This Italian Ground Chicken Soup is warm and tasty, perfect for cozy evenings. It’s made with tender ground chicken, fresh veggies, and savory herbs that fill your kitchen with inviting aromas.
I love how easy it is to whip up this soup! Just toss everything in a pot, let it simmer, and you’re ready for a comforting meal. Plus, it’s great for using up leftover veggies! 🍲😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This lean meat is perfect for soups, but you can substitute it with ground turkey or lean beef if preferred. Both will still give you a hearty flavor.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is fantastic, but store-bought works just as well. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead!
Vegetables: Feel free to use mixed veggies like carrots or bell peppers. I like adding zucchini, too! Just remember to chop them small so they cook quickly.
Pasta: Bowtie pasta adds a fun shape but any small pasta, like elbow macaroni or ditalini, can be used. You can also skip the pasta for a low-carb option.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese makes a big difference! If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) works well.
How Can I Get My Chicken Soup to Have More Flavor?
Building flavor in your soup is key! It starts with browning the ground chicken well; this creates a base of flavor. Sautéing the onions and garlic adds sweetness and depth.
- Cook the chicken until it’s fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make sure the onions become translucent, which only takes a few minutes.
- Diced tomatoes and herbs like basil and oregano should simmer together for at least 10 minutes to blend all those delicious flavors.
- Always taste your soup before serving! A pinch more salt or a dash of pepper can bring everything together.
Italian Ground Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Italian Ground Chicken Soup will take about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes for chopping and sautéing, then let everything simmer together for about 20 minutes. Just enough time to enjoy a lovely breeze of Italian herbs filling your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Chicken:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook it until browned and fully cooked through; use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Once the chicken is browned, add in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for around 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This adds a wonderful flavor base to your soup!
3. Add the Liquid and Herbs:
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, dried basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy! Season with salt and black pepper. Bring this delightful mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer and Build Flavor:
Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors combine nicely!
5. Cook the Pasta:
Add the bowtie pasta to the pot and cook until it’s tender, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Give it a stir occasionally to keep it from sticking together.
6. Add Spinach and Cheese:
Stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the cheese has melted into the soup.
7. Final Touches:
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. It’s always good to check for flavor!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hot Italian Ground Chicken Soup in bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Enjoy your hearty soup!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight or submerge it in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for a faster thaw. Once thawed, cook it as directed in the recipe.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the pasta from getting mushy, you might want to store it separately if possible.
Can I Substitute Another Type of Pasta?
Yes! You can use any small pasta, like macaroni or shells. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly, so check the package instructions for timing.
Is This Soup Freezable?
Yes, it can be frozen! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over low heat.
