Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe
If you’re craving comfort food that’s both hearty and wholesome, this Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe is pure magic in a bowl. Imagine tender ground turkey simmered with fresh vegetables, tender beans, vibrant greens, and little pasta morsels all melded together in a savory tomato broth that’s bursting with Italian herbs. Every spoonful delivers warmth, flavor, and a nutrient-packed punch that feels like a hug from the inside. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend, this soup is guaranteed to become your go-to for easy, satisfying meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish truly special yet straightforward to prepare.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps brown the turkey evenly.
- Ground turkey (lean): A lighter protein option that soaks up the flavors beautifully.
- Onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and depth to the soup base.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Essential for that unmistakable aromatic kick.
- Carrots, diced: Bring a subtle natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Celery stalks, chopped: Adds freshness and crunch to balance the textures.
- Canned diced tomatoes (undrained): The heart of the broth, delivering acidity and body.
- Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed: Boost protein and create a creamy mouthfeel.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms a flavorful base without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Dried basil: Brings that classic Italian herbal flair.
- Dried oregano: Elevates the savory complexity with its woodsy notes.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a subtle heat to awaken the palate.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste—essential for balancing all flavors.
- Spinach, chopped (or kale): Adds vibrant green color and nutritious leafy goodness.
- Small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni): Provides satisfying bite and absorbs the soup’s flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Delivers a fresh, herbal finish and brightens every spoonful.
How to Make Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Turkey
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and gently break it apart with your spoon. Cook it until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink, about 7 to 8 minutes. This step builds a savory foundation for your soup and locks in the rich meaty flavor, making each bite satisfyingly hearty.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the chopped onion, garlic, diced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook everything together for 5 to 7 minutes until the veggies start to become soft and fragrant. This combination brings aromatic sweetness and fresh crunch, giving the soup wonderful texture contrast.
Step 3: Add the Liquids and Seasonings
Now it’s time for the soul of the soup. Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, the rinsed cannellini beans, and the low-sodium chicken broth. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, and if you like a little heat, the red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir everything gently and bring the pot to a gentle simmer, allowing all those beautiful Italian flavors to meld.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Once simmering, add your choice of small pasta—ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni all work perfectly. Let the pasta cook in the simmering broth for 8 to 10 minutes until tender but still with a bit of bite. Stir occasionally to keep those little pasta pieces from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Add the Greens
As the pasta finishes cooking, stir in the chopped spinach or kale. Cook for an additional 3 or 4 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender, infusing the soup with a fresh, earthy vibrancy that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Step 6: Serve with a Flourish
Give your soup a final taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Ladle it warm into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for an inviting herbal burst. This final touch is what makes this Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe feel like a lovingly prepared meal ready to be savored.
How to Serve Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The fresh parsley garnish adds not only a bright pop of color but also a slight peppery note that elevates the whole bowl. Feel free to add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for an indulgent finish.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or a warm garlic baguette to soak up every last drop. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the heartiness while keeping the meal light and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out crusty bread bowls for a rustic, cozy presentation. Another idea is to turn this soup into a one-pot meal by adding a handful of cooked polenta squares on top or swirling in a spoonful of pesto for an extra layer of herbal richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe into airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to merge even more for a tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, making it a perfect meal prep option. Freeze in portion-sized containers and label with the date. To preserve texture, you might want to keep the pasta separate and add it fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If you froze the pasta separately, add it toward the end of reheating to prevent it from getting mushy. A quick sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving will brighten it right up.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well and will keep the soup light while still absorbing the bold Italian herbs. Just cook it the same way as the turkey to develop flavor.
What if I don’t have cannellini beans?
You can swap cannellini beans with great northern beans or chickpeas. They provide similar creaminess and protein, so your soup will stay just as hearty.
Is it okay to use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh herbs can be used! Typically, you’ll want to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried, adding them later in the cooking process to keep their bright flavor intact.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the ground turkey with your favorite plant-based protein or simply increase the beans and vegetables for a fulfilling vegetarian meal.
Why is it important to rinse canned beans?
Rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and any canning liquid that might alter the soup’s flavor or texture, resulting in a cleaner, fresher taste.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone seeking a wholesome, flavorful meal that’s both easy and nourishing. Its rich layers of taste and comforting qualities make it an instant favorite for sharing with family and friends. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new kitchen classic that’s perfect any time of the year.
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Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Italian Ground Turkey Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal. Ground turkey is browned and simmered with aromatic vegetables, cannellini beans, tender pasta, and fresh greens, creating a comforting soup inspired by traditional Italian flavors. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a balanced, protein-rich meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey (lean)
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups spinach, chopped (or kale)
Canned Goods
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Add the Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, cannellini beans, chicken broth, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the small pasta to the soup and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add the Greens: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender, fully incorporating their nutrients and flavor into the soup.
- Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey to keep the soup light and healthy.
- Feel free to substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for variations in flavor and texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder soup.
- Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni work best to complement the soup’s texture.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the chicken broth slightly or cook the soup uncovered for a few minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
