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For this One Pot Italian Ground Chicken Soup, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 carrot, diced - 1 celery stalk, diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice) - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups baby spinach - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - 1 tablespoon olive oil Each ingredient plays a key role. The ground chicken adds protein and heartiness. The onion, carrot, and celery bring sweetness and crunch. Garlic gives a nice depth of flavor. The diced tomatoes add acidity, while the broth provides richness. The orzo pasta is perfect for texture, soaking up all the flavors. Italian seasoning gives that classic taste we love. Red pepper flakes can add a touch of heat, but you can leave them out if you prefer a milder soup. The spinach adds color and nutrients. Fresh basil makes a lovely garnish that brightens the dish. Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to create a delicious meal in no time! {{ingredient_image_1}} Sautéing Vegetables I start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Next, I add diced onion, carrot, and celery. I sauté them for about five minutes until they soften. The aroma fills the kitchen, and it’s truly delightful. After that, I throw in minced garlic and cook it for one more minute. This step adds a rich flavor to the soup. Cooking Ground Chicken Now, I add one pound of ground chicken to the pot. I break it apart with a spoon. I cook it until the chicken turns white, which takes about five to seven minutes. This ensures that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. Adding Tomatoes and Broth Once the chicken is cooked, I pour in a can of diced tomatoes with juice. Then, I add four cups of low-sodium chicken broth. I mix it well to combine all the flavors. The broth will be the base of my soup. Incorporating Orzo and Seasonings Next, I stir in one cup of uncooked orzo pasta. I also add one teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning. For a little heat, I can include half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes, if I like. Finally, I season it with salt and pepper to taste. Simmering the Soup I bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then, I reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. This allows the orzo to cook and absorb the flavors. Adding Spinach With just a few minutes left, I add two cups of baby spinach. I cook it for another two to three minutes until it wilts. This adds a vibrant color and nutrients to the soup. Now, I taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving. Browning the Chicken Browning the ground chicken is key for flavor. Start by heating olive oil in your pot. Add the chicken and break it apart. Cook it until it turns golden. This step adds depth to your soup. Ensuring the Right Consistency You want your soup to be hearty but not too thick. If it seems too thick, add more broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer. This will help the flavors meld nicely. Herbs and Seasoning Suggestions Dried Italian seasoning works well here. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. They boost the taste. For a little heat, use red pepper flakes. Just a pinch can make a big difference. Using Fresh Ingredients Fresh veggies make your soup vibrant and tasty. Use crisp carrots, fresh spinach, and a good onion. Fresh ingredients enhance both flavor and nutrition. They make a simple soup feel gourmet. Garnishing Ideas Once you serve your soup, add fresh basil leaves on top. This adds color and a nice aroma. You can also sprinkle some grated cheese for extra richness. Serving Suggestions Serve the soup in deep bowls. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad. This makes for a complete meal. The bread is perfect for dipping into the soup. Enjoy every bite! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor to the soup. Add it just before serving to maintain its vibrant taste. Cook Orzo Separately: For a less starchy soup, consider cooking the orzo separately and adding it just before serving. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more nutrients and flavor variations. Leftovers Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve the pasta's texture. {{image_2}} You can switch ground chicken for other meats. Ground turkey works well too. If you want a richer taste, use ground beef. For a lighter option, try ground pork. Each protein brings its own flavor, so feel free to experiment. This soup is flexible with veggies. If you don’t have carrots, use bell peppers instead. Zucchini or green beans are also great options. You can even add corn for sweetness. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on what you choose. To make this soup gluten-free, swap orzo for rice or gluten-free pasta. You can also skip the pasta altogether for a lighter dish. Use gluten-free broth to keep it safe for all diets. Always check labels to ensure no hidden gluten. For a vegetarian version, replace ground chicken with mushrooms or lentils. You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra veggies like diced potatoes or chickpeas to boost protein. This version stays tasty and filling. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh chili or hot sauce for a kick. For a milder soup, leave out the red pepper flakes. Always taste as you go to find your perfect heat level. Herbs can change the whole soup vibe. Basil and oregano are classic choices. But you can mix in thyme or rosemary for a twist. Fresh herbs added at the end will brighten the soup. Just chop them finely for a burst of flavor. To store leftovers of One Pot Italian Ground Chicken Soup, let it cool first. After cooling, transfer it into airtight containers. This keeps the soup fresh and safe to eat. I recommend using glass containers or BPA-free plastic. Glass is great for reheating too. You can freeze this soup for longer storage. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the bags with the date. For thawing, place the soup in the fridge overnight. For quick reheating, warm it in a pot over low heat. When stored properly, the soup lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. If you freeze it, it can stay good for 2-3 months. After that, the flavor may fade. Always check for any odd smells or colors before eating. Enjoy your tasty soup whenever you want! Can I use cooked chicken instead of ground chicken? Yes, you can use cooked chicken. Shred or chop it into small pieces. Add it to the soup after cooking the veggies. This saves time and adds flavor. How can I make this soup dairy-free? This soup is naturally dairy-free. Just avoid adding cheese or cream. You can still enjoy the rich taste without any dairy! What can I serve with this soup? Serve this soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A side of garlic bread pairs well too. You can also add a sprinkle of cheese, if you like. How long can I cook the soup for optimal flavor? Cook the soup for about 20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld. If you have more time, let it simmer longer for even richer taste. Can I substitute orzo with another pasta? Yes, you can use any small pasta. Try ditalini or small shells. Just make sure to adjust cooking time based on the pasta you choose. What are alternatives to canned tomatoes? You can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Just chop them up and add juice. Another option is tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes for a smooth texture. In this blog post, we covered how to make a delicious soup with ground chicken, fresh veggies, and pasta. You learned step-by-step methods for preparing and combining ingredients. We also shared helpful tips for flavor and presentation. If you try variations and storage tips, you can enjoy this dish in many ways. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting. I encourage you to have fun while making this soup!

One Pot Italian Ground Chicken Soup

A hearty and flavorful soup made with ground chicken, vegetables, and orzo pasta, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground chicken to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth, mixing well.
  • Stir in the uncooked orzo, dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
  • Add the baby spinach and cook for a further 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Notes

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch. Serve with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, Italian, one pot, soup