Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup is a cozy, high-protein, one-pot meal made with lean ground chicken, pasta, peas, garlic, Italian seasoning, and a smooth lemon ricotta sauce. It is creamy, filling, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep.
This soup has all the comfort of a creamy pasta dish, but in a lighter, protein-packed soup form. The ground chicken makes it hearty, the pasta makes it satisfying, and the ricotta lemon sauce gives it a rich, velvety finish without feeling too heavy.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ground Chicken Soup
- High in protein
- Ready in about 35 minutes
- Made in one pot
- Creamy without being too heavy
- Great for meal prep
- Loaded with Italian flavor
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Filling enough for dinner
What Makes This Soup So Good?
This soup starts with lean ground chicken browned in olive oil, then flavored with Italian seasoning, garlic, and Calabrian peppers for a little heat. Pasta cooks directly in the broth, soaking up all the savory flavor.
The creamy sauce is made with ricotta, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan. Blending the ricotta creates a smoother texture, giving the soup a creamy finish that feels comforting but still fresh from the lemon.
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed or minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped Calabrian peppers, optional
- 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces farfalle or bowtie pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 ounces Parmigiano Reggiano or Parmesan, freshly grated
- 15 ounces low-fat ricotta cheese
- ½ cup milk
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Notes
Ground Chicken
Lean ground chicken keeps this soup high in protein while still making it hearty and satisfying.
Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning adds classic herb flavor with minimal effort.
Calabrian Peppers
Calabrian peppers add a mild spicy kick and rich flavor. If you do not have them, you can use red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, or a little tomato paste with a splash of vinegar.
Pasta
Farfalle or bowtie pasta works beautifully, but any short pasta shape can be used.
Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta creates the creamy base of the soup. Blending it first makes the texture much smoother.
Lemon
Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the soup and balance the creamy cheese sauce.
Parmesan
Freshly grated Parmesan adds salty, nutty depth and helps finish the soup with rich flavor.
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat.
Add the ground chicken and let it cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes so it can brown on one side.
Break it apart and continue cooking until fully cooked through.
Step 2: Add Flavor
Add the Italian seasoning, garlic, and Calabrian peppers.
Stir well and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 3: Add Broth and Pasta
Pour in a few tablespoons of chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom.
Add the pasta and remaining chicken broth.
Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the pasta cooks evenly.
Step 4: Make the Ricotta Sauce
While the pasta cooks, add the ricotta, milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest to a food processor or blending cup.
Blend until smooth.
Set aside.
Step 5: Add the Peas
Once the pasta has cooked for about 10 minutes, turn off the heat.
Add the frozen peas and stir them into the hot soup.
The peas will warm quickly and help cool the soup slightly before adding the ricotta sauce.
Step 6: Stir in the Creamy Sauce
Add the blended ricotta sauce to the soup.
Stir gently until fully combined.
Step 7: Finish with Parmesan
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Taste and add black pepper or extra lemon juice if desired.
Step 8: Serve
Serve warm with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, more Calabrian peppers, black pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Tips for the Best Ground Chicken Soup
Brown the Chicken First
Letting the chicken brown before breaking it apart adds more flavor to the soup.
Blend the Ricotta
Blending makes the ricotta smooth and prevents a grainy texture.
Don’t Boil After Adding Ricotta
Turn off the heat before adding the ricotta sauce to keep the soup creamy and smooth.
Stir the Pasta Often
Since the pasta cooks directly in the broth, stirring prevents sticking.
Use Fresh Lemon
Fresh lemon juice gives the soup the best bright flavor.
Variations
Ground Turkey Version
Swap ground chicken for ground turkey or Italian ground turkey.
Sausage Version
Use Italian chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or pork sausage for a richer flavor.
Lower Carb Version
Replace pasta with cauliflower gnocchi, zucchini noodles, or extra vegetables.
Extra Vegetable Version
Add spinach, kale, zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots.
Spicier Version
Add more Calabrian peppers or red pepper flakes.
Extra Creamy Version
Use whole milk ricotta instead of low-fat ricotta.
What to Serve With Creamy Italian Chicken Soup
This soup is filling on its own, but it pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Focaccia
- Breadsticks
- Parmesan toast
- Bruschetta
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often.
You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals.
Avoid boiling, as the ricotta sauce may separate.
Freezing Instructions
This soup can be frozen, but the texture of the pasta and ricotta may change slightly.
For best results, freeze without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
If freezing leftovers, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Yes. Ground turkey works very well and keeps the soup high in protein.
Do I Have to Blend the Ricotta?
Blending is recommended for the smoothest soup. Without blending, the ricotta may look slightly grainy.
Can I Use Regular Pasta?
Yes. Any short pasta shape works. Bowtie, rotini, shells, or penne are all good options.
Can I Make This Soup Lighter?
Use low-fat ricotta, reduced-sodium broth, and a high-protein pasta for a lighter version.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely. Spinach, kale, zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms are great additions.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 41g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
Nutrition may vary depending on pasta and ricotta used.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup is hearty, bright, creamy, and packed with protein. It has the flavor of creamy Italian pasta but the comfort of a warm soup, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy family meals.
With tender pasta, savory ground chicken, sweet peas, Parmesan, and lemon ricotta sauce, every bowl is satisfying, fresh, and full of flavor.
