This Italian Ground Chicken Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with tender chicken, tasty veggies, and herbs that make every sip delightful.
Honestly, it’s so easy to whip up that I can make it even on busy days. Plus, it fills the house with that amazing smell—my family can’t resist coming to the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the show! If you want a leaner option, turkey works beautifully too. For a plant-based twist, try using lentils or crumbled tofu.
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery bring flavor and texture. Feel free to swap in zucchini or bell peppers if you have them on hand. Frozen veggies can also be used if fresh isn’t available.
Pasta: I love using farfalle for its fun shape, but any small pasta like ditalini, or even rice will work. Just adjust cooking times as needed!
Fresh Spinach: Spinach is great for nutrition. Kale or Swiss chard can be good substitutes too. If fresh greens aren’t available, use frozen; just be sure to thaw and drain excess water first.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds creaminess and is a must! If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup is Full of Flavor?
Flavorful soup starts with aromatic vegetables and the right cooking techniques. Here’s how to layer those tastes:
- Sautéing Vegetables: Always start by sautéing onions, celery, and carrots. This step adds depth to your soup. Cook on medium until they soften, about 5 minutes.
- Ground Chicken: Don’t rush browning it. Let it cook until golden for that rich flavor. Break it into smaller pieces while it cooks.
- Seasoning: Adding salt and pepper as you go builds flavor. Also, let the dry spices, like Italian seasoning, mingle with the broth to bloom their flavors.
- Don’t Overcook the Greens: Add spinach at the end to keep it vibrant and fresh. Cook just until wilted; you want that nutrient boost!
- Finishing Touches: Stir in cheese off the heat for a creamy finish. This keeps it from clumping!
Italian Ground Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup small pasta (such as farfalle or bowtie pasta)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup will take about 15 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes to cook, totaling about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook it until it’s nicely browned. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the Vegetables:
Next, toss in the chopped onion, celery, and carrots into the pot. Let this cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. It’s important to let them soften a bit; this will bring out their natural sweetness!
3. Stir in Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the pot and stir it in for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen will start to smell really delicious at this point!
4. Add Broth and Seasonings:
Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices). Give everything a good stir. Now, mix in the dried Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring to a Boil:
Turn up the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s bubbling nicely, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together!
6. Cook the Pasta:
Now, add the small pasta to the soup. Cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
7. Add the Spinach:
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the chopped spinach and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it wilts. It adds a nice vibrant color to your soup!
8. Finish with Cheese:
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and mixed in. This adds creaminess and a rich flavor that’s oh-so-good!
9. Serve the Soup:
Now, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley and, if you like, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.
10. Enjoy!
Serve your warm, hearty soup hot, and enjoy it with some crusty bread or a lovely side salad. Your family will love it!
This Italian Ground Chicken Soup is not just filling; it’s a bowl of comfort that warms your heart and soul!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Chicken?
Yes! You can definitely use frozen ground chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best method is to transfer it to the fridge overnight, but you can also use a microwave’s defrost setting if you’re short on time.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground chicken with a plant-based protein like lentils, crumbled tofu, or even a veggie burger crumbled into the soup. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it in line with the vegetarian theme.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave out the pasta if you plan to freeze it, as it can become mushy upon reheating. Add fresh pasta when you reheat!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even green beans. Just remember to adjust cooking times for harder veggies, adding them early so they cook down and soften.
