Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy soup combines the heartiness of ground chicken with the richness of a creamy base and the fresh taste of vegetables and Italian herbs. With the addition of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food, offering a balance of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a meal prep option for the week!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Ground Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, for about 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Combine the Chicken and Broth:
   Return the cooked ground chicken to the pot and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and stir well.
4. Add the Cream and Seasonings:
   Add the heavy cream and whole milk to the pot. Stir until fully combined. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), and stir to season the soup.
5. Simmer:
   Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Add the Cheese:
   Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt into the soup. Then add the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir again until melted and creamy.
7. Add the Vegetables:
   Stir in the chopped spinach, diced carrot, and diced celery, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
8. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
   Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes. Once everything is well combined and the vegetables are tender, ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Rest Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Use Ground Turkey: For a lighter version, swap ground chicken with ground turkey.
• Swap the Greens: Feel free to swap the spinach for kale, Swiss chard, or any other leafy green you prefer.
• Make it Thicker: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.
• Add Wine or Lemon: For extra depth, add a splash of white wine when simmering the broth or squeeze in some lemon juice for brightness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Add a bit more broth if needed after freezing to loosen the consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, beef, or even sausage as an alternative to ground chicken.

2. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free cream and milk substitute like coconut milk and omit the cheeses or replace them with vegan options.

3. Can I skip the red pepper flakes?

Yes, if you don’t want any heat, simply omit the red pepper flakes. The soup will still have great flavor from the herbs and seasonings.

4. How can I make this soup spicier?

To make it spicier, you can add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the soup.

5. Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or peas for extra texture and nutrition.

6. Can I use a different type of broth?

You can use vegetable broth or bone broth for a different flavor. Chicken broth will give the most traditional taste, but other broths work well too.

7. How do I make this soup vegetarian?

To make this soup vegetarian, substitute the ground chicken with a plant-based protein, like crumbled tempeh or lentils, and use vegetable broth.

8. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores well in the refrigerator and can be made a day or two ahead of time.

9. How can I thicken the soup?

You can make a cornstarch slurry (mixing equal parts cornstarch and water) and stir it into the soup while simmering to thicken it.

10. Can I add pasta to this soup?

Yes, adding small pasta like orzo or ditalini would be a great addition. Just cook the pasta separately and add it towards the end.

Conclusion

This creamy Italian ground chicken soup is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of the year. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and healthy vegetables, it’s a bowl of warmth and comfort you’ll want to enjoy again and again. Plus, it’s easy to customize and perfect for meal prep!

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