Panera Bread Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Panera Bread Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting, soul-warming classic that features tender mini meatballs and delicate acini di pepe pasta in a savory, herb-infused chicken broth. Ideally the mini meatballs should be seared in a hot pan before being added to the broth to ensure they develop a golden-brown crust that adds a rich, roasted depth to the finished soup.

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Panera Bread Italian Wedding Soup Recipe Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 250g ground beef
• 250g ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Soup:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery sticks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups high-quality chicken broth
• 1/2 cup acini di pepe pasta (or orzo)
• 200g baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

How To Make Panera Bread Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

1. Craft the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Roll the mixture into tiny meatballs, about 1 to 2 cm in diameter (roughly the size of a marble).
2. Sear the Meat: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for about 5 minutes until golden on all sides, then remove and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Wipe out the pot and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 8 minutes until softened.
4. Deglaze and Simmer: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and dried oregano, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Cook the Pasta: Add the acini di pepe pasta to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta is nearly al dente.
6. Combine: Return the browned meatballs to the pot. Simmer for another 5 minutes to ensure the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors have melded.
7. Wilt the Greens: Stir in the chopped baby spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until just wilted and bright green.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Recipe Tips

• Meatball Size: Keep the meatballs small. Italian Wedding Soup is traditionally eaten with a spoon, and the meatballs should be small enough to fit comfortably on a single spoonful along with the pasta and vegetables.
• Pasta Timing: If you plan on having leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual bowls. Pasta continues to absorb liquid as it sits, which can turn the soup into a thick stew overnight.
• Broth Quality: Since the broth is the star of the show, use a low-sodium, high-quality chicken stock or a homemade bone broth for the richest flavor.
• Browning the Meatballs: Don’t worry about cooking the meatballs all the way through during the searing stage; they will finish cooking and stay moist while simmering in the broth.

What To Serve With Panera Bread Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup accompaniments are simple, rustic additions frequently served to turn a light bowl of soup into a satisfying “You Pick Two” meal. Ideally the sourdough baguette should be warmed in the oven until the crust is shattered-glass crisp to provide a neutral, crunchy contrast to the savory meatballs and tender pasta.

• A warm slice of French baguette or a sourdough roll
• Panera Bread Greek Salad
• A side of roasted garlic broccoli
• A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a light sparkling water

How To Store Panera Bread Italian Wedding Soup

• Refrigerate: Store the cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Gently reheat in a saucepan over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of extra chicken broth or water, as the pasta will have absorbed some of the liquid.
• Freeze: You can freeze the soup (without the pasta) for up to 3 months. For the best results, thaw the soup, bring it to a boil, and add fresh pasta just before serving.

Panera Bread Italian Wedding Soup Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 320 kcal (per serving)
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 6 servings.

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