This Italian Ground Chicken Soup is cozy and full of flavor! With tender ground chicken, fresh veggies, and warm Italian spices, it’s a bowl of comfort that’s easy to make.
Perfect for chilly days, this soup warms you right up. I love topping mine with a sprinkle of cheese—because let’s be honest, everything is better with cheese! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the base of your soup, providing protein and flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use ground turkey instead. For a vegetarian version, consider using a meat alternative like crumbled tempeh or lentils.
Chicken Broth: Broth adds depth to the soup. You can use low-sodium broth for easier control of salt levels. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth works equally well.
White Beans: Cannellini or great northern beans give a creamy texture and additional protein. You can swap these for kidney beans or even chickpeas if you prefer something different.
Vegetables: The mix of celery, carrots, and bell peppers contributes sweetness and texture. You can easily replace them with any veggies you have on hand, like zucchini or mushrooms. I often throw in a handful of frozen peas for added color!
Pasta: Small pasta shapes work great in this soup. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free pasta, or skip the pasta altogether and serve it over rice.
How Can I Make Sure My Soup Has Great Flavor?
Flavor is crucial in soup, and there are some simple tricks to make sure it shines! Here’s how:
- Sauté your veggies: Don’t rush this step! Cook the onions and other veggies until they soften and start to caramelize. This brings out their natural sweetness.
- Herbs: Add herbs at different points. Stirring in the dried herbs while cooking the chicken helps release their flavors, while adding fresh herbs at the end keeps their brightness.
- Short cooking time for pasta: Make sure to add pasta towards the end of cooking so it doesn’t overcook and become mushy. You want it al dente!
- Cheese at the end: Stir in the Parmesan cheese when you remove the soup from heat. It melts nicely without becoming grainy.
- Salt wisely: Taste as you go! Add salt slowly, especially if you’re using broth that already has sodium.
Italian Ground Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water (optional, for soup consistency)
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta shapes (such as mini farfelle or ditalini)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Italian Ground Chicken Soup will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 30 minutes to cook. With simple steps, you’ll have a warming meal ready in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in your diced onion, celery, carrot, and bell pepper. Cook them together until everything softens, which will take about 5-7 minutes. This is where the flavor begins!
2. Add Garlic:
Once your veggies are soft, toss in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. You’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Now, add the ground chicken to the pot. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Stir until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
4. Season It Up:
Next, sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the herbs and boost those flavors!
5. Add Liquids:
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the chicken broth. If you like your soup a bit thinner, feel free to add in 1 cup of water.
6. Bring to a Boil:
Raise the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to meld all the flavors beautifully.
7. Pasta and Beans Time:
Stir in the white beans and pasta. Let them cook until the pasta is al dente, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
8. Add Spinach:
Once the pasta is ready, toss in the fresh spinach. Stir it until it wilts down, which will only take about 2 minutes. It adds such lovely color!
9. Incorporate Cheese:
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. It will melt and make your soup creamy and delicious!
10. Serve Up and Enjoy:
Dish up the soup while it’s hot, garnishing each serving with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper if you like. Enjoy your delightful Italian Ground Chicken Soup!
Can I Use Different Types of Ground Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or even lean beef if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, try crumbled tempeh or lentils instead of meat.
What Can I Use Instead of Pasta?
If you want to skip the pasta, you can use a grain like quinoa or brown rice. Alternatively, you can just leave it out altogether for a low-carb version!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.