small—bite-sized is best.
- Pasta patrol: Add it late so it doesn’t turn mushy.
- Freezer tip: Freeze without pasta, then add fresh when reheating.
- Kid hack: Chop spinach extra fine; it practically disappears.
- Flavor boost: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the broth.
Storage for Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup
- Fridge: Keeps 3–4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze soup (without pasta) for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove and add fresh pasta if needed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes! Toss them in straight from the freezer—no need to thaw.
Can I swap the pasta?
Absolutely—try orzo, ditalini, or even couscous.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the meatballs, use veggie broth, and add chickpeas or white beans.
Conclusion
If you’re craving something hearty yet simple, this Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup is about to become your go-to. It’s family-approved, slow cooker-friendly, and makes your kitchen smell like comfort itself. Next time you’re planning a cozy dinner, give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes a regular rotation at your table.
And if you love soups that warm the soul, check out my Italian Chicken Pastina Soup or this French Lentil Soup with Crispy Bread and Feta for more cozy inspiration.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
Print
Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup: Easy Family Comfort
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6-7 hours
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This soup brings together the classic comfort of Italian cuisine with the convenience of slow-cooking, creating a dish that’s both traditional and effortless.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs and Base:
- 1 pound small meatballs (beef or turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Final Touches:
- ½ cup acini di pepe pasta or other small pasta
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the meatballs if not using pre-made. If using homemade, ensure they are small and compact for even cooking. Place the meatballs in the bottom of the crock pot as the first layer.
2. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery on top of the meatballs.
3. Sprinkle dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients.
4. Carefully pour the chicken broth and water over all ingredients, ensuring everything is well submerged.
5. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, add the acini di pepe pasta and stir to incorporate.
7. Stir in the chopped fresh spinach during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking until wilted.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
For homemade meatballs, prepare them the night before and refrigerate to save time.
You can use any small pasta if acini di pepe is unavailable.
Add extra broth or water if the soup thickens too much after cooking.
This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and is great for meal prep.
