Heartwarming Instant Pot Italian Wedding Soup: A Quick & Healthy Family Favorite
Experience the comfort and rich flavors of classic Instant Pot Italian Wedding Soup. This beloved dish, featuring tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and delicate pasta, becomes an incredibly healthy and easy family favorite when prepared in your pressure cooker. Whether you’re using a Ninja Foodi, a traditional Instant Pot, or any electric pressure cooker, this recipe streamlines the process from start to finish. You can opt for convenient pressure cooker frozen meatballs or craft your own homemade ones, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal with just a few simple ingredients.
If you’ve yet to discover the joy of making Italian Wedding Soup in your Instant Pot, you’re in for a treat! For years, many have savored this hearty soup cooked slowly in a traditional slow cooker. However, by adapting it to the pressure cooker, we’ve transformed it into one of our top Instant Pot recipes, allowing you to prepare this delicious meal in a fraction of the time. This modern approach doesn’t compromise on flavor but significantly boosts convenience, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a quick, comforting lunch.
Ninja Foodi Italian Wedding Soup Recipe and Beyond
This versatile recipe is designed to work seamlessly with any brand of electric pressure cooker you own. We’ve successfully prepared this delightful soup in various models, including Mealthy, Instant Pot, and Crockpot Express, confirming its reliability as an easy Ninja Foodi recipe. The beauty of pressure cooking lies in its efficiency and consistent results, ensuring your soup comes out perfectly every time, regardless of your appliance.
One of the highlights of Italian Wedding Soup is its meatballs. For ultimate speed and convenience, frozen meatballs are an excellent choice. If you happen to have leftover homemade meatballs, they will work just as well, or you can follow our guide on how to cook frozen meatballs to achieve a tender, homemade-like texture. While the meatballs are a beloved component for many, this soup can easily be adapted into a vegetarian version by simply omitting them. For us, they add a rich depth of flavor and satisfying heartiness that completes the dish. Plus, this soup reheats beautifully the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying as nourishing leftovers.
If you’re new to the world of pressure cooking, welcome! We offer a wealth of easy one-pot meal recipes to help you get started. To ensure your first few pressure cooking experiences are successful and enjoyable, here are a few basic tips:
- Make sure to Bookmark our Instant Pot recipes page. We regularly add new and exciting recipes, offering a continuous source of inspiration for your pressure cooker adventures.
- For mastering cooking times, it’s highly beneficial to PRINT this Instant Pot cooking times cheat sheet. This invaluable resource will help you understand the precise cooking durations for various ingredients like meats, vegetables, and beans in your pressure cooker, eliminating guesswork.
- We highly recommend investing in a non-stick inner pot for your Instant Pot. This significantly simplifies cooking and cleanup, especially when sautéing.
- Even with a non-stick pot, it’s good practice to understand how to deglaze a pressure cooker after sautéing. This technique helps remove any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, preventing a “BURN” notice and adding extra flavor to your soup.
For your reference, the recipes developed here typically utilize a 6-quart Instant Pot model. This size is ideal for most family meals and provides ample space for our Italian Wedding Soup without overcrowding.
Astonishingly, this entire meal requires just 3 minutes of pressure cooking time, making it one of the quickest and most satisfying soups you can whip up. Feel free to jump straight to the detailed recipe below, or take a moment to review some frequently asked questions that might arise before you begin:
How do you make Italian wedding soup from scratch?
Our recipe will guide you through the process, which is surprisingly simple. You only need a few key ingredients, and you have the flexibility to use either pre-made frozen meatballs or to prepare your own homemade ones for a truly authentic touch.
What is Italian wedding soup called?
The original Italian name for this soup is “minestra maritata,” which literally translates to “married soup.” This beautiful name refers to the harmonious blend of flavors achieved when all the ingredients, particularly the green vegetables and meats, are “married” together in the broth, creating a deeply integrated and delicious taste profile.
Can you freeze Italian wedding soup?
While this soup is undeniably at its best when fresh on the first day, it freezes remarkably well if you have leftovers. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it into freezer-safe, airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, ensuring it will stay fresh for future enjoyment.
You can use any electric high-pressure machine you have on hand. When it comes to the noodles, if you can’t find Pastina (our preferred choice), opt for the smallest pasta shape you can find, such as acini di pepe, to maintain the traditional texture of the soup.
Essential Ingredients for Instant Pot Italian Wedding Soup
Crafting this savory soup requires a selection of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together to create its distinctive flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Meatballs:
- Frozen meatballs: A convenient option for a quick meal.
- Homemade meatballs: You can use ground sausage, or create lighter turkey meatballs with ground turkey for a leaner alternative. Defrosted frozen mini meatballs also work wonderfully.
- Carrots: Peeled and cut into small, coin-like dials. The smaller the pieces, the softer they will become, easily melting into the soup.
- Onion: Sliced or diced. Onions provide a foundational layer of aromatic flavor and subtle texture to the broth.
- Escarole: A key green vegetable in traditional Italian Wedding Soup, offering a slightly bitter, peppery note that balances the richness of the meatballs and broth.
- Tiny Noodles:
- Pastina: Our favorite choice for its delicate size and ability to absorb the soup’s flavors.
- Acini di pepe: Another excellent tiny pasta option if Pastina is unavailable.
- Chicken Broth or Stock: Essential for the soup’s liquid base.
Using quality chicken broth or stock is paramount, as it provides a much richer and more complex flavor profile than plain water. Feel free to use your preferred type; vegetable broth is also an excellent choice for a meatless version, offering its own distinct, savory notes.
Why We Adore Instant Pot Italian Wedding Soup with Frozen Meatballs
This Instant Pot Italian Wedding Soup has earned a permanent spot in our meal rotation for several compelling reasons:
- Perfect Flavor & Texture: It boasts a harmonious blend of tender vegetables, savory meatballs, and those delightful tiny noodles that even the pickiest eaters, especially kids, seem to love. The flavors meld together beautifully in the pressure cooker.
- Healthy and Wholesome: We are always seeking simple recipes that are not only delicious but also nutritious. This soup perfectly fits the bill, packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and a light broth.
- Incredibly Fast: Thanks to the efficiency of the Instant Pot, this soup comes together in just minutes of pressure cooking, followed by a quick release. It’s ideal for those busy evenings when you need a wholesome meal on the table in record time.
- Flexible Meatball Options: For ultimate speed, we often use a bag of frozen meatballs. However, if you have a bit more time and want to make it extra special, you can easily prepare your own meatball recipe without breadcrumbs from scratch, allowing for full customization of seasoning and texture.
To complete this delightful meal, serve it alongside a side of the best garlic bread. It transforms into the perfect lunch or dinner, offering warmth and satisfaction. And don’t forget the convenience of any leftovers – they taste just as good, if not better, the next day!
As a healthy Ninja Foodi soup recipe, its deliciousness speaks for itself. Often, I serve it as is, appreciating its complete and balanced profile. However, if you wish to enhance the vegetable content, feel free to add other firm vegetables like celery, alongside the carrots, which naturally hold their shape and flavor well under pressure.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Italian Wedding Soup
Achieving a truly outstanding Italian Wedding Soup involves a few key considerations that can elevate your dish from good to exceptional:
- Seasoning Strategy: It’s always best to season your soup at the very end of the cooking process. The broth and other ingredients, especially if using pre-made meatballs or seasoned sausage, will naturally contribute sodium and flavor. Tasting and adjusting seasoning at the end ensures you don’t overdo it, achieving a perfectly balanced taste.
- Flavor from Meatballs: Often, you won’t need much additional seasoning beyond a pinch of salt and pepper. The rich flavors from the meatballs, particularly if they are sausage-based, will permeate throughout the soup, providing a robust and delicious base.
- Homemade vs. Frozen Meatballs: While frozen meatballs offer unmatched convenience, consider making your own fresh meatballs if you have the time. This allows for greater control over the ingredients and seasoning, often resulting in a superior flavor and texture.
- Crafting Homemade Meatballs: We love using Italian sausage meat for homemade meatballs. Simply remove the casing, and then mix the meat with a few simple seasonings like a touch of basil and garlic powder. Form them into small, bite-sized meatballs for optimal distribution throughout the soup.
- Frozen Meatball Shortcut: If you’re pressed for time, using frozen meatballs is perfectly acceptable. For the best results, especially with Italian sausage meatballs (which are often readily available and flavorful), make sure to defrost them before adding them to the soup. This helps them cook evenly and meld with the soup’s flavors more effectively.
This soup is not only healthy and budget-friendly but also incredibly versatile for year-round enjoyment. Since it’s made in your Instant Pot, there’s no need to heat up your oven or stovetop, making it a fantastic option whether you live in a hot climate and want to keep your kitchen cool, or if it’s snowing outside and all you crave is a warm, comforting bowl of soup.
How to Save and Reheat Leftovers
Saving leftover Italian Wedding Soup is wonderfully straightforward, ensuring you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days to come. First, allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial for food safety and maintaining quality. Once cooled, ladle the soup into an airtight container and store it in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, simply transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for approximately 1 minute, then stir, and continue heating in 30-second intervals until it is thoroughly warmed through to your liking. This method helps preserve the delicate texture of the pasta and vegetables.
