If you love rich, creamy, and flavorful soups, then this Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup is going to be your new favorite! With seasoned ground chicken, farfalle pasta, peas, and a luscious ricotta-lemon sauce, this dish is a perfect blend of cozy comfort and fresh Italian flavors.
Best of all? It’s ready in just 35 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner or a meal-prep-friendly option. The balance of protein, fiber, and carbs makes it a satisfying and nourishing meal without being too heavy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy nights!
✅ Protein-Packed – With over 40g of protein per serving, this soup keeps you full.
✅ Creamy Without Heavy Cream – Blended ricotta and milk create a silky, thick texture without excess fat.
✅ Balanced & Nutritious – A perfect mix of lean protein, healthy carbs, and fiber-rich ingredients.
✅ Versatile – Easily customizable with different proteins, veggies, and pasta choices!
Whether you’re craving a warm bowl of comfort on a chilly night or need a wholesome meal-prep dish, this Creamy Italian Chicken Soup is a must-try!
Ingredients Breakdown & Their Role
Let’s break down what makes this soup so rich in flavor and texture:
For the Soup Base:
🥄 ½ tbsp Olive Oil – Helps brown the chicken and enhances the flavors.
🍗 1 lb Ground Chicken – A lean protein source that absorbs all the delicious Italian seasonings.
🌿 2 tsp Italian Seasoning – A blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary for that signature Italian taste.
🧄 3 cloves Garlic (minced) – Brings a deep, savory aroma.
🌶️ 1 tbsp Chopped Calabrian Peppers (optional) – Adds a spicy, smoky kick to the dish.
🍗 4 cups Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth – Creates a flavorful base while keeping the soup light.
🍝 8 oz Farfalle (Bowtie Pasta) – The pasta soaks up the creamy sauce and adds texture.
🌿 1 cup Frozen Peas – Adds natural sweetness and extra fiber.
🧀 2 oz Parmigiano Reggiano (grated) – Adds a salty, nutty richness.
For the Creamy Ricotta Sauce:
🧀 15 oz Ricotta Cheese – Blended for an ultra-creamy, silky texture.
🥛 ½ cup Milk – Helps smooth out the sauce without making it too heavy.
🍋 Juice of 2 Lemons + Zest of 1 Lemon – Brightens up the dish and balances the richness.
🌶️ Black Pepper (to taste) – Enhances all the other flavors.
How to Make Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup
This easy one-pot recipe comes together in just a few simple steps!
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
- Heat a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat with olive oil.
- Add the ground chicken and let it brown for 3-4 minutes before breaking it apart. This allows it to develop deep, rich flavors.
- Once cooked through, stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic, and Calabrian peppers. Let them sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta & Broth
- Deglaze the pot with a few tablespoons of chicken broth to scrape up any flavorful bits.
- Add the remaining broth and the uncooked pasta.
- Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Sauce
- While the pasta is cooking, blend together:
✅ Ricotta cheese
✅ Milk
✅ Lemon juice + zest
✅ Black pepper - This creates a silky, smooth texture that makes the soup ultra-creamy!
Step 4: Finish the Soup
- Once the pasta is al dente, turn off the heat.
- Stir in the frozen peas, which will thaw quickly while cooling the soup slightly.
- Pour in the ricotta sauce, mixing well to distribute the creamy goodness.
- Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
- Serve the soup warm, garnished with more grated cheese, fresh basil, cracked black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice!
- If you like a bit more spice, add extra Calabrian chiles or red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup is perfect on its own, but here are some great ways to serve it:
🥖 With Crusty Bread – Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth!
🥗 With a Side Salad – A fresh arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness.
🧄 With Garlic Bread – Because everything is better with garlic bread!
🍷 Paired with Wine – A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, lemony flavors.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
🧊 To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔥 To Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed.
❄️ To Freeze: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months, but it’s best to freeze without the pasta. Cook fresh pasta when reheating.
Recipe Variations & Customizations
This recipe is super versatile—you can easily adapt it based on your preferences:
🌱 Make It Vegetarian – Swap the chicken for white beans and use vegetable broth.
🌶️ Spicier Version – Increase Calabrian chiles or add red pepper flakes.
🍗 Swap the Protein – Use ground turkey, Italian sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
🥦 Add More Veggies – Try adding zucchini, spinach, kale, or mushrooms for extra nutrients!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While farfalle (bowtie) pasta works well, you can use penne, fusilli, or even gnocchi.
2. Do I have to blend the ricotta?
Blending the ricotta creates a smoother, silkier texture. If you skip this step, the soup may have a slightly grainy texture.
3. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas will cook in just 1-2 minutes in the hot soup.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup is a must-try for anyone who loves comforting, protein-packed meals with bold Italian flavors! It’s:
✔️ Creamy yet light
✔️ Packed with protein
✔️ Easy to make in 35 minutes
✔️ Perfect for meal prep
Make it tonight and enjoy a warm, cozy bowl of deliciousness! 🍜💛
Print
🍲 Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup – Comfort in a Bowl!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
If you’re craving a cozy, creamy, and protein-packed meal, this Italian-inspired ground chicken soup is a must-try! Seasoned with garlic, Calabrian chiles, and Italian herbs, then finished with a silky lemon ricotta sauce, this dish is both rich and refreshing. It’s ready in just 35 minutes and perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner! 🥣✨
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped Calabrian peppers (optional)
- 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 oz freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano or Parmesan
For the Ricotta Sauce:
- 15 oz (1 ¾ cups) low-fat ricotta
- ½ cup milk
- Juice of 2 lemons + zest of 1 lemon
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and let it brown for 3-4 minutes before breaking it apart.
2️⃣ Season & Sauté: Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic, and Calabrian chiles (if using). Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add Broth & Pasta: Deglaze the pot with a little chicken broth (if needed), then add the pasta and remaining broth. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4️⃣ Blend the Ricotta Sauce: In a blender or with an immersion blender, mix ricotta, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper until smooth.
5️⃣ Finish the Soup: Once pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the peas to slightly cool the soup. Then, mix in the ricotta sauce and grated Parmesan.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy! Garnish with extra Parmesan, black pepper, fresh basil, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve warm!
Notes
✔ Blending the ricotta makes it super creamy and visually appealing!
✔ Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even pork sausage for a different flavor twist.
✔ For a lower-carb option, swap the pasta for cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1⅔ cups per serving
- Calories: 370 per serving
- Fat: 10g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 33g per serving
- Fiber: 5g per serving
- Protein: 41g per serving