Your Go-To Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup
Hello there! Are you in the mood for some seriously comforting food? I totally get that. Nothing beats a warm bowl of creamy soup on a chilly day, and this Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup hits all the right notes! It’s hearty, flavorful, and so satisfying—the kind of dish that wraps you in a cozy hug with every spoonful.
Nutritional Benefits
One of the best parts of this soup is that it’s packed with healthy ingredients, making it a wholesome choice for lunch or dinner. Ground chicken is a lean protein, perfect for filling you up without weighing you down. Spinach adds a boost of vitamins A and C, while carrots provide fiber and antioxidants. This soup is also creamy, thanks to the addition of heavy cream, which gives it a delightful richness. It’s all about balance!
Fun Variations to Make
- Dairy-Free Version: If you’re looking to make this soup dairy-free, simply swap the heavy cream with coconut milk. It adds a unique flavor while still keeping things creamy!
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to toss in some other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms for even more nutrition and texture.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick in your soup!
- No Chicken? No Problem!: You can substitute ground chicken with turkey or even a plant-based ground option for a vegetarian take.
- Herb Infusion: For an herby explosion, try adding fresh basil or thyme instead of dried seasoning for a fresher taste.
Deliciously Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Crusty bread (for serving)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add a drizzle of olive oil (about 2 tablespoons).
- Then, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, around 3-4 minutes—it smells amazing already!
- Next, add the diced carrots. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften; you want them to keep some crunch.
- Now, stir in the ground chicken. Use a spoon to break the chicken up. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Season everything with the Italian seasoning, and add salt and pepper to taste. This step really brings all those flavors together!
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
- When it’s simmering nicely, toss in the fresh spinach. Give it a stir and watch it wilt in, which should only take about 2-3 minutes.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to give it a creamy texture. Allow it to heat through for a couple more minutes—your kitchen is now officially fragrant and inviting!
- Now, take a moment to taste your soup. Adjust any seasonings where necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as you see fit.
- Ready to serve? Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy every spoonful!
Practical Tips
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can let it simmer a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
- This soup is fantastic for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove before serving.
- Feel free to blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture while leaving some chunks for heartiness—what I like to call the best of both worlds!
Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this fantastic soup:
- A large pot or Dutch oven for cooking
- Cutting board and knife for all your chopping duties
- A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
- A ladle for serving
- A measuring cup for liquids
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen spinach? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the soup.
- Can I substitute the heavy cream for something lighter? Yes, half-and-half or milk can be used, but it may not be as creamy.
- Is this soup freezer-friendly? Yes! It freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers.
- How can I make this recipe faster? You can use pre-chopped veggies or even rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal!
- What herbs can I add for extra flavor? Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme can enhance the flavor wonderfully—get creative!
Now that you have this delicious recipe in your hands, I’d love to hear how your creamy Italian ground chicken soup turns out! Snap a pic and share your version on Pinterest. Happy cooking, my friend—let’s make some memories with our meals!