If you’re looking to explore more quick and easy pressure cooker soups, consider these fantastic options:
- Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for shorter cook times, offering a classic comfort food in minutes.
- Easy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup simplifies a beloved Italian dish into a hearty soup, often starting with browning your meat using the sauté function. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an irresistible touch.
- Healthy and homemade Instant Pot Barley Soup provides another nutritious and filling pressure cooker soup option, perfect for a wholesome meal.
As mentioned, this particular Italian Wedding Soup recipe is incredibly versatile. We’ve also successfully adapted it as a Crockpot Italian Wedding Soup for the slow cooker. So, if you haven’t yet made the switch to an Instant Pot or prefer the “set it and forget it” convenience of a slow cooker, you can certainly enjoy a delicious version of this soup too.
How to Make Instant Pot Italian Wedding Soup with Escarole: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple instructions to create your flavorful Instant Pot Italian Wedding Soup:
- Prepare Meatballs: If you are making homemade meatballs from scratch, begin by forming them. Add a tablespoon or two of olive oil to your Instant Pot and set it to the “Sauté” function. Brown the outsides of your homemade meatballs, ensuring they develop a nice crust. If using defrosted frozen meatballs, you can lightly warm them in the pot for a minute.
- Sauté Aromatics (Optional): If desired, add diced onions to the pot with the meatballs (or after removing homemade meatballs) to soften for a minute or two, enhancing the flavor base. Then, remove the meatballs and onions (if added) and deglaze the Instant Pot with a splash of broth or water to scrape up any browned bits, preventing a “BURN” notice.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned (or defrosted) meatballs to the pot. Add your cut-up carrots, Pastina or acini di pepe noodles, and chicken broth. If you prefer your noodles very al dente, you can add them later with the escarole.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and ensure the steam release valve is in the sealed position. Set the pressure cooker to “High Pressure” for just 3 minutes.
- Quick Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the steam release valve to the venting position.
- Add Escarole and Serve: Carefully lift the lid. Add the escarole leaves (cut into spoon-sized pieces, about 2 cups of leaves) and gently stir them into the hot soup until submerged. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” on low for 2-3 minutes, allowing the escarole to wilt and soften into the soup. Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty, homemade Italian Wedding Soup!
Soup has always been a staple in our household for dinner. I was somewhat raised on it, appreciating its ability to be an inexpensive yet filling meal. While canned soups were common back then, now, with the convenience of my 7-in-1 kitchen appliance, I can effortlessly prepare homemade, wholesome meals in a snap, delivering both nutrition and incredible flavor without any fuss.
User Rating: 4.80 from 5 votes
Instant Pot Italian Wedding Soup
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Print Recipe
Equipment
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1 pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 12 frozen meatballs, or make your own
- 40 oz chicken broth
- 1 onion
- 3 carrots
- 1 bunch escarole, (use 2 c. leaves)
- 1/2 c Pastina
- 1/4 tsp basil, dried
Instructions
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Make your meatballs or buy them pre-made at the store. If using frozen, skip the next 2 steps.
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Add a few tbsp of olive oil into your Instant Pot, set to saute, low, and add your meatballs.
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Brown the outsides if you’re cooking using your own fresh meatballs, if using frozen just defrost them ahead of time and add to pot just to warm them slightly, then add your diced onions. Cook for a minute or two just to soften onions slightly. Turn pot off/cancel.
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Pour in your chicken stock, diced carrots, basil, and Pastina noodles. (if you want your noodles to be really al dente then add them with your escarole later)
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Put on the lid and close the steam valve on your pressure cooker and set to pressure, high, for 3 minutes.
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When done do a quick release.
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Add escarole if you choose to add it (cut into spoon size pcs., use about 2 c. of leaves) and stir gently so leaves are submerged. Set Instant Pot to saute, low, and allow to bubble for 2-3 minutes so escarole can soften. Serve!
Nutrition
Calories: 117kcal,
Carbohydrates: 8g,
Protein: 7g,
Fat: 6g,
Saturated Fat: 2g,
Cholesterol: 20mg,
Sodium: 747mg,
Potassium: 624mg,
Fiber: 3g,
Sugar: 2g,
Vitamin A: 6950IU,
Vitamin C: 22.1mg,
Calcium: 74mg,
Iron: 1.5mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
We invite you to try this incredibly satisfying and easy Instant Pot Italian Wedding Soup. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with the power of your pressure cooker, can create a truly memorable meal. Whether you’re looking for a speedy weeknight dinner, a healthy family favorite, or a comforting bowl of soup on a chilly day, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the warmth it brings to your table!
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