Name: Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium carrot, diced; 1 medium celery stalk, diced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; to taste salt and pepper; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; for garnish fresh basil leaves

Discover the cozy comfort of Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup—a dish bursting with flavor! This hearty soup combines ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and rich dairy for a delightful meal. Whether you're cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, this recipe is simple and satisfying. Get ready to impress your taste buds and warm your soul. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to make this creamy delight!

$- 1 lb ground chicken - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium carrot, diced - 1 medium celery stalk, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice - 4 cups chicken broth The main ingredients in this soup create a flavorful base. Ground chicken adds protein and a light texture. The diced onion and minced garlic bring depth and aroma. Carrots and celery add sweetness and crunch. The diced tomatoes provide acidity, while chicken broth makes it hearty. - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Heavy cream makes the soup rich and smooth. It gives that creamy texture we love. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick. Together, they balance the flavors in the soup. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Italian seasoning brings warmth and herb flavors. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Finally, basil leaves make the soup look pretty and fresh. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes. The onion should become soft and fragrant. 3. Next, add minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook these for another 5 minutes. The vegetables should soften nicely. 1. Increase the heat to medium-high. Now, add the ground chicken to the pot. 2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until it turns brown, about 5-7 minutes. 3. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, including their juice. Then pour in the chicken broth. 4. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the flavors blend well. 1. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. 2. Cook for another 5 minutes. The spinach should wilt and the soup should heat up. 3. Taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Just before serving, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Serve the soup in shallow bowls with fresh basil leaves on top and a sprinkle of extra cheese. Enjoy every bite! To make your soup great, start with the vegetables. Sauté the onion in olive oil first. Cook it over medium heat until it is soft and clear. This helps to build a strong base of flavor. Next, add garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook these for about five minutes. You want them to soften but not lose their shape. When you add ground chicken, make sure it is cooked well. Use medium-high heat to brown the chicken evenly. Break it up with a spoon while it cooks. It should take about five to seven minutes. This step keeps the meat juicy and flavorful. To boost the taste, try adding more seasonings. You can use fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. A splash of lemon juice can add brightness. This helps balance the creaminess from the heavy cream. Taste your soup often and adjust the seasoning. This makes sure every bowl is full of flavor. When serving, think about how to make it look nice. Use shallow bowls for a lovely display. Top each bowl with fresh basil and a bit of grated Parmesan. This adds color and makes the soup pop. Pair the soup with crusty bread. This adds a great texture and makes it a complete meal. Enjoy your creation! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: The flavor of your soup will greatly benefit from using fresh vegetables and herbs. Fresh spinach and basil will add a vibrant taste compared to dried alternatives. Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt. This will still give you a creamy texture without the extra calories. Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to modify the Italian seasoning based on your taste preferences. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can provide a nice kick! Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain the creamy texture. {{image_2}} You can switch ground chicken with other meats. Ground turkey works well and is leaner. If you prefer beef, use a ground beef option. Each choice brings a unique flavor and texture. If you want a dairy-free soup, replace heavy cream with coconut milk. It adds creaminess without dairy. You can also try almond milk or cashew cream for a lighter touch. For cheese, nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor without dairy. Adding herbs and spices can change the soup's taste. Try fresh thyme or oregano for a different twist. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat if you like spice. Fresh parsley or dill also brightens the flavor. Don’t hesitate to add more vegetables! Zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans work great. They add color and nutrients. Just chop them small so they cook evenly. Want a chunkier soup? Cut your vegetables larger. This gives a heartier feel. You can also add more chicken for extra protein. For a smoother texture, blend the soup. Use an immersion blender for a few seconds. This creates a creamy base while keeping some bits for texture. Adjust the blending until it reaches your desired smoothness. To store leftover soup, let it cool first. Transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps the soup fresh and safe. Place the container in the fridge. The shelf life in the fridge is about 3 to 4 days. If you want to eat it later, freezing is a great option. For the best freezing results, cool the soup completely. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave a little space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. This keeps it safe and tasty. For quick thawing, you can use the microwave. For quick reheating, use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, heat on low. Stir often to avoid hot spots. To avoid overcooking, only heat until warm. If the soup gets too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. Enjoy your delicious soup! Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When it comes to freezing, this soup can last up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before you put it in the freezer. This way, it won't get freezer burn. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen ground chicken in this recipe. It's best to thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can cook it straight from frozen, but it may take longer to brown. Just break it up in the pan as it cooks. Always ensure it reaches a safe temperature of 165°F for safety. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad. You could also serve it over cooked pasta for a heartier meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top adds flavor and a nice touch. For a refreshing side, consider a side of garlic bread. It’s perfect for dipping! This blog covered all you need to know about making a tasty Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup. We discussed main ingredients like chicken, veggies, and herbs. I shared easy steps for cooking and tips for perfect flavor. You can even try fun variations or learn how to store leftovers. In the end, this soup is simple and adaptable. You can make it your own and enjoy it anytime. Happy cooking!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Comforting Flavor: This creamy Italian ground chicken soup is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings.
Easy to Make: </strongWith simple ingredients and quick preparation, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this soup is a nutritious choice for the whole family.
Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients or spices to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile dish.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 medium celery stalk, diced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
4 cups chicken broth

The main ingredients in this soup create a flavorful base. Ground chicken adds protein and a light texture. The diced onion and minced garlic bring depth and aroma. Carrots and celery add sweetness and crunch. The diced tomatoes provide acidity, while chicken broth makes it hearty.

