There’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of soup, and this One Pot Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup is about to become your new go-to for cozy nights and busy weeknights alike. It brings together tender ground chicken, aromatic Italian herbs, hearty pasta, vibrant greens, and a luxurious creamy broth—all simmered in one pot for rich flavor and easy cleanup. Every spoonful is loaded with savory goodness and that irresistible blend of tomatoes, cheese, and cream, making it a feel-good meal the whole family will crave. If you’re searching for an effortless dish that still feels special, this is the recipe you’ll want to keep close.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of One Pot Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup is in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component adds its own touch, from a silky texture to a pop of color or a boost of flavor, all building to a soup that tastes far more than the sum of its parts.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the aromatics while browning the chicken for extra flavor.
- Ground chicken: Lean, tender, and full of protein, it forms the hearty base of the soup.
- Yellow onion: Offers a sweet, mellow background that enhances every bite.
- Garlic: Infuses the broth with bold, aromatic intensity.
- Dried basil: Brings a familiar, herbaceous note true to classic Italian soups.
- Dried oregano: Adds a savory depth and pairs beautifully with the basil and tomatoes.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but perfect for a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and bringing out all the flavors—taste before adding extra at the end.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle, earthy warmth without overpowering the main ingredients.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The foundation for the creamy soup, allowing you to control the saltiness.
- Diced tomatoes (with juices): Give a bright, tangy backbone to every spoonful and vibrant color.
- Heavy cream: Creates that signature luscious texture and dreamy richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts seamlessly into the broth, adding umami and a hint of sharpness.
- Baby spinach: Wilts into the hot soup, adding freshness and a lovely pop of green.
- Small pasta (ditalini, elbow, etc.): Turns the soup into a complete meal and adds delightful chew.
- Fresh parsley: Sprinkled over the top for a boost of color and garden-bright finish.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Bring your largest, heaviest pot to a medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Once it shimmers, tumble in the ground chicken and break it up as it cooks. Watch as it turns lightly golden and aromatic—this foundation will give One Pot Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup incredible depth, so take your time with this step!
Step 2: Add the Aromatics
Once the chicken has lost its pink color, toss in your diced onion and cook for a few minutes until the pieces are soft and translucent. Follow up with minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), plus the salt and black pepper. Stir everything together and let the fragrance fill your kitchen, signaling it’s time to move to the next layer.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and add the entire can of diced tomatoes, including their flavorful juices. Give it all a good stir, then bring the soup up to a gentle simmer. The liquid will start to bubble as the flavors meld, creating a savory tomato base that’s anything but boring.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
With the soup gently simmering, stir in your small pasta of choice. Leave the pot uncovered and cook for 8 to 10 minutes—just until the pasta is al dente, tender yet pleasantly firm. Remember to stir occasionally so nothing sticks, and enjoy watching the soup thicken as the pasta releases its starch.
Step 5: Make it Creamy and Cheesy
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. The transformation is immediate—the broth turns silky and creamy, with the cheese melting right in for added flavor. This is where One Pot Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup gets its irresistible richness and smoothness.
Step 6: Wilt in the Spinach
Scatter the chopped baby spinach over the steaming soup and stir gently. Let it simmer 2 to 3 more minutes until the greens wilt and become tender, adding a burst of color and a boost of nutrients to your finished soup.
Step 7: Taste, Adjust, and Serve
Take a quick taste and adjust seasoning if need be—a touch more salt, a little more pepper, or even extra Parmesan. Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s still piping hot and top with a shower of fresh parsley. You’re ready to savor your One Pot Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup masterpiece!
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup
Garnishes
A warm bowl practically begs for a sprinkle of parmesan, a dash of cracked black pepper, or a scattering of freshly chopped parsley. If you want to get a little fancy, add a drizzle of olive oil or a few ribbons of basil. These little touches bring brightness and visual appeal to every serving of One Pot Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but crusty Italian bread or garlic toast are perfect companions for soaking up all the creamy broth. If you’d like to create a more complete meal, add a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon or balsamic.
Creative Ways to Present
For guests or special occasions, ladle the soup into small cups or mugs for an appetizer course, top with parmesan crisps, or serve in rustic bread bowls. Leftovers also make a delightful thermos lunch, where the pasta soaks up even more flavor by the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your One Pot Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days; the flavors will develop and deepen with time, making for excellent lunches or dinners all week long.
Freezing
While soups with cream and pasta don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze portions of this soup by leaving out the spinach and pasta, then adding them fresh when you reheat. Always let it cool before freezing and be sure to use freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring regularly to preserve the creamy texture. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen. For single servings, microwave in a covered bowl, stopping to stir every minute until hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a seamless swap and will still yield a delicious One Pot Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup. Just use the same quantity and cook until browned.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Choose your favorite gluten-free small pasta and double-check your chicken broth label. The result will be just as hearty and satisfying as the original.
Is there a lighter version of this soup?
Yes! Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use reduced-fat parmesan if you’d like to lighten up the dish while keeping the creamy texture intact.
Will the pasta get mushy if I store leftovers?
The pasta will soften as it sits in the soup, but it still tastes great. If you prefer pasta with more bite, cook and store it separately, then add it to each bowl before serving or storing.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely—One Pot Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup is endlessly customizable. Try adding diced carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, or even kale in place of spinach for added variety and color.
Final Thoughts
If a dish could deliver a hug in a bowl, this would be it! One Pot Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup combines everything I love about Italian-inspired comfort food into an effortless, flavor-packed meal. Cook it once and you’ll be hooked, ready to share the warmth (and the recipe!) with everyone at your table.
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One Pot Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One Pot Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful meal that is easy to make on a busy weeknight. With hearty ground chicken, a creamy broth, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquid and Dairy:
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additions:
- 2 cups baby spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the pasta and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes or until al dente, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the chopped spinach and simmer until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute kale for spinach or use ground turkey instead of chicken.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half in place of heavy cream.
- Add more broth if the soup thickens too much after sitting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
