Italian Ground Chicken Soup – A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic Comfort Dish

There’s something undeniably soothing about a bowl of homemade soup simmering on the stove. Maybe it’s the way the aroma of garlic and herbs fills the kitchen, or maybe it’s how every spoonful seems to wrap you in warmth. For me, this Italian Ground Chicken Soup brings back memories of cozy Sunday evenings, when dinner felt simple yet special. It’s hearty enough for a weeknight meal but still light enough that you won’t feel weighed down. Best of all, it’s ready in under an hour—so you can have that slow-cooked Italian flavor without spending all day in the kitchen.

This soup combines the heartiness of Italian classics with the lean, healthy touch of ground chicken. You get all the depth of tomato, garlic, and herbs, but with a lighter twist that still satisfies.

What Is Italian Ground Chicken Soup?

At its heart, Italian Ground Chicken Soup is a rustic mix of ground chicken, aromatic vegetables, Italian herbs, and a savory broth—often finished with pasta or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Think of it as a cousin to Italian Wedding Soup, but easier, heartier, and more adaptable.

This recipe leans into what makes Italian comfort food so beloved: simplicity, balance, and flavor. You’ll notice the earthy tones of oregano and thyme, the sweetness of sautéed onions and carrots, and the richness of a slow-simmered broth. The ground chicken soaks up every bit of flavor, turning tender and juicy in the process.

It’s the kind of meal that feels homemade even on your busiest weeknights—familiar, nourishing, and deeply satisfying.

Italian Ground Chicken Soup

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• Author: Rasha Annan
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Italian Ground Chicken Soup is a cozy, flavor-packed comfort meal made with lean ground chicken, tender vegetables, herbs, and pasta simmered in a savory tomato broth. It’s light yet hearty, perfect for busy weeknights, and tastes like an authentic Italian classic without hours of cooking.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground chicken (lean or regular)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook until lightly browned and crumbly.

2. Stir in the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

3. Add garlic, tomato paste, and seasonings (oregano, Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes). Cook for 1–2 minutes to release the flavors.

4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes.

5. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Stir in the spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.

6. Remove from heat, stir in grated Parmesan cheese, and adjust seasoning as needed.

7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or basil.

Notes

For a creamier texture, stir in a few tablespoons of half-and-half or ricotta cheese before serving.

To make it gluten-free, replace pasta with rice or gluten-free noodles.

The soup can be frozen without pasta for up to three months; add fresh pasta when reheating.

Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be substituted for ground chicken for a richer flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1½ cups)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg

Ingredients & Flavor Foundations

Creating this soup is all about layering flavors the Italian way—slowly building richness with each ingredient. Here’s what you’ll need:

Protein & Base

• 1 lb ground chicken (lean or regular, depending on preference)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Broth & Seasonings

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little kick)

Finishing Touches

• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

You can already imagine the aroma—garlic sizzling in olive oil, onions softening, and herbs releasing their fragrance. Every element has its role in creating that signature Italian balance of comfort and freshness.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Sauté and Build the Base

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until it’s lightly browned and crumbly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the meat starts to brown, toss in the onions, carrots, and celery. Let them soften for about five minutes, stirring now and then.

Next comes the magic trio: garlic, tomato paste, and seasoning. Cook them for a minute or two, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly—it’s what gives your broth that slow-cooked richness.

Simmer and Add Depth

Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring everything to a gentle boil. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes. This gives time for the flavors to meld beautifully.

Add your pasta directly to the simmering broth and cook until al dente, usually 8–10 minutes depending on the pasta shape. Stir in the spinach during the last few minutes of cooking—it will wilt instantly, adding color and freshness.

Final Touches

Remove the soup from heat, then sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese. It melts into the broth, giving it a subtle creamy texture without needing actual cream. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or basil, and maybe an extra dash of olive oil for a silky finish.

Dietary Variations & Ingredient Substitutions

Every good home recipe deserves flexibility, and Italian Ground Chicken Soup is wonderfully adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for specific dietary needs or just prefer lighter options, here’s how you can tweak it:

Gluten-Free

Skip the pasta and substitute with gluten-free noodles, cooked rice, or even quinoa. If you love texture, try adding diced potatoes for a hearty bite.

Low-Carb or Keto

Replace pasta with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles. These soak up the broth while keeping things light and nutrient-dense.

Dairy-Free

Instead of Parmesan, sprinkle nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative. It delivers that same “umami” richness without the dairy.

Vegan

Go plant-based by swapping ground chicken for lentils, chickpeas, or a vegan meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and top it off with olive oil and herbs for a full-bodied, comforting flavor.

Halal

Choose certified halal ground chicken and low-sodium broth that meets dietary requirements. The rest of the ingredients naturally fit within halal cooking traditions.

These small changes make the soup inclusive, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting classic.

Variations & Flavor Tweaks

This dish is endlessly versatile, and part of the fun comes from making it your own.

You can turn it creamy by stirring in a splash of half-and-half or a spoonful of ricotta cheese right before serving. Want a bit of Mediterranean flair? Add artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.

If you’re after a little heat, sprinkle in Calabrian chili flakes or a touch of chili oil. To give it extra substance, toss in white beans or cannellini beans—they pair beautifully with the herbs and tomatoes.

And if you’re looking to meal prep, this soup reheats beautifully. The flavors deepen overnight, and a little extra broth brings it right back to life.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

The beauty of Italian Ground Chicken Soup is how well it keeps. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors only get richer with time.

When reheating, add a bit of extra broth or water since the pasta may absorb some liquid overnight. For longer storage, freeze the soup without pasta for up to three months. Cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.

If you’re planning ahead, cook the base (broth, vegetables, and chicken) in advance and store it separately. Add the pasta and spinach just before serving to keep things fresh and vibrant.

Every spoonful of this Italian Ground Chicken Soup delivers that unmistakable taste of home—hearty, flavorful, and soul-warming. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving a family dinner, it’s one of those recipes that brings comfort to the table effortlessly. And if you ever find yourself missing the flavors of Italy, a single bowl will take you right back there—no plane ticket required.

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely. Ground turkey works just as well in Italian Ground Chicken Soup, offering a similar lean texture and mild flavor. Just make sure to season it generously with Italian herbs so it still delivers that rich, savory taste.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup up to two days in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. If it includes pasta, add a little extra broth before reheating since the noodles tend to absorb liquid.

Is this soup healthy?

Definitely. This Italian Ground Chicken Soup is packed with protein, vegetables, and herbs while staying low in fat. For an even lighter version, use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta and skip the cheese topping.

Can I freeze Italian Ground Chicken Soup?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta to maintain the texture. Let it cool completely, transfer to airtight containers, and freeze for up to three months. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

How can I make the soup creamier?

To create a creamier texture, stir in a few tablespoons of cream, half-and-half, or even a spoonful of ricotta at the end. It adds a silky finish without overpowering the Italian herbs and garlic flavor.