I’m always on the hunt for those perfect comfort meals that don’t chain me to the kitchen for hours, and this Creamy Italian Chicken Soup hits all the right notes. There’s something magical about that first spoonful—warm, velvety ricotta sauce coating every bite of ground chicken and pasta. When the weather turns chilly or I’m just craving something soul-warming, this 20-minute wonder becomes my go-to solution. Want to know how simple ingredients transform into restaurant-quality soup with barely any effort?
Why You’ll Love this Creamy Italian Chicken Soup
When you’re craving comfort food that doesn’t take all day to prepare, this Creamy Italian Chicken Soup truly hits the spot. I’m obsessed with how the ground chicken soaks up all those Italian herbs, while the ricotta cheese sauce creates the most velvety texture you can imagine.
What’s not to love? It’s ready in about 20 minutes, uses just one pot (fewer dishes, anyone?), and transforms basic ingredients into something restaurant-worthy. The bowtie pasta adds the perfect chew, while those little pops of sweet peas brighten every spoonful. Comfort food that’s both sophisticated and simple? Yes, please.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Italian Chicken Soup?
This creamy, comforting soup comes together with a handful of simple ingredients that combine for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped Calabrian peppers (optional for heat lovers)
- 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup ricotta cheese sauce (simply blend ricotta until smooth)
- 2 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—you could swap ground turkey for the chicken if that’s what you have on hand, or use a different short pasta shape instead of farfalle if you’re working with your pantry staples.
How to Make this Creamy Italian Chicken Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Chicken
Heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground chicken and brown it for about 3-4 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, then continue cooking until it’s no longer pink. Premium kitchen cookware can elevate your cooking experience and make meal preparation more efficient.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics
Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, 3 minced garlic cloves, and if you’re feeling adventurous, 1 tablespoon of chopped Calabrian peppers. Let these aromatic ingredients cook for 30-60 seconds until they become fragrant and your kitchen smells like an Italