Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup: Simple, Rich Comfort (Print Version)

Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup brings warmth to any table. This savory, satisfying bowl is packed with flavor and perfect for a simple, comforting meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Dairy-Optional (see notes), Gluten-Free (if using GF broth)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 lb lean ground chicken
03 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
04 - 2 carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
08 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
09 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
10 - 5 oz fresh spinach

→ Flavor Boosters & Seasonings

11 - 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
12 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little warmth)
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

14 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
15 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

→ Optional Extras

16 - Parmesan rind (for simmering)
17 - A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (for brightness)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your big soup pot or Dutch oven. Drizzle in a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, toss in that ground chicken. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, letting it get nice and brown. We're building flavor here, so don't rush it! I always make sure to get a good sizzle going, and honestly, the smell of browning chicken is just the start of something delicious. Drain any excess fat; we want flavor, not grease, you know?
02 - Now, with the chicken pushed to the side or removed (your call, I usually just push it), add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery. Stir them around, letting them soften up for about 5-7 minutes until the onion turns translucent. This is where the kitchen starts smelling absolutely amazing. I always stand over the pot, inhaling deeply, feeling like a proper chef, even if my counter is a total mess. Don't let them burn, though; a gentle sizzle is what we're after.
03 - Once those veggies are tender, it’s garlic time! Stir in your minced garlic and the red pepper flakes, letting them cook for just about a minute until fragrant. Oh my gosh, that smell! You don't want the garlic to burn, so keep an eye on it—it goes from perfectly golden to bitter in a blink, trust me, I've been there. Then, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, stirring it into the veggies and chicken. Let those spices toast for another 30 seconds; it really wakes up their flavor.
04 - Pour in the chicken broth and the undrained diced tomatoes. Give everything a good stir, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—that's pure flavor right there! Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes. This simmering time is crucial for all those delicious flavors to meld together. I often wander off during this step, only to be drawn back by the incredible aroma filling the house.
05 - Once the soup has had its little simmer party, take it off the heat. Now for the magic touch: stir in the heavy cream until it’s beautifully incorporated and the soup looks wonderfully rich and velvety. Don't add the cream while it's boiling, hon, or it might curdle—a mistake I've learned from! Then, toss in those big handfuls of fresh spinach. Stir it gently until it wilts down, which happens super fast. It adds a lovely vibrant green and a fresh, earthy note.
06 - Finally, taste your Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup and adjust the seasonings. This is the most important step! Add more salt, pepper, or even a little more Italian seasoning if you think it needs it. I always do a few rounds of tasting and tweaking. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, and for the grand finale, sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and a scattering of fresh parsley. Serve it up immediately, maybe with some crusty bread for dipping. Pure comfort, right there!

# Notes:

01 - Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end, it makes all the difference.
02 - For longer storage, freeze the soup base before adding cream and spinach, then add fresh when reheating.
03 - Swap ground chicken for ground turkey or Italian sausage if you like, it works great!
04 - A sprinkle of fresh lemon juice at the end really brightens the flavors, try it!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large Pot or Dutch Oven
02 - Cutting Board
03 - Knife
04 - Ladle

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 380
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 20g
Protein: 22g

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