This creamy Italian ground chicken soup is a delightful dish that brings the warmth of Italy right to your kitchen. Perfect for cozy family dinners or when you want something comforting, this soup combines tender ground chicken with rich flavors from savory herbs and cream. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that suits any occasion, whether it’s a chilly evening or a gathering with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: This soup can be ready in just under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and creamy flavor: The combination of heavy cream and cheeses creates a velvety texture that elevates the dish.
- Healthy ingredients: Packed with vegetables like spinach, carrot, and celery, this soup is both nutritious and delicious.
- Versatile: Customize it to your taste by adding more vegetables or adjusting the spices!
- Family-friendly: Kids love the mild flavors and creamy texture, making it a hit for all ages.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools for efficient cooking. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Chopping board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups, allowing enough space for all ingredients while ensuring even heat distribution.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware and effectively breaking apart the ground chicken.
Ingredients
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
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 medium carrot, diced
– 1 celery stalk, diced
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
How to Make Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the pot. Cook while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Next, add minced garlic and sauté for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked ground chicken to the pot. Stir to combine with onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth while stirring well to incorporate all ingredients.
Step 5: Add Dairy and Seasonings
Add heavy cream and whole milk to the pot. Stir until fully combined. Sprinkle in dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well to season your soup.
Step 6: Simmer
Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 10–15 minutes so that flavors meld beautifully.
Step 7: Melt in Cheeses
Add grated Parmesan cheese to the soup. Stir until melted into the mixture. Follow with shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring again until melted and creamy.
Step 8: Add Vegetables
Stir in chopped spinach, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook for an additional 5–7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 9: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste your creamy Italian ground chicken soup! Adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes according to your preference.
Step 10: Serve
Once ready, ladle your delicious soup into bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy this hearty meal!
How to Serve Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup
Serving creamy Italian ground chicken soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this comforting dish.
With Fresh Herbs
- Basil or Parsley: Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped basil or parsley for an aromatic touch.
- Chili Flakes: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a hint of heat and color.
Accompanying Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of a crusty baguette on the side for dipping into the rich broth.
- Garlic Bread: Pair with warm garlic bread for a savory addition that complements the soup.
Perfect Pairings
- Salad: A light arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances the meal’s richness.
- Cheese Platter: Offer a small cheese platter featuring Italian cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano and mozzarella.
With Pasta
- Pasta Side: Serve small pasta shapes, like orzo or ditalini, in the soup to add texture and heartiness.
- Stuffed Pasta: Incorporate tortellini or ravioli for an indulgent twist.
How to Perfect Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup
To ensure your creamy Italian ground chicken soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavors significantly.
- Don’t Rush Cooking: Allow the soup to simmer, as this helps meld all the ingredients together beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go; adding too much salt at once can overpower the dish.
- Add Cheese Slowly: Stir in cheeses gradually to achieve that perfect creamy consistency without clumping.
- Experiment With Spices: Feel free to adjust herbs and spices according to your preference for heat and flavor.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup
Completing your meal with delicious side dishes can enhance the overall experience of enjoying creamy Italian ground chicken soup. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Bread: This classic side is perfect for soaking up every drop of soup with its buttery, garlicky flavor.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition while complementing the rustic flavors of the soup.
- Antipasto Platter: A variety of cured meats, olives, and cheeses provide a delightful pre-soup snack option.
- Herbed Couscous: Light, fluffy couscous seasoned with herbs makes a satisfying base when served alongside the soup.
- Risotto: Creamy risotto provides a luxurious pairing that echoes the richness of the soup while adding depth to the meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making creamy Italian ground chicken soup can be simple, but there are common errors that can hinder the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality ingredients can affect the flavor of your soup. Always choose fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken broth for the best taste.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the ground chicken too long can make it tough. Cook just until browned and fully cooked through for a tender texture.
Skipping seasoning: Not seasoning your soup properly can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to taste as you go and adjust seasoning to enhance the overall taste.
Rushing the simmering process: Simmering allows flavors to meld beautifully. Skipping this step means you might miss out on rich, deep flavors in your soup.
Not adding enough veggies: Vegetables not only add flavor but also texture and nutrition. Be generous with spinach, carrots, and celery to enhance your dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover creamy Italian ground chicken soup in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup
- Use a freezer-safe container or bag for storage.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warm.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and reheat in short intervals, stirring as needed.
- Stovetop: Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making creamy Italian ground chicken soup:
Can I use other meats instead of ground chicken?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or even sausage for a different flavor profile while still maintaining a delicious creamy base.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version of creamy Italian ground chicken soup, substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or a blend of non-dairy milk alternatives.
What herbs work best in creamy Italian ground chicken soup?
Dried basil and oregano are traditional choices. Fresh parsley or thyme can also add a wonderful touch to this comforting dish.
Can I add more vegetables to my soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to include bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. Just ensure they are chopped small enough to cook through easily.
How do I store leftovers of creamy Italian ground chicken soup?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for longer preservation.
Final Thoughts
This creamy Italian ground chicken soup is perfect for cozy dinners at home. Its rich flavors and velvety texture make it irresistible. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices! Give it a try today!
Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup
Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup is the perfect dish for chilly evenings or cozy family gatherings. This rich and velvety soup combines tender ground chicken with a medley of fresh vegetables and savory herbs, all enveloped in a creamy broth. In just under an hour, you can create a nutritious meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. It’s customizable too! Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Whether served alone or paired with crusty bread, this soup will warm hearts and bellies alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground chicken, cooking until browned (5–7 minutes). Set aside.
- Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes, then add garlic for another 1–2 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pot, pour in broth, and stir well.
- Incorporate heavy cream and whole milk; mix thoroughly.
- Add seasonings (basil, oregano, salt, pepper) and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until melted.
- Add spinach, carrot, and celery; cook until tender (5–7 minutes).
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
