This Italian Ground Chicken Soup is warm and hearty, perfect for any day! With tasty ground chicken, veggies, and flavorful herbs, it brings a cozy Italian vibe to your kitchen.
It’s so easy to whip up! I love making a big pot and enjoying it with some crusty bread. It feels like a hug in a bowl! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the soup! If you prefer, you can swap it for ground turkey or lean beef for a different flavor. Both work well and have similar cooking times.
Vegetables: Onion, celery, and carrots make a great base. You can tweak it by adding bell peppers or zucchini. Keep in mind, sweeter veggies like bell peppers can add a nice twist!
Pasta: I love using small pasta like mini farfalle or stars, but any small shapes will do! If you’re gluten-free, try quinoa or gluten-free pasta instead.
Chicken Broth: Homemade is great, but low-sodium canned chicken broth works in a pinch. Vegetable broth can also be used for a vegetarian option!
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. You can substitute kale or even frozen spinach—just let it thaw and drain before adding!
What’s the Best Way to Sauté Vegetables for Flavor?
Sautéing your vegetables properly sets a flavor foundation for the soup. Here’s how:
- Use medium heat to avoid burning. Too high can scorch the veggies before they soften.
- Start with onions. They take the longest to become tender. Cook for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add carrots and celery next, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add garlic last; it only needs about a minute to become fragrant! Burnt garlic can taste bitter, so keep an eye on it.
This technique will enhance the overall taste of your soup and make your kitchen smell amazing!
Italian Ground Chicken Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup small pasta (such as mini farfalle or stars)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Italian Ground Chicken Soup will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook. In total, you should expect about 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Vegetables:
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté these together until they are softened and starting to smell great, around 5-6 minutes. This creates a lovely flavor base for your soup!
2. Adding Garlic and Chicken:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and let it cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Adding Spices and Broth:
Now it’s time to season your soup! Stir in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices, bringing the entire soup to a boil.
4. Cooking the Pasta:
Once boiling, add in the small pasta. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 7-9 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
5. Adding Spinach and Finishing Touches:
After the pasta is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt in the hot soup for about 2 minutes. Then, remove the pot from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy, cheesy finish. Taste your soup and adjust any seasonings if needed.
6. Serving Your Soup:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a lovely touch. This Italian Ground Chicken Soup is perfect with warm crusty bread on the side. Enjoy every cozy bowl!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can do this safely overnight in the fridge or using the defrost function on your microwave. If it’s still a bit frozen when you add it to the pot, simply break it up as it cooks.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen it up. Just remember to add the spinach and cheese just before serving to keep them fresh!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup. Just make sure to leave out the pasta and spinach if you’re planning to freeze it, as they don’t reheat well. You can add them back when reheating!
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms! Just chop them to a similar size and add them during the sautéing step to ensure they cook through.