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