This Gordon Ramsay Wedding Soup Recipe is a refined take on the Italian-American classic, featuring tender homemade meatballs, fresh vegetables, and tiny pasta in a rich, flavorful broth. The combination of juicy meatballs, delicate greens, and a light yet hearty broth makes it a comforting and elegant dish—perfect for special occasions or cozy family meals. Ready in just 45 minutes, this soup delivers restaurant-quality flavors with simple, fresh ingredients.
What is Gordon Ramsay’s Wedding Soup?
Gordon Ramsay’s Wedding Soup is an elevated version of the traditional Italian Minestra Maritata, which translates to “married soup,” symbolizing the perfect harmony of flavors between meat and greens. The soup consists of well-seasoned meatballs, tiny pasta like acini di pepe, and leafy greens simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s a light yet satisfying dish, often served with freshly grated Parmesan and crusty bread.

Other Gordon Ramsay Soup Recipes
- Gordon Ramsay Turkey Soup
- Gordon Ramsay Mexican Soup
- Gordon Ramsay Meatball Soup
- Gordon Ramsay White Bean Soup
Reasons to Try Gordon Ramsay Wedding Soup
- Delicate yet flavorful: A light broth packed with a rich, comforting taste.
- Juicy homemade meatballs: Perfectly seasoned for a tender bite.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 45 minutes, ideal for weeknight meals.
- Healthy and nourishing: Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Customizable: Works with different meats, pasta, or greens.
Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay Wedding Soup
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 6 cups chicken or beef stock
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ cup acini di pepe pasta (or orzo)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or escarole, chopped
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
For Garnish & Serving
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crusty bread or garlic toast
Instructions to Prepare Gordon Ramsay Wedding Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form the meatballs: Roll into small meatballs (about ¾-inch in diameter).
- Sear the meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Soup Base
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in chicken stock, then add salt, black pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs and Pasta
- Return the meatballs: Add the browned meatballs back into the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the pasta: Stir in acini di pepe pasta and cook for another 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
Step 4: Finish the Soup
- Add the greens: Stir in spinach or escarole and simmer for 2 more minutes until wilted.
- Adjust seasoning: Add lemon juice for brightness, if desired. Remove the bay leaf.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread.

What Goes Well With Gordon Ramsay’s Wedding Soup
- Crusty Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the broth.
- Parmesan Crostini: Adds a cheesy, crispy element.
- Simple Green Salad: A refreshing side to balance the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Complements light broth with rich flavors.
Key Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay Wedding Soup
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and oregano enhance the flavors.
- Sear the meatballs: Adds extra depth to the broth.
- Let it simmer gently: Avoid boiling to keep the meatballs tender.
- Cook pasta separately (optional): Prevents it from absorbing too much broth.
- Add greens at the end: Keeps them fresh and vibrant.
Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay Wedding Soup
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta or skip pasta entirely.
- Try different meats: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage.
- Use kale instead of spinach: Adds extra nutrients and texture.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Make it dairy-free: Omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for flavor.
Storage Guidelines for Gordon Ramsay Wedding Soup
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Thaw properly: Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay Wedding Soup
- Stovetop method: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of stock if needed.
- Microwave method: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Avoid boiling: High heat can overcook the pasta and greens.
FAQs
Why is it called Wedding Soup?
The name comes from the Italian phrase “Minestra Maritata,” meaning “married soup,” referring to the harmonious combination of flavors between the meat and greens.
Can I make the Wedding Soup without pasta?
Yes! You can replace pasta with rice, quinoa, or even chickpeas for extra protein.
What can I use instead of spinach?
Escarole, kale, or Swiss chard are great substitutes, adding a slightly different texture and flavor.
How do I make this soup lighter?
Use ground turkey or chicken for the meatballs and swap heavy pasta for cauliflower rice.
Final Words
This Gordon Ramsay Wedding Soup Recipe is a perfect balance of tender meatballs, flavorful broth, and delicate greens, making it a comforting and elegant dish. Whether served as a light meal or an appetizer for a special occasion, this soup delivers incredible flavor in every spoonful. Try it today and enjoy a classic dish with a gourmet twist!
PrintGordon Ramsay Wedding Soup Recipe
Gordon Ramsay’s Wedding Soup is an elevated version of the traditional Italian Minestra Maritata, which translates to “married soup,” symbolizing the perfect harmony of flavors between meat and greens. The soup consists of well-seasoned meatballs, tiny pasta like acini di pepe, and leafy greens simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s a light yet satisfying dish, often served with freshly grated Parmesan and crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 6 cups chicken or beef stock
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ cup acini di pepe pasta (or orzo)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or escarole, chopped
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
For Garnish & Serving
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crusty bread or garlic toast
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form the meatballs: Roll into small meatballs (about ¾-inch in diameter).
- Sear the meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Soup Base
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in chicken stock, then add salt, black pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs and Pasta
- Return the meatballs: Add the browned meatballs back into the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the pasta: Stir in acini di pepe pasta and cook for another 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
Step 4: Finish the Soup
- Add the greens: Stir in spinach or escarole and simmer for 2 more minutes until wilted.
- Adjust seasoning: Add lemon juice for brightness, if desired. Remove the bay leaf.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread.