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
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1 lb ground chicken (lean or regular)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion, finely diced
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2 carrots, peeled and sliced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp dried thyme
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cups fresh spinach leaves
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Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook until lightly browned and crumbly.
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Stir in the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
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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.
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Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
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Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Stir in the spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
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Remove from heat, stir in grated Parmesan cheese, and adjust seasoning as needed.
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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