If you’re craving a comforting, hearty soup that bursts with fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients, then this Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful medley of lean ground turkey, crisp vegetables, tender pasta, and savory herbs all simmered together to create a vibrant and nourishing meal. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a healthy dish that your whole family will love, this soup has got you covered with its perfect balance of protein, veggies, and comforting broth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients can transform into a soul-warming bowl of soup. Each element plays a key role – from the lean ground turkey adding protein punch, to the fresh vegetables bringing in texture and color, and the aromatic Italian seasoning tying all the flavors together beautifully.
- Olive oil: For a smooth sauté base that infuses the soup with a subtle fruity richness.
- Ground turkey: Lean and juicy, providing a healthy source of protein without heaviness.
- Small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Offers a warm and pungent aroma essential to Italian cooking.
- Carrots (sliced): Brings a natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- Celery stalks (sliced): Adds mild bitterness and crunchy texture.
- Zucchini (diced): Keeps the soup light and fresh with its tender bite.
- Can of diced tomatoes: Provides tanginess and a luscious, saucy base.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that ties all ingredients together without overpowering.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that brings classic Mediterranean zest.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors in just the right measure.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and slight kick.
- Small pasta (ditalini or elbow): Offers comforting chewiness and heartiness to the soup.
- Fresh spinach: A pop of bright green and a boost of nutrition added at the end.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For a salty, nutty finish that crowns the soup beautifully.
How to Make Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the ground turkey and cook until it’s beautifully browned and broken into small pieces. This initial step builds flavor and gives the soup a satisfying meaty foundation.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and release their lovely fragrances. This brings the essential Italian aroma and sweetness that’ll infuse every spoonful of your soup.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Simmer
Next, stir in the carrots, celery, zucchini, diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer. This simmering step lets the vegetables soften and all the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
After the soup has simmered for about 10 minutes, stir in your choice of small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni. Continue simmering for another 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta and veggies become tender but still hold their shape. This ensures every bite is perfectly textured.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Spinach
Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach leaves. Allow them to wilt gently in the hot broth for 1 to 2 minutes. This last-minute addition adds brightness and a nutritious green touch that makes the soup pop visually and flavor-wise.
How to Serve Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For a truly authentic touch, grate some fresh Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl. It melts slightly, adding a nutty, salty layer that complements the soup’s hearty flavors perfectly. A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley can also elevate the dish’s freshness and appearance.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks, which are perfect for dipping and soaking up all that savory broth. A simple green salad or a plate of roasted vegetables can also make a light side that balances the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls or mugs for a cozy vibe. You can also ladle it into hollowed-out mini bread loaves for an eye-catching presentation that doubles as a delicious edible vessel. Adding a drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top finishes the look and adds extra richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe keeps incredibly well in the refrigerator. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen as it sits, making subsequent meals even tastier.
Freezing
If you want to save some for much later, this soup freezes beautifully. Make sure it’s cooled completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its taste or texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual servings, but be sure to cover to keep moisture locked in. Adding fresh spinach again during reheating refreshes the dish nicely.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef for ground turkey in this soup?
Absolutely! Ground beef will add a richer flavor and slightly more fat, but the soup will still be delicious. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the beef is fully browned.
Is this soup suitable for freezing with the pasta included?
While you can freeze the soup with pasta, the pasta might become mushy when thawed. For best results, freeze the soup without pasta and cook fresh pasta when reheating.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground turkey and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding beans or lentils can boost protein content.
What pasta types work best in this recipe?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work best because they cook evenly and fit nicely on a spoon alongside veggies and broth.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Stir in the spinach near the end to prevent overcooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade bowl of soup that warms the heart as much as the stomach, and this Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe does just that. With its fresh ingredients, rich flavors, and easy preparation, it’s become a beloved staple in my kitchen. I hope you’ll give it a try, savor every spoonful, and maybe even share it with the people you care about most.
Print
Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Italian Ground Turkey Soup is a hearty and nutritious one-pot meal packed with ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and tender pasta simmered in a flavorful tomato broth. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it combines wholesome ingredients like zucchini, carrots, and spinach with Italian seasoning for a comforting bowl of soup that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, enhancing the soup’s flavor base.
- Add Vegetables and Liquids: Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, diced zucchini, diced tomatoes with their juices, low-sodium chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
- Add Pasta and Continue Cooking: Stir in the small pasta, then continue to simmer the soup for another 10–12 minutes until the pasta is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Finish with Spinach: Add the fresh spinach and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts, adding a fresh, vibrant touch to the soup.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lower-carb version, omit the pasta or substitute with cauliflower rice.
- This soup freezes well and can be reheated easily for quick weeknight meals.
- To keep it dairy-free, skip the Parmesan cheese topping.
- Use low-sodium broth for better control over sodium content.