Dairy Components

1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Heavy cream makes the soup rich and smooth. It gives that creamy texture we love. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick. Together, they balance the flavors in the soup.

Seasonings and Extras

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Italian seasoning brings warmth and herb flavors. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Finally, basil leaves make the soup look pretty and fresh.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes. The onion should become soft and fragrant.

3. Next, add minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook these for another 5 minutes. The vegetables should soften nicely.

Cooking the Soup

1. Increase the heat to medium-high. Now, add the ground chicken to the pot.

2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until it turns brown, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, including their juice. Then pour in the chicken broth.

4. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the flavors blend well.

Final Touches

1. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach.

2. Cook for another 5 minutes. The spinach should wilt and the soup should heat up.

3. Taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Just before serving, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve the soup in shallow bowls with fresh basil leaves on top and a sprinkle of extra cheese. Enjoy every bite!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Soup

To make your soup great, start with the vegetables. Sauté the onion in olive oil first. Cook it over medium heat until it is soft and clear. This helps to build a strong base of flavor. Next, add garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook these for about five minutes. You want them to soften but not lose their shape.

When you add ground chicken, make sure it is cooked well. Use medium-high heat to brown the chicken evenly. Break it up with a spoon while it cooks. It should take about five to seven minutes. This step keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.

Enhancing Flavor

To boost the taste, try adding more seasonings. You can use fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. A splash of lemon juice can add brightness. This helps balance the creaminess from the heavy cream. Taste your soup often and adjust the seasoning. This makes sure every bowl is full of flavor.

Presentation Ideas

When serving, think about how to make it look nice. Use shallow bowls for a lovely display. Top each bowl with fresh basil and a bit of grated Parmesan. This adds color and makes the soup pop. Pair the soup with crusty bread. This adds a great texture and makes it a complete meal. Enjoy your creation!

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: The flavor of your soup will greatly benefit from using fresh vegetables and herbs. Fresh spinach and basil will add a vibrant taste compared to dried alternatives.
Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt. This will still give you a creamy texture without the extra calories.
Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to modify the Italian seasoning based on your taste preferences. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can provide a nice kick!
Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain the creamy texture.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can switch ground chicken with other meats. Ground turkey works well and is leaner. If you prefer beef, use a ground beef option. Each choice brings a unique flavor and texture.

If you want a dairy-free soup, replace heavy cream with coconut milk. It adds creaminess without dairy. You can also try almond milk or cashew cream for a lighter touch. For cheese, nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Flavor Variations

Adding herbs and spices can change the soup's taste. Try fresh thyme or oregano for a different twist. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat if you like spice. Fresh parsley or dill also brightens the flavor.

Don’t hesitate to add more vegetables! Zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans work great. They add color and nutrients. Just chop them small so they cook evenly.

Soup Texture Modifications

Want a chunkier soup? Cut your vegetables larger. This gives a heartier feel. You can also add more chicken for extra protein.

For a smoother texture, blend the soup. Use an immersion blender for a few seconds. This creates a creamy base while keeping some bits for texture. Adjust the blending until it reaches your desired smoothness.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store leftover soup, let it cool first. Transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps the soup fresh and safe. Place the container in the fridge.

The shelf life in the fridge is about 3 to 4 days. If you want to eat it later, freezing is a great option.

Freezing Instructions

For the best freezing results, cool the soup completely. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave a little space at the top for expansion.

When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. This keeps it safe and tasty. For quick thawing, you can use the microwave.

Reheating Guidelines

For quick reheating, use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, heat on low. Stir often to avoid hot spots.

To avoid overcooking, only heat until warm. If the soup gets too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. Enjoy your delicious soup!

FAQs

How long does Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup last?

Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When it comes to freezing, this soup can last up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before you put it in the freezer. This way, it won't get freezer burn. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I use frozen ground chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen ground chicken in this recipe. It's best to thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can cook it straight from frozen, but it may take longer to brown. Just break it up in the pan as it cooks. Always ensure it reaches a safe temperature of 165°F for safety.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad. You could also serve it over cooked pasta for a heartier meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top adds flavor and a nice touch. For a refreshing side, consider a side of garlic bread. It’s perfect for dipping!

This blog covered all you need to know about making a tasty Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup. We discussed main ingredients like chicken, veggies, and herbs. I shared easy steps for cooking and tips for perfect flavor. You can even try fun variations or learn how to store leftovers.

In the end, this soup is simple and adaptable. You can make it your own and enjoy it anytime. Happy cookin