Stracciatella Soup (Italian Egg Drop Soup)

Stracciatella Soup is a quiet celebration of simplicity in Italian cooking—where a handful of humble ingredients come together to create something deeply comforting and refined.

With delicate ribbons of egg suspended in a clear, savory broth, this soup feels light yet nourishing, elegant yet homey.

It’s the kind of dish that soothes, restores, and reminds you how much beauty can come from restraint, balance, and careful technique.

Why People Will Love This Stracciatella Soup:

Pure comfort in its simplest form – Light, warm, and soothing, this soup feels restorative without being heavy, making it perfect for any time you crave gentle comfort.

Elegant flavor from minimal ingredients – With just eggs, broth, cheese, and a few aromatics, each ingredient shines clearly, proving that simplicity can be deeply satisfying.

Silky, cloud-like egg texture – The soft ribbons and clumps of egg create a delicate, luxurious mouthfeel that’s both unique and comforting.

Clean, nourishing broth – A well-made chicken stock provides depth and warmth while keeping the soup light and refreshing.

Balanced richness – Parmigiano-Reggiano adds umami and subtle saltiness without overwhelming the broth or the eggs.

Fresh, gentle brightness – Lemon zest and nutmeg, when used, add quiet aromatic notes that lift the soup and keep it from tasting flat.

Quick yet thoughtful to prepare – The recipe comes together in minutes, but still feels intentional and carefully crafted.

Versatile and adaptable – It works beautifully as a light meal, a starter, or a soothing dish when appetite is low.

Comfort food that feels refined – Simple enough for everyday meals, yet elegant enough to serve as a first course at a special dinner.

Rooted in Italian tradition – Loved across generations, this soup carries the warmth and wisdom of classic Italian home cooking.

Key Ingredients:

Chicken stock – The foundation of the soup, providing warmth, clarity, and depth. A well-made stock brings gentle richness while keeping the dish light and clean.

Eggs – Whisked and poured slowly into the simmering broth, they form soft, delicate ribbons that give the soup its signature texture and comforting body.

Parmigiano-Reggiano – Nutty, savory, and umami-rich, this cheese melts into the eggs and broth, adding depth and seasoning without heaviness.

Baby spinach – Fresh and tender, it adds color, subtle earthiness, and light nourishment while wilting seamlessly into the soup.

Lemon zest (optional) – A quiet note of brightness that lifts the broth and balances the richness of the eggs and cheese.

Nutmeg (optional) – Used sparingly, it provides gentle warmth and aromatic depth, enhancing the classic Italian character of the dish.

Expert Tips:

Start with excellent stock – Because the ingredient list is short, the quality of the chicken broth makes a noticeable difference. A clear, well-seasoned stock creates the soul of the soup.

Keep the broth at a gentle simmer, not a boil – Boiling can cause the eggs to break apart too aggressively and turn grainy instead of forming soft, cloud-like strands.

Whisk the eggs and cheese thoroughly – A smooth, well-combined mixture ensures even distribution and a tender, cohesive egg texture once added to the broth.

Pour the eggs slowly and steadily – A slow stream allows the eggs to set gently, creating delicate ribbons rather than scrambled chunks.

Stir minimally after adding the eggs – One or two gentle stirs is enough. Overstirring breaks the eggs too much and clouds the broth.

Let the eggs set undisturbed – Give them a moment to float and firm slightly before breaking them into soft clumps for the signature stracciatella texture.

Add spinach just before the eggs – This keeps the greens vibrant and tender rather than dull or overcooked.

Use nutmeg and lemon zest sparingly – These accents should be subtle, enhancing the soup’s aroma without distracting from its clean flavor.

Taste before final seasoning – Parmigiano adds saltiness, so adjust salt at the end to avoid over-seasoning.

Serve immediately – Stracciatella Soup is at its best fresh, when the eggs are soft and the broth is clear and aromatic.

Stracciatella Soup (Italian Egg Drop Soup)

Ingredients

6 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon finely zested lemon peel, optional

1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg, optional

4 ounces (1 cup) finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

5-6 handfuls baby spinach, chopped

Instructions:

Step 1:

Simmer the broth: In a 2-quart pot or saucepan over medium heat, bring the broth to a simmer.

Step 2:

Whisk the eggs:

Whisk together the eggs and ¾ cup of the Parmigiano cheese until well combined, save the remaining ¼ cup of cheese to sprinkle on top of the soup just before serving.

If using nutmeg, grate in a small amount—about a pinch worth—and whisk to combine.

Set aside

Step 3:

Add the spinach and lemon zest to the broth:

Stir the chopped spinach into the simmering chicken broth and cook until the spinach is heated through and the broth is simmering once more, about 5 minutes.

