This Italian Ground Chicken Soup is warm and hearty, featuring tender chicken, colorful veggies, and tasty herbs. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly night!
I love how quick this soup is to whip up! Just add all the ingredients to a pot, let it simmer, and soon you’ll have a delicious bowl waiting for you. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the soup! Ground turkey or even lean beef can be great alternatives if you want something different.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch and nutrition. You can swap it with kale, spinach, or even frozen mixed veggies if you’re short on time.
Olive Oil: A staple for sautéing veggies. Canola or avocado oil are good substitutes if you prefer a different flavor.
Ricotta Cheese: This gives a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, cottage cheese works well too, or you could use cream cheese for a richer taste.
Diced Tomatoes: Use canned for convenience! Fresh tomatoes or even roasted tomatoes can also work if you want to enhance the flavor.
How Do You Make Ground Chicken Flavorful in Soup?
To infuse a lot of flavor into your ground chicken, start by sautéing it until it’s browned nicely. This not only develops a good base flavor, but it also helps reduce excess moisture.
- Sauté onion and garlic first—this builds a strong flavor foundation.
- Season the chicken while it cooks with salt and pepper. Feel free to sprinkle in some Italian seasoning or a bay leaf for added depth.
- After adding the broth and veggies, be sure to let it simmer so all the flavors meld together. The longer it cooks on low heat, the better it’ll taste!
Italian Ground Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups mini tortellini or small stuffed pasta
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a warm bowl ready in about 45 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the diced onion and let it cook until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until you can smell that yummy garlic aroma filling your kitchen.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Next, add the ground chicken to the pot. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it apart as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. Keep stirring until fully cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Veggies:
Now it’s time to add some color! Stir in the chopped broccoli and sliced celery, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. This adds plenty of flavor and nutrition to your soup.
4. Combine and Flavor:
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the chicken broth, mixing everything well. Then, season with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), salt, and black pepper. Increase the heat and bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.
5. Cook the Pasta:
Add the mini tortellini to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes, until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite (al dente).
6. Stir in the Creamy Goodness:
Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat again. Gently swirl in the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until they melt and blend into the broth, creating a creamy texture. Take a moment to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, ladle your hearty soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives and an extra sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Italian Ground Chicken Soup!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it fully before cooking. You can thaw ground chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cook it thoroughly until no longer pink.
What Can I Substitute for Tortellini?
If you don’t have tortellini on hand, feel free to use any small pasta shape like shells, ditalini, or even rice for a different texture. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose!
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it’s thickened up.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the ground chicken with a vegetarian substitute, like crumbled tempeh or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Just sauté the veggies a bit longer to ensure they’re tender.
