BEST ITALIAN GROUND CHICKEN SOUP

Craving a taste of Italy that’s both comforting and healthy? This Italian Ground Chicken Soup is your answer! Imagine tender ground chicken simmered with vibrant vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a light broth that warms you from the inside out. Ready to ditch the bland and embrace a bowl of pure Italian sunshine? I promise, this will become your new go-to soup.

The Stars of the Show: Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 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 shapes (ditalini, orzo, or acini di pepe work well)
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish (Optional, but Recommended!):

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crusty bread for serving

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

1. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Add the Pasta and Spinach

1. Stir in the pasta and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
2. During the last minute of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach until it wilts.

Step 4: Season and Serve

1. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
2. Ladle the Italian Ground Chicken Soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
3. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Tips & Tricks for Soup Success

Okay, friend, let’s talk soup secrets. This recipe is pretty straightforward, but a few insider tips can take it from good to *amazing*.

Ground Chicken Pro-Tips

Ground chicken can sometimes be a little… bland. Don’t be shy with the browning! Getting a nice sear on the chicken adds a ton of flavor to the whole soup. Also, make sure to drain any excess fat after browning – nobody wants a greasy soup!

Vegetable Variations

Feel free to get creative with your veggies! Zucchini, bell peppers, or even green beans would be delicious additions. Just add them along with the carrots and celery.

Pasta Pointers

I love using ditalini pasta for this soup because it’s small and cooks quickly. But you can use any small pasta shape you like! Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pastas may require slightly different times. Also, adding the pasta directly to the soup can sometimes result in it soaking up too much broth. If you prefer, you can cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup just before serving.

Broth is Boss

The quality of your chicken broth really makes a difference. If you have homemade broth, fantastic! If not, opt for a good-quality store-bought broth. Low-sodium broth is always a good choice, as you can always add more salt to taste.

Spice it Up (or Down!)

The red pepper flakes add a nice little kick, but feel free to omit them if you’re not a fan of spice. You could also add a pinch of Italian seasoning for an extra layer of flavor.

Make it Your Own: Delicious Variations

One of the best things about soup is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ideas to customize this Italian Ground Chicken Soup to your liking:

Creamy Dreamy

For a creamier soup, stir in a dollop of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end of cooking. It adds richness and a luxurious texture.

Lemon Zest

Add a teaspoon of lemon zest along with the spinach for a bright and zesty flavor.

Parmesan Rind Power

Toss a Parmesan rind into the soup while it simmers. It adds a deep, savory flavor. Just remove it before serving.

Boost the Protein

Add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

This Italian Ground Chicken Soup is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right accompaniments.

• Crusty Bread: A must-have for soaking up all that delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: Take your bread game up a notch with some garlicky goodness.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup.
• Grilled Cheese: A classic pairing that’s always a winner.

Soup Siblings: Exploring Related Recipes

If you’re loving this Italian Ground Chicken Soup, you might also enjoy these other delicious and comforting soup recipes:

• For a soup packed with health benefits, try Italian Penicillin Soup.
• Craving a vegetable medley? You can’t go wrong with Minestrone Soup.
• Looking for a creamy delight? Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is a fantastic choice.
• For a sausage-based soup, check out Italian Sausage White Bean Soup.
• Need a hearty and fun meal? Try Lasagna Soup, it’s lasagna in soup form!
• For a kid-friendly option, try Chicken Tortellini Soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Lucky you, this soup tastes even better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating Tips:

• Stovetop: Gently reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Freezing for Future You

This soup freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Leave some headspace in the containers, as the soup will expand as it freezes. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Thawing Tips:

• Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• You can also thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting, but be sure to stir it frequently to ensure even thawing.

Final Thoughts: A Hug in a Bowl

There you have it – a simple, delicious, and endlessly adaptable Italian Ground Chicken Soup that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s a hug in a bowl, a taste of Italy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, grab your apron, get cooking, and enjoy the deliciousness! I know you’re going to love it!