This comforting Italian Ground Chicken Soup is packed with flavor! With tender chicken, fresh veggies, and tasty herbs, it warms you right up.
Cooking this soup is a breeze, and it’s perfect for chilly days. I often pair it with crusty bread—you know, the kind that begs to be dunked! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the soup, giving it a light and tender texture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey is a great substitute. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or chickpeas instead to help maintain the hearty feel.
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery are classic for soup. I love using leeks instead of onions for a milder flavor. If you need more color, bell peppers or zucchini work well too!
Pasta: Small pasta shapes like mafalda or shells are perfect here. If gluten-free is your focus, use rice or quinoa, and add them earlier since they’ll need more cooking time.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds nutritional value and a beautiful color. You can substitute it with kale, but remember, kale takes longer to soften, so add it earlier during cooking.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without the dairy, or try a cashew cheese for added richness.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor in Your Soup?
A big part of making this soup delicious is the technique you use when cooking the ingredients. Start by properly browning the ground chicken; this step builds the flavorful base of your soup. Don’t rush it! Here’s how:
- Heat your olive oil before adding chicken. It should shimmer! Then, break it up as it cooks.
- Add the onions and garlic next; let them sauté until the onions are translucent. This adds depth.
- Next, throw in the carrots and celery, giving them time to soften and release their flavors. Aim for about 5-6 minutes.
- When adding broth and tomatoes, scrape the bottom of the pot to mix in the browned bits. This adds flavor!
Following these steps will ensure every spoonful of your soup is packed with goodness and warmth. Enjoy your cooking adventure! 🍲
How to Make Italian Ground Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 ounces pasta (such as mafalda or small shells)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, making a total of approximately 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Ground Chicken:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground chicken. Cook it while breaking it up with a spoon for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned and no longer pink. This step infuses your soup with a great flavor base!
2. Add the Veggies:
Now, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Continue to cook these for another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften. You’ll love how aromatic your kitchen becomes at this point!
3. Combine the Liquids:
Pour in the chicken broth along with the undrained diced tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will let all those lovely flavors mix together.
4. Cook the Pasta:
Add the pasta to the soup and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Give it a gentle stir now and then so the pasta doesn’t stick together.
5. Add Spinach and Cheese:
Once the pasta is ready, stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the broth, giving it a nice creamy feel.
6. Final Taste Check:
Give the soup a taste, and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. This is your chance to customize it just right for you!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Enjoy this hearty and comforting dish, perfect for any day!
This Italian Ground Chicken Soup is not just delicious; it’s also nutritious and will fill you with warmth. Enjoy every spoonful! 🍲
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a perfect substitute and will work beautifully in this recipe while providing a similar taste and texture. Just remember to keep an eye on the cooking time, as turkey might take a couple of minutes longer to brown.
How Should I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the soup with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans would all be tasty additions. Just chop them up and add them to the pot along with the other vegetables.
What Can I Use Instead of Pasta?
If you want to skip the pasta or need a gluten-free option, you can use quinoa, rice, or even cauliflower rice. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some options may require longer to cook than the pasta.