🥣Family Fuel:🗓️ Simple Soup Recipe for Busy Days
Let's cook an easy, delicious Italian Wedding Soup!
As a busy mom, I know the importance of having a few go-to meals that are not only delicious and nutritious but also easy to whip up on a hectic weeknight. Enter this simple and hearty soup recipe that checks all the boxes: it’s quick, nourishing, and a surefire family favorite.
This soup is one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table and fuels your family with wholesome ingredients. Whether it's a chilly fall evening or you’re just looking for something comforting, this soup is perfect for busy days when you want to serve something home-cooked without spending hours in the kitchen.
Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
1 cup mirepoix (onions, carrots, and celery) - buy this premade to save time
1 TBSPs extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
2 TBSPs minced garlic
3 boxes chicken stock (32 oz. each)
3/4 cup uncooked pasta (like Acini di Pepe or your favorite small pasta)
15 oz. escarole, chopped - buy pre-chopped as a time saver
1/2 lb. mini meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated cheese for garnish (Italian blend or Parmesan)
Instructions:
Start with the base: In a large stockpot, heat the EVOO and add your mirepoix (that perfect combination of onions, carrots, and celery) along with minced garlic and stock. Cover the pot and bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Simmer until tender: Once the mixture reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes until the veggies are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Add pasta and escarole: Stir in the uncooked pasta and chopped escarole. Bring the soup back to a simmer and let it cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The escarole adds a lovely touch of greens, and the pasta makes it hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest family members.
Finish with meatballs: Finally, add the meatballs (whether you made them ahead of time or bought pre-made). Let them cook in the soup for another 3 minutes until they’re heated through and the pasta is tender.
Season and serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle it into bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of grated cheese.
Chef Tip: If you're looking for a gluten-free version, this recipe is easy to modify! Simply use gluten-free meatballs and pre-cook gluten-free pasta, before adding it at the end of the recipe.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days:
This soup is a great example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something hearty and nourishing in less time than you'd expect. You can even make it your own by adding different vegetables or switching up the pasta. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something homemade, comforting, and packed with nutrients, but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen.
Bonus: If you have leftovers, this soup stores well in the fridge and can even be frozen for a later meal. Just reheat and enjoy!
This soup fulfills my desire to be someone who loves to cook and nourish her family, but is also time efficient!
Let me know what you think if you try it! 🫶🏻