Easy Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup (WW-Friendly)

I made this easy Italian Wedding Soup in my slow cooker recently—and it was one of those simple meals that just works.

Both Rod and I loved it. It’s hearty without being heavy, cozy but not overly rich. The kind of soup you can happily enjoy any night of the week.

Rod summed it up best: “A definite do-over.”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple, everyday ingredients
• Minimal prep thanks to frozen meatballs
• Lightened up but still satisfying
• Perfect for busy days—just set it and forget it
• WW-friendly and portion satisfying

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Italian-style turkey meatballs (reduced fat) – I like using frozen for convenience. Homemade meatballs work great too if you have them.
• Onion, diced – Yellow onion is my go-to, but white or sweet onion works just as well. Pre-chopped onion is a nice shortcut.
• Carrots, chopped – Baby carrots make prep extra easy—no peeling needed.
• Celery, chopped – Adds classic flavor, but feel free to skip it if you’re not a fan.
• Garlic – Fresh is wonderful, but jarred, granulated garlic, or garlic powder all work in a pinch.
• Chicken broth – Use your favorite—boxed broth, homemade, or bouillon + water.
• Dried Italian seasoning – Or use a mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and marjoram.
• Black pepper – Adjust to taste—or leave it out if you prefer.
• Elbow macaroni – Any small pasta works—ditalini, small shells, or orzo are all great options.
• Fresh baby spinach – You can substitute well-drained frozen spinach, or try escarole, kale, or even chopped lettuce.

Grated Parmesan (optional) – A little sprinkle on top adds a nice finishing touch.

Calories and WW Points

According to my calculations, each generous 1-1/2 cup serving has 224 calories and 5 WW Points.

To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
6 PointsPlus (Old plan)

How to Make Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Recommended slow cooker: 4–5 quart

1. Add the meatballs, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, broth, and Italian seasoning to your slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the pasta and spinach.
4. Continue cooking on LOW for 20–30 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan if desired.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Adding the pasta at the end keeps it from getting too soft.
• If you plan on leftovers, you may want to cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl before serving.
• This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day.

A Little Backstory

This was actually the first time I’d ever made Italian wedding soup from scratch.

For years, we’ve enjoyed the canned version—especially Progresso’s Italian-Style Wedding Soup (affiliate link)—for quick lunches. But this homemade version? So much better. Fresher, more flavorful, and still incredibly easy.

This recipe was inspired by 365 Slow Cooker Suppers (affiliate link) by Stephanie O’Dea—my longtime slow cooking hero.

If you’ve made this lightened up Italian Wedding Soup, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Source: slightly adapted from 365 Slow Cooker Suppers (affiliate link) by Stephanie O’Dea

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade meatballs?
Absolutely. Just make them small (bite-sized) so they cook evenly and feel traditional.

Can I make this on HIGH instead of LOW?
Yes—cook on HIGH for about 3–4 hours, then add the pasta and spinach at the end.

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but for best results, freeze it without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

What’s the best pasta for wedding soup?
Small shapes like ditalini, orzo, or mini shells work best.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—just use gluten-free pasta or skip the pasta and add extra veggies.

More WW-Friendly Italian Style Soups

If you enjoyed this one, here are a few more family favorites:

• Easy Italian-Style Lettuce Soup (simple, budget-friendly comfort)
• Slow Cooker Italian Beef and Lentil Stew (hearty and satisfying)
• Easy Healthy Sausage Spinach Wild Rice Soup (lightened-up comfort food)
• Crock Pot Italian Meatball Soup (a longtime reader favorite)