Italian Wedding Soup with Frozen Meatballs in an Instant Pot Recipe

If you are looking for a heartwarming, cozy meal that comes together in a flash, this Italian Wedding Soup with Frozen Meatballs in an Instant Pot Recipe is a total game-changer. Loaded with tender frozen meatballs, vibrant greens, and delicate Acini de Pepe pasta, all swimming in a rich, savory chicken broth, this soup is a perfect weeknight favorite. It’s incredibly fast to make without sacrificing any of the comforting, homemade flavors that make Italian wedding soup so beloved. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dinners when you want something satisfying yet effortless.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating a bowl of Italian wedding soup that’s bursting with flavor and perfect texture. Each component plays an important role, whether it’s the savory punch from the meatballs, the comforting bite of the pasta, or the fresh color and nutrients from the greens.

• Frozen Italian-style meatballs (16 oz): Using frozen meatballs speeds up prep while delivering hearty, flavorful bites in every spoonful.
• Chicken broth (10 cups): This is the rich, savory base that brings all the ingredients together and gives the soup its classic comforting flavor.
• Spinach or endive (2 cups, coarsely chopped): Adds a fresh burst of green color and nutrients without overpowering the soup.
• Acini de Pepe pasta (1/2 to 1 cup): These tiny pasta beads give the soup a lovely texture that pairs beautifully with the meatballs and broth.
• Parmesan cheese (for serving): A finishing touch that adds a luscious, salty richness to every bowl.

How to Make Italian Wedding Soup with Frozen Meatballs in an Instant Pot Recipe

Step 1: Combine Broth, Greens, and Pasta

Start by pouring the 10 cups of chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Add your coarsely chopped spinach or endive and the Acini de Pepe pasta. Give everything a good stir so that the ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed. This mix forms the flavorful foundation of your soup.

Step 2: Add the Frozen Meatballs

Carefully place the frozen Italian-style meatballs into the pot, making sure they are somewhat submerged but not packed too tightly. The meatballs are the star protein of this dish, and their frozen state means you’re cutting prep time without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Soup

Lock the Instant Pot lid in place, ensuring the valve is sealed. Select the High Pressure setting and set the timer for just 2 minutes. Given the meatballs are already cooked and frozen, this short cooking time is perfect for heating everything through and melding the flavors without overcooking the pasta or greens.

Step 4: Release Pressure and Finish

When cooking ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes—this step gently finishes cooking the soup and keeps everything tender. Afterward, perform a quick pressure release to let out any remaining steam. Carefully open the lid, and your vibrant, hearty Italian wedding soup is ready for serving.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and taste for salt and pepper, adjusting as needed. For that traditional touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. The cheese melts slightly into the hot broth, adding luxurious richness that rounds out every bite.

How to Serve Italian Wedding Soup with Frozen Meatballs in an Instant Pot Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can elevate this simple soup to something truly special. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes. A dash of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick if you like a bit of heat, and more Parmesan is always welcome for those who want extra cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty on its own but pairs perfectly with a crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks that you can dunk into the flavorful broth. A light mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a refreshing complement, balancing the warm, savory soup with crispness and acidity.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or just make family dinner more fun, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or mini cocottes. You can also finish with a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a few drops of balsamic glaze for an unexpected flavor twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Italian Wedding Soup with Frozen Meatballs in an Instant Pot Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

Freezing is also a great option. Cool the soup completely before pouring it into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind the pasta might absorb some liquid and become softer when reheated from frozen, so consider adding a little extra broth when warming it up.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Microwaving in a bowl covered with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap also works well for quick reheats.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh meatballs can be used but be aware that you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through. Frozen meatballs are a shortcut that still deliver great flavor with minimal fuss.

What other greens can I use if I don’t have spinach or endive?

Kale, escarole, or Swiss chard are wonderful substitutes. Just make sure to chop them coarsely and consider the cooking time, as some greens are tougher and might benefit from a quick sauté before adding to the soup.

Is it okay to use a different type of pasta?

Definitely. While Acini de Pepe is traditional because of its tiny size, small pasta like orzo, ditalini, or even tiny shells work well and add their own texture to the soup.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use vegetarian or plant-based meatballs. The soup will still be cozy and delicious, just with a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I double this recipe?

You can double the ingredients, but make sure your Instant Pot has enough capacity to safely cook the soup. Also, you may need to increase the cooking time by a minute or two to accommodate the larger volume.

Final Thoughts

One of the best parts about this Italian Wedding Soup with Frozen Meatballs in an Instant Pot Recipe is how effortlessly it brings comfort and warmth to your table without hours of work. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or anytime you want a bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug. Give it a try—I promise you’ll keep coming back to this recipe over and over again!

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