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.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook until lightly browned and crumbly.
Stir in the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
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.
Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Stir in the spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
Remove from heat, stir in grated Parmesan cheese, and adjust seasoning as needed.
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