Easy 4-Ingredient Oven-Baked Wedding Soup Pasta
Looking for a quick, budget-friendly dinner recipe that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen? This oven-baked wedding soup pasta is the ultimate comfort food casserole made with just 4 simple ingredients and packed with hearty flavor.
Inspired by traditional Italian wedding soup, this easy baked pasta recipe transforms pantry staples into a warm, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or holiday gatherings like Easter. No boiling pasta, no complicated steps just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 4 ingredients simple, affordable, and pantry-friendly
- No pre-cooking required pasta cooks right in the oven
- One-pan meal less cleanup, more convenience
- Family-friendly comfort food loved by kids and adults
- Perfect for meal prep reheats beautifully for leftovers
- Nutritious twist includes spinach for added vitamins and fiber
Ingredients (Simple & Budget-Friendly)
- 12 oz small pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells)
- 24 oz chicken broth-based pasta sauce or soup base (light and brothy)
- 16 oz frozen fully cooked mini meatballs
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
How to Make Oven-Baked Wedding Soup Pasta
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add dry pasta evenly to the bottom of the dish (no need to boil!).
- Pour broth-based sauce over the pasta, ensuring all pieces are well covered.
- Add meatballs evenly throughout the dish.
- Top with spinach don’t worry, it will shrink as it cooks.
- Cover tightly with foil to trap steam (this is key for tender pasta).
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until pasta is soft and meatballs are heated through.
- Remove foil, stir gently, and add a splash of broth if needed.
- Bake uncovered for 5–10 more minutes until slightly golden and bubbling.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes, then serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Pasta
- Use a brothy sauce, not thick tomato sauce, so the pasta cooks properly
- Keep the dish tightly covered to avoid dry pasta
- Stir halfway if you want more even texture
- Add extra broth when reheating to keep it creamy and moist
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor
Easy Variations
- Add frozen peas or carrots for extra veggies
- Use Italian sausage meatballs for richer flavor
- Stir in extra broth after baking for a soupier texture
- Swap pasta shapes like orzo, acini di pepe, or mini shells
Serving Ideas
Pair this comforting pasta casserole with:
- Fresh green salad with olive oil & vinegar
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Roasted vegetables like carrots or green beans
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days
- Reheat with a splash of broth or water
- Freeze for up to 2 months for easy future meals
