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
Scale
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
