Name: One Pot Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups spinach, chopped; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)

This One Pot Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup is the perfect blend of savory flavors, hearty vegetables, and tender pasta, all simmered together in one pot. With ground chicken as the base, and a medley of Italian seasonings, this soup is creamy, comforting, and satisfying, making it the ideal meal for any night of the week.

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 onion, chopped

2 medium carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 cup whole milk or heavy cream

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

4 cups chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups spinach, chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)

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

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Stir in the diced carrots and celery, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Pour in the chicken broth, milk (or cream), and diced tomatoes. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.

Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Add the pasta and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

Stir in the spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2 minutes, just until the spinach is wilted and the cheese has melted into the soup.

Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary, then serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground chicken for plant-based ground meat or beans to make this soup vegetarian-friendly.

Spicier Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.

Low-Carb Option: Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or another low-carb pasta alternative.

Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free milk alternative and skip the Parmesan cheese to make the soup dairy-free.

More Veggies: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a bit of broth or milk to reach the desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe and offers a similar texture and flavor.

Can I use different pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any small pasta, like elbow macaroni, ditalini, or even small shells. Just be sure to cook it until tender.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors tend to meld and improve after a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

How do I make the soup spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, try adding more red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also try adding a chopped jalapeño or some crushed chili peppers.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach can be used in place of fresh spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup.

Conclusion

This One Pot Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup is a perfect meal for busy days when you want something comforting, easy to make, and full of flavor. With its creamy texture, savory herbs, and wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in my dinner rotation. Whether I’m cooking for family or just myself, this soup is satisfying and delicious every time.

Recipe: