Ingredients
– 1/2 tablespoon olive oil This provides a healthy fat base for browning the chicken and adds a subtle richness to the soup’s flavor.
– 1 pound ground chicken Serves as the main protein source, offering lean meat that’s easy to cook and packed with nutrients for a satisfying meal.
– 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning Infuses the soup with aromatic herbs, enhancing the Italian ground chicken soup’s authentic taste and depth.
– 3 cloves garlic, crushed or minced Adds a pungent, savory note that builds the foundation of flavor and supports heart health with its natural compounds.
– 1 tablespoon chopped Calabrian peppers (optional) Brings a spicy kick if desired, which can be swapped for other options to adjust heat levels and add complexity.
– 4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth Forms the liquid base, keeping the soup light and allowing you to control salt intake for better health benefits.
– 8 ounces farfalle or bowtie pasta Provides a hearty texture and absorbs flavors well, making the soup more filling and versatile for different pasta types.
– 1 cup (170g) frozen peas Adds sweetness and vitamins, plus fiber to balance the meal and make it more nutritious for everyday eating.
– 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, freshly grated Contributes a nutty, salty finish that melts into the soup, boosting protein and enhancing the overall creaminess.
– 15 ounces (1 3/4 cups) low fat ricotta cheese Creates a creamy texture that’s lower in calories, helping to make the soup rich without excess fat.
– 1/2 cup milk Thins the sauce for smooth blending, and you can choose low-fat versions to keep things light for diet-conscious folks.
– Juice of 2 lemons Adds bright acidity that brightens the flavors and provides a vitamin C boost, making the soup feel fresh and lively.
– Zest of 1 lemon Infuses a citrusy aroma that elevates the taste, adding a zesty twist without extra calories.
– Black pepper to taste Seasons the sauce perfectly, enhancing other flavors and offering a simple way to adjust spice levels.
Instructions
1-First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients Begin by gathering and prepping all items. Measure out 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound ground chicken, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 3 cloves garlic, and optional 1 tablespoon chopped Calabrian peppers. Also, have 4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth, 8 ounces farfalle pasta, 1 cup frozen peas, and 2 ounces grated Parmesan ready. For the ricotta sauce, set aside 15 ounces low-fat ricotta, 1/2 cup milk, juice and zest from 2 lemons, and black pepper. This mise en place helps everything go quickly, and you can adapt by using gluten-free pasta if needed.
2-Second Step: Brown the Chicken Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and let it brown on one side for 3-4 minutes, then break it apart and cook until it’s no longer pink. This step builds flavor and ensures the meat is safe to eat. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic, and Calabrian peppers if using, cooking for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. If things stick, deglaze with a few tablespoons of broth to keep it simple and adjust for dietary preferences like using ground turkey.
3-Third Step: Add Pasta and Broth Pour in the 8 ounces of farfalle pasta and the remaining 4 cups of chicken broth. Cover the pot and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking. This allows the pasta to absorb flavors from the Italian ground chicken soup base. For variations, you might add extra veggies here, like spinach, to boost nutrition while keeping the process easy for busy parents.
4-Fourth Step: Make the Ricotta Sauce While the soup cooks, blend the 15 ounces of ricotta cheese with 1/2 cup milk, juice of 2 lemons, zest of 1 lemon, and black pepper until smooth. This takes just a minute or two and creates a creamy addition that defines the Italian ground chicken soup. Set it aside so it’s ready to mix in, and remember you can use low-fat milk for a lighter version if you’re watching calories.
5-Fifth Step: Finish and Combine After 10 minutes, turn off the heat and uncover the pot. Stir in the 1 cup of frozen peas to warm them through and cool the soup slightly. Add the blended ricotta sauce and stir well, then mix in the 2 ounces of grated Parmesan for extra creaminess. This step brings everything together, making your Italian ground chicken soup rich and satisfying, with options to garnish for different tastes.
6-Final Step: Serve and Enjoy Serve the soup immediately in bowls, adding optional garnishes like extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or lemon juice. Each serving is about 1 2/3 cups, yielding 6 portions with around 370 calories per serving. If you’re not ready to eat, keep it warm on low heat, and consider how this Italian ground chicken soup adapts to meal prep for working professionals.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🧀 Blend the ricotta sauce for a smoother texture; unblended can be gritty.
🌶️ Substitute Calabrian peppers with sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, or red pepper flakes mixed with vinegar and oil.
🍲 To prevent pasta over-softening in leftovers, cook pasta separately and add to individual bowls.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering and blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 2/3 cups (13 ounces)
- Calories: 370
- Fat: 10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 33 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Protein: 41 grams