01 -
First things first, grab your big soup pot or Dutch oven. Drizzle in a bit of olive oil and get it warm over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground chicken and break it up with a spoon. You want to brown it nicely, getting some lovely golden bits. This is where a lot of flavor starts, so don't rush it! I always make sure it’s evenly cooked through before moving on; undercooked chicken is no fun, believe me.
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Once your chicken is beautifully browned, drain any excess fat if there's a lot, then add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium. Stir them around, letting them soften up for about 5-7 minutes. You'll start to smell that amazing sweet aroma, honestly, it's one of my favorite kitchen smells! This step builds such a crucial flavor foundation for your creamy Italian ground chicken soup.
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Now, toss in your minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir for just about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant—don't let it burn, that's a mistake I've made too many times! Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir it constantly for another minute or two. It'll create a paste with the veggies and spices, which will help thicken our creamy Italian ground chicken soup later, trust me.
04 -
Slowly pour in your chicken broth, whisking constantly as you go. This helps prevent any lumps from the flour. Add in the diced tomatoes (undrained!) and stir everything together. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This allows all those incredible Italian flavors to meld and deepen.
05 -
After the simmering, remove the lid. Pour in the heavy cream and stir it gently into the soup. Let it heat through for a few minutes, but don't bring it to a rolling boil once the cream is in, or it might curdle—that's an oops moment you want to avoid! You'll see the color change to that beautiful, inviting creamy hue.
06 -
Finally, stir in your fresh spinach. Let it wilt down for just a minute or two; it happens fast! Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings—add more salt, pepper, or maybe even a pinch more oregano if you feel it needs it. Ladle your warm, comforting creamy Italian ground chicken soup into bowls, top with a generous sprinkle of fresh Parmesan, and get ready for pure deliciousness!