Don’t be alarmed at the amount of spinach. It will wilt down to only about 1 cup in the soup.

Stir in the lemon zest, if using.

Step 4:

Add the eggs:

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Slowly pour the egg mixture into the soup.

Gently stir once or twice with a wooden spoon or a fork.

Simmer, uncovered, for a couple of minutes without stirring, until the eggs are fluffy and set.

They will float on top of the broth in a soft mass.

Gently break up the eggs into soft clumps.

Step 5:

Serve:

Ladle the soup into warmed bowls and sprinkle the remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano on top.

Serve hot.

Important Notes When Making Stracciatella Soup:

Simplicity leaves no room for shortcuts – With so few ingredients, technique and ingredient quality matter more than quantity or complexity.

Broth clarity defines the dish – A clear, gently simmered broth keeps the soup light and elegant. Vigorous boiling will cloud the broth and disrupt the egg texture.

Egg texture is the signature – The goal is soft, delicate ribbons and clumps, not fully scrambled eggs. Gentle heat and minimal stirring are essential.

Cheese acts as seasoning – Parmigiano-Reggiano adds salt and umami, so always taste before adding extra salt at the end.

Spinach wilts dramatically – What looks like a large volume of greens reduces quickly, so don’t be alarmed by the initial amount.

Optional ingredients should stay subtle – Lemon zest and nutmeg are accents meant to lift the soup, not dominate it.

Timing is crucial – Once the eggs are added, the soup needs only a few minutes. Overcooking will toughen the eggs.

Best enjoyed immediately – The eggs continue to firm as the soup sits, so freshness preserves the ideal texture.

Portion size is intentional – This soup is light by design, making it perfect as a first course or a gentle main.

Tradition values restraint – Authentic stracciatella relies on balance and simplicity rather than extra ingredients or heavy seasoning.

How to Enjoy Stracciatella Soup After Cooking

Serve immediately while the eggs are soft
Stracciatella is at its best right after cooking, when the egg ribbons are tender, fluffy, and delicately suspended in the hot broth.

Use warmed bowls
Pre-warming the bowls helps keep the soup hot longer and preserves the gentle texture of the eggs.

Finish with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Sprinkle the remaining cheese just before serving so it melts slightly into the broth, adding aroma and umami without overpowering the soup.

Taste before adding extra salt
The cheese contributes saltiness, so a final taste ensures balance without over-seasoning.

Enjoy the aroma first
Take a moment to inhale the steam—nutmeg, cheese, and warm broth create a comforting, subtle fragrance.

Eat slowly and gently
Use a spoon to scoop both broth and egg together, allowing the soft texture to melt on the tongue.

Pair with something simple
A slice of crusty bread or a small piece of toasted baguette complements the soup without distracting from its delicacy.

Savor as a light meal or refined starter
Enjoy it as a nourishing lunch, a gentle dinner, or an elegant first course.

Avoid heavy accompaniments
Strong flavors can overpower the soup’s subtle balance; keep sides minimal and understated.

Appreciate its quiet elegance
This is a dish meant to soothe and restore—best enjoyed in a calm moment, with attention to its simplicity and warmth.

Nutrition Information:

Approximate values per serving, assuming the soup serves 4

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought chicken stock for this soup?

Yes, you can use store-bought chicken stock, but homemade stock will enhance the flavor.

Is lemon zest necessary for the soup, or can I skip it?

Lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus note, but it’s optional. You can skip it if you prefer.

What does nutmeg add to the soup, and can I omit it?

Nutmeg adds a subtle warm and nutty flavor. It’s optional, and you can omit it if you don’t have it or prefer not to use it.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmigiano-Reggiano?

While Parmigiano-Reggiano is traditional, you can experiment with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for different flavors.

How much spinach should I use, and can I use frozen spinach?

Use 5-6 handfuls of fresh baby spinach. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thawed, drained, and add it according to taste.

Can I make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken stock to make a vegetarian version of Stracciatella Soup.

Is it necessary to whisk the eggs and cheese together before adding them to the soup?

Whisking the eggs and cheese together creates a smooth mixture. It’s important for achieving the right texture in the soup.

Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it?

While it’s best served fresh, you can refrigerate leftovers and gently reheat them. Be cautious not to overheat, as it may affect the texture of the eggs.

What kind of pot or saucepan is best for making this soup?

A 2-quart pot or saucepan with a wide base is suitable for making this soup, allowing even cooking and easy incorporation of ingredients.

How can I customize this Stracciatella Soup?

You can customize by adding cooked pasta, diced cooked chicken, or other vegetables to make it heartier according to your taste.