Turkey might not sound like the most traditional Italian meat, but trust me, it works wonders in this soup. My love affair with this recipe began during a frantic weeknight when all I had was some ground turkey and an Italian craving to quell. Out came the rotini pasta, fresh spinach, and an array of veggies that have been tucked away in the fridge. Voilà ! In less than thirty minutes of cooking, we had a soul-soothing meal that left everyone satisfied. The hubby even declared it his new favorite, right after the first spoonful.
There’s something so reassuring about knowing that weeknights don’t have to be synonymous with bland meals or takeout. With a simple list of ingredients that can often be found waiting in the pantry or fridge, anyone can whip up a soup that’s not just easy on the stomach but on the time too. You know, this recipe became our little culinary tradition, the kind of tradition that involves putting on some good music, occasionally teaching the kids a cooking trick or two, and simply enjoying the delight of creating and sharing a homemade meal.
So if you are like me, perpetually on the lookout for quick, wholesome dinners that don’t skimp on flavor, this Italian Ground Turkey Soup might just become your weeknight hero as well. I’m on a mission to spread the joy it brings, one bowl at a time, so why not give it a shot? Cozy up to a bowl, sprinkle some Parmesan, and enjoy a slice of Italy in the comfort of your own home.
How to Make Italian Ground Turkey Soup
Click here to get printable version
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small diced onion
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 zucchini, sliced thin
- 1 cup cooked rotini (or any pasta you like)
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 5 cups chopped fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 (15 oz) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can Great Northern white beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Directions:
- Begin by heating olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the diced onions, minced garlic, ground turkey, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the ground turkey browns completely, losing its pink hue.
- Introduce the stewed tomatoes (including their juice), Great Northern beans, shredded carrots, and zucchini slices to the mixture along with the chicken broth, parsley, and oregano.
- Bring down the heat and allow it to simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes until the zucchini and carrots soften.
- In the meantime, prepare your pasta according to its package instructions, unless it’s already pre-cooked.
- Mix in the fresh spinach to the soup, stirring until it wilts completely.
- Taste and adjust your soup with additional salt and pepper to your liking.
- Finally, fold in the cooked pasta, incorporating it well within the soup.
- Ladle the soup hot into bowls and generously top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy your flavorful, Italian-inspired meal!
Flexible Ingredient Options for Every Cook
Don’t have ground turkey on hand? Try using ground chicken or beef—they work just as well in this dish. For those looking to go meat-free, tofu or chickpeas are excellent protein-rich substitutes. Feel free to swap rotini for any pasta you’ve got, whether it’s farfalle or penne. It’s all about making this soup your own!
How to Make Italian Ground Turkey Soup Last Longer
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For extended storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge and reheat on the stove for an easy meal.
Perfect Pairings for Italian Ground Turkey Soup
Pair this hearty soup with a fresh green salad or a warm loaf of crusty bread to make the meal even more satisfying. A glass of red wine, like Chianti, complements the flavors beautifully, turning an ordinary night into a special evening.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Italian Ground Turkey Soup
To deepen the flavor, try deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the broth. Using homemade chicken broth, if possible, adds a richness that’s unbeatable. Fresh herbs in place of dried ones can also elevate the soup’s taste.
Adding a Seasonal Spin to Italian Ground Turkey Soup
In the summer, replace zucchini with fresh bell peppers for a sweeter taste. During the winter, root vegetables like turnips or parsnips offer a hearty, filling option. Spring calls for fresh peas, while autumn can inspire a butternut squash variation for extra heartiness.
FAQs:
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This Italian Ground Turkey Soup can be made a day ahead of time. In fact, allowing the flavors to meld overnight in the fridge can make the soup taste even better. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat on the stove before serving for a convenient meal ready in minutes.
Is this soup gluten-free?
As it stands, the soup isn’t gluten-free because of the pasta. However, you can easily swap it out for a gluten-free pasta or even omit it altogether and serve the soup over rice or quinoa for a nourishing gluten-free alternative. This allows everyone at the table to enjoy a heartwarming bowl, regardless of dietary needs.
What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
Reheating this soup is a breeze. Simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water to reach your preferred consistency. Microwaving is another option—just be sure to cover it to prevent splattering.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Certainly! Fresh tomatoes can add a burst of flavor and freshness to the soup. For this substitution, use about 3-4 medium fresh tomatoes. You’ll want to chop them and perhaps let them cook a bit longer to soften and blend with the other ingredients adequately.
How can I make this dish more kid-friendly?
To make this soup a hit with the kiddos, consider using smaller pasta shapes that are easier for little hands to manage, like small shells or orzo. You can also finely chop or even grate the veggies to incorporate them smoothly into the broth, making them virtually undetectable.
Is it okay to freeze this soup with the pasta already in it?
Freezing the soup with pasta is possible, but the texture of the pasta might change upon reheating, sometimes becoming a bit soggy. If you plan on freezing portions, it’s often best to cook and store the pasta separately and add it after reheating the soup, maintaining its ideal texture.
Italian Ground Turkey Soup
Equipment
- large stock pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small onion diced
- 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium zucchini sliced thin
- 1 cup cooked rotini or any pasta you prefer
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 5 cups fresh spinach chopped
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper
- 1 15 oz can Italian-style stewed tomatoes
- 1 15 oz can Great Northern white beans rinsed and drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- to taste Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- In a large stock pot, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add in the diced onion, minced garlic, ground turkey, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through.
- Next, incorporate the stewed tomatoes (with juice), rinsed beans, shredded carrots, sliced zucchini, chicken broth, dried parsley, and oregano.
- Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes, until the carrots and zucchini are soft.
- While the soup simmers, prepare your rotini as directed on the package if it is not already cooked.
- Stir the chopped spinach into the pot until it wilts down.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
- Finally, mix in the cooked rotini and combine everything well.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on each bowl. Enjoy your meal!
