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Creating this Cozy Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Here’s how to bring it all together:

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Warm up this season with Cozy Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup, a heartwarming dish that captures the essence of family traditions. This easy recipe features tender meatballs, vibrant vegetables, and fresh greens simmered to perfection in a savory broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, this soup is packed with flavor and nostalgia. Gather your ingredients and let your slow cooker do the work, creating a comforting meal that everyone will love. Enjoy this delightful taste of Italian comfort food anytime!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (or substitute with Italian sausage for a different flavor)

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnishing)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup carrots, diced

1 cup celery, diced

1 cup small pasta (such as acini di pepe or orzo)

2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Zest and juice of 1 lemon (for added brightness)

Additional salt and pepper for seasoning

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatballs: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or Italian sausage, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until well-blended. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.

    Brown (Optional): To enhance the flavors, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until they are golden on the outside. This step is not essential but adds a delightful depth to the soup.

      Add to Slow Cooker: Place the meatballs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the low-sodium chicken broth over them, then add the diced carrots, diced celery, dried oregano, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Gently stir the ingredients to ensure even distribution.

        Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

          Incorporate Pasta and Greens: About 30 minutes before you're ready to serve, add the small pasta to the slow cooker. If the pasta has not fully cooked by the end of the cooking time, allow it to simmer a while longer, stirring occasionally. In the final 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach or kale to retain its vibrant color and nutrients.

            Finish the Soup: When the pasta is tender, stir in the lemon zest and juice, adjusting with extra salt and pepper to your taste preference.

              Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and top with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a beautiful finish. Savor this comforting and hearty dish!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                  15 minutes | 7 hours 15 minutes | 6 servings

                    Optional Presentation Tips: Serve the soup with crusty bread on the side, and consider adding a slice of lemon for a refreshing touch.