Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. This comforting soup combines Italian seasoned ground chicken with garlic and Calabrian chiles, pasta, and peas, all enveloped in a creamy lemon ricotta cheese sauce. Not only is it delicious, but it also offers a wholesome meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this creamy soup on the table in about 35 minutes.
- Rich Flavors: The combination of Italian seasoning and garlic brings an aromatic depth that elevates the dish.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from ground chicken and fiber from peas, this soup is both satisfying and healthy.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or a side dish, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the heat by adding more or less Calabrian chiles based on your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s helpful to gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food processor or immersion blender
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or large soup pot: Ideal for even cooking and allows for easy stirring of ingredients without making a mess.
- Food processor or immersion blender: Ensures your ricotta sauce is perfectly smooth, blending ingredients quickly and efficiently.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1/2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 pound Ground Chicken
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- 3 cloves Garlic, crushed or minced
- 1 Tablespoon Chopped Calabrian Peppers (optional)
- 4 cups Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth
- 8 oz Farfalle or Bowtie Pasta
- 1 cup (170g) Frozen Peas
For the Creamy Sauce
- 2 oz Parmigiano Reggiano or Parmesan, freshly grated
- 15 oz (1 3/4 cup) Low Fat Ricotta
- 1/2 cup Milk
- Juice of 2 Lemons + Zest of 1 Lemon
- Black Pepper, to taste
How to Make Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup
Step 1: Heat the Pot
Heat a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat with the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground chicken. Leave it untouched for 3-4 minutes to allow one side to brown before breaking apart and fully cooking.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
To the fully cooked chicken, add the Italian seasoning, garlic, and optional Calabrian chiles. Stir everything together and cook for 30-60 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 3: Deglaze and Cook Pasta
Add a few tablespoons of chicken broth to deglaze the pot if necessary. Then add the pasta along with the remaining broth. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare Ricotta Sauce
While the pasta cooks, add all ricotta sauce ingredients into a food processor or large cup for an immersion blender. Blend until smooth and set aside.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Once the pasta has cooked for 10 minutes, turn off heat and remove cover from pot. Add frozen peas and stir them into the soup to bring them up to temperature while slightly cooling it down. Incorporate the ricotta sauce next followed by stirring in grated cheese.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Serve immediately while warm. Garnish with additional grated parmesan, Calabrian chiles (if desired), black pepper, fresh basil, and a squeeze of lemon juice. If you’re not serving right away, keep soup over low heat to maintain warmth.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup
Serving Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup is all about enhancing its flavors and presentation. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this comforting dish.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh Basil: Add a touch of freshness with chopped basil leaves for a fragrant finish.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle some extra Parmigiano Reggiano on top for added richness.
- Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten the flavors beautifully.
Accompaniments
- Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Pair it with crunchy garlic bread for a classic Italian experience.
- Salad: A simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette complements the soup perfectly.
Serving Temperature
- Warm Bowls: Pre-warm your serving bowls to keep the soup hot longer.
- Chilled Bowls: For a twist, try serving the soup in chilled bowls for a refreshing option.
How to Perfect Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup
To achieve the best results with your Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup, consider these essential tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will elevate the flavor profile significantly.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente pasta to maintain texture in your soup.
- Adjust Seasoning Carefully: Taste as you go; add salt and pepper gradually to suit your preference.
- Blend Ricotta Smoothly: Ensure that your ricotta cheese is blended until smooth for a creamy consistency.
- Garnish Before Serving: Add garnishes right before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup can enhance the meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic dressing adds freshness.
- Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction provide a classic touch.
- Garlic Knots: Warm, buttery garlic knots are perfect for dipping in the delicious soup broth.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese is a hearty side that complements the soup’s flavors well.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition alongside your soup.
- Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables makes for an elegant accompaniment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common pitfalls to watch for.
- Skipping the Browning Step: Not allowing the ground chicken to brown can lead to a bland flavor. Make sure to let it brown untouched for a few minutes.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking pasta too long will make it mushy. Aim for al dente and remember it will cook a little more in the soup.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning can result in a bland soup. Always taste as you cook and adjust with salt and pepper.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap ingredients can compromise the dish’s overall taste. Opt for good quality ricotta and fresh herbs for the best results.
- Not Blending the Ricotta Smoothly: Lumpy ricotta will ruin the creamy texture. Blend until smooth for that perfect consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warm.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup.
Can I use other types of meat?
You can substitute ground turkey or beef if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cream cheese or cottage cheese can work as alternatives, but they may change the flavor slightly.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cream alternative and nutritional yeast instead of cheese for added flavor without dairy.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Spinach, carrots, or bell peppers would be great additions that enhance flavor and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that’s both comforting and versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices. Try it out, and enjoy this cozy meal any day of the week!
Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup
Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and flavor to any occasion. This hearty soup features Italian-seasoned ground chicken simmered with garlic, Calabrian chiles, pasta, and peas, all enveloped in a creamy lemon ricotta sauce. It’s quick and simple to prepare, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. With rich, savory flavors and nutritious ingredients, this soup is not only delicious but also wholesome. Serve it warm with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will adore.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1/2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 pound Ground Chicken
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- 3 cloves Garlic, crushed or minced
- 1 Tablespoon Chopped Calabrian Peppers (optional)
- 4 cups Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth
- 8 oz Farfalle or Bowtie Pasta
- 1 cup (170g) Frozen Peas
- 2 oz Parmigiano Reggiano or Parmesan, freshly grated
- 15 oz (1 3/4 cup) Low Fat Ricotta
- 1/2 cup Milk
- Juice of 2 Lemons + Zest of 1 Lemon
- Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic, and Calabrian peppers; cook until fragrant.
- Deglaze with chicken broth, then add pasta and remaining broth. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
- Blend ricotta, milk, lemon juice, zest, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in frozen peas and the ricotta mixture after the pasta has cooked.
- Serve warm with garnishes like basil or extra cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
