Italian Ground Chicken Soup: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting bowl of goodness that warms your heart and fills your belly, you’ve come to the right place! This Italian Ground Chicken Soup: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It’s hearty, packed with nutritious veggies, and perfect for those busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Every spoonful reminds me of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house, where love and laughter were always served alongside her famous soups.

What I love most about this soup is how easy it is to make. You’ll find simple ingredients that come together beautifully in just under an hour. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies for the kids—or even for yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can whip up this soup in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
• Family-Friendly: Packed with flavors and textures that appeal to everyone, even picky eaters!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make a big batch for leftovers.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this recipe offers a wholesome option for healthy eating.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of chicken, pasta, and savory broth will wrap you in warmth like a cozy hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients that make this Italian Ground Chicken Soup truly delightful. You’ll find everything you need right here:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or orzo)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

The beauty of this Italian Ground Chicken Soup is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these variation ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or lean beef if you prefer something different.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some zucchini or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute the small pasta with quinoa or rice for a gluten-free option.
• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños if you like your soup with a kick!

How to Make Italian Ground Chicken Soup: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté those veggies until they soften—this should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is important because it builds a flavor base that will elevate your entire soup!

Step 2: Add Garlic

Once your vegetables are softened, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another minute until it’s fragrant but be careful not to let it burn; burnt garlic can turn bitter.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Next, add the ground chicken to the pot. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Stir occasionally until it’s browned through. This step ensures that your chicken is fully cooked and adds rich flavor.

Step 4: Mix in Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken broth along with the undrained diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine everything—this is where all those delicious flavors start coming together!

Step 5: Simmer

Bring your soup to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover it up, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes—up to 30 minutes if you have time! This slow cooking allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Add Pasta

Stir in your small pasta (ditalini or orzo) now! Cook according to package directions—usually about 8-10 minutes—until it’s tender but still firm to bite.

Step 7: Finish with Spinach

Once your pasta is ready, fold in the chopped fresh spinach. It wilts quickly—about 1-2 minutes—and adds vibrant color and nutrients!

Step 8: Cheese It Up

Now comes one of my favorite parts! Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted throughout. It adds creaminess that’s simply irresistible.

Step 9: Season

Taste your soup before serving! Season with salt and pepper according to your preference—it’s essential for bringing out all those wonderful flavors.

Step 10: Serve

Ladle this delicious soup into bowls and sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Enjoy every warm bite!

Pro Tips for Making Italian Ground Chicken Soup: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

Making this Italian Ground Chicken Soup is simple, but a few tips can take your soup from good to great!

• Sauté the Vegetables Well: Taking the time to sauté your onions, carrots, and celery until they’re softened enhances their sweetness and flavor in the soup. It sets a delicious foundation for the rest of your ingredients.

• Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, opt for fresh herbs instead of dried ones. They can add a brighter and more vibrant flavor to your soup, giving it that authentic Italian taste.

• Choose the Right Pasta: Small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo are ideal for this recipe because they hold onto the broth well and create a satisfying bite. Avoid larger pasta shapes that may overpower the soup.

• Don’t Skip the Spinach: Adding fresh spinach not only boosts the nutritional value of your soup but also adds a beautiful pop of color. Plus, it wilts down quickly, making it perfect for last-minute additions.

• Adjust Seasoning at the End: Taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. This ensures that every bowl is perfectly seasoned to your liking!

How to Serve Italian Ground Chicken Soup: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

Serving your Italian Ground Chicken Soup beautifully can enhance the dining experience. Here are some ideas to present this delightful dish!

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Chopped fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds not only color but also an aromatic freshness that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Extra Grated Parmesan: Serving with additional grated Parmesan cheese allows each person to customize their bowl according to their taste preferences.

Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup. It’s comforting and complements the broth nicely.
• Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad with crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing pairs well with the hearty soup, balancing flavors perfectly.
• Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans tossed with olive oil and lemon zest provide a fresh side that brightens up your meal.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Soft garlic breadsticks will encourage everyone to enjoy every last drop of soup! Their buttery richness is a wonderful addition to this comforting dish.

Enjoy creating this wholesome meal that’s sure to warm hearts and bellies alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Italian Ground Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, saving time on busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Make sure to label the container with the date for easy reference.

Freezing

• Portion out the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you!

Can I use different vegetables in my Italian Ground Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! This soup is very versatile. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even kale. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on how long they take to soften.

How can I make this Italian Ground Chicken Soup healthier?

This Italian Ground Chicken Soup is already a healthy option! For an extra boost, you could add more greens or swap out pasta for whole grain or legume-based options to increase fiber content.

What do I serve with this Italian Ground Chicken Soup?

You can serve it with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. Pairing it with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of lemon zest can elevate the flavors even more!

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute ground chicken with plant-based ground meat alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time as needed and ensure your broth is vegetable-based.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this cozy and comforting Italian Ground Chicken Soup as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and flavor—a true delight any day of the week. Whether you’re preparing it for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, I’m sure it will bring smiles all around. Happy cooking!