EASY ITALIAN SOUP WITH GROUND CHICKEN

The air is crisp, the nights are getting longer, and your stomach is rumbling for something warm and comforting. This Italian Soup With Ground Chicken is the answer to all your cravings – hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. I promise you, this will become a new family favorite!

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or acini di pepe)
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crusty bread, for serving

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

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pot! Brown the chicken in batches if necessary to get a nice sear.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Troubleshooting Tip: If the vegetables start to stick to the bottom of the pot, add a splash of chicken broth.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

1. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), cannellini beans, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. Add the pasta to the soup and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
2. Important Note: Keep an eye on the pasta! Overcooked pasta will make the soup mushy.

Step 5: Add the Spinach

1. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Substitution Option: If you don’t have spinach, you can use kale or other leafy greens. Just make sure to chop them finely and cook them a little longer.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Ladle the Italian Soup With Ground Chicken into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
2. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
3. Serving Suggestion: A dollop of ricotta cheese on top adds a creamy touch!

Making it Your Own: Variations and Substitutions

Spice it Up!

Want to add a little more heat? Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to your bowl.

Add More Vegetables

Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just add them along with the carrots and celery in Step 2.

Use Different Beans

If you don’t have cannellini beans, you can use great northern beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas.

Make it Creamy

For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. Or consider trying my Creamy Italian Chicken Soup for a similar, richer experience.

Swap the Protein

While this recipe calls for ground chicken, you can easily substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage. If using Italian sausage, make sure to remove it from the casings and brown it before adding the vegetables.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Italian Soup With Ground Chicken

Use Quality Ingredients

The flavor of the soup will be enhanced by using good quality chicken broth and canned tomatoes. Look for low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the soup.

Don’t Skip the Sautéing

Sautéing the vegetables before adding the broth helps to develop their flavor and create a richer, more complex soup.

Simmer, Simmer, Simmer

Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld together and creates a more flavorful final product. Don’t rush this step!

Adjust the Seasoning

Taste the soup frequently and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences.

Make it Ahead

This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to develop. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What to Serve With Your Italian Soup With Ground Chicken

This soup is a meal in itself, but it’s also delicious served with:

• Crusty bread for dipping
• A side salad
• Grilled cheese sandwich

You could also try Chicken Mushroom Soup, Chicken Tortellini Soup, or Marry Me Chicken Soup for other satisfying soup options. If you love Mexican flavors, you might want to try my Chicken Taco Soup! Another great option for a creamy soup is the Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup, if you’re looking for something different.

Storing and Reheating Your Soup

Storing

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if needed to thin it out.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 25g

Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Conclusion

This Italian Soup With Ground Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl, a comforting reminder of home-cooked goodness, and a testament to the fact that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a soup that will warm your heart and soul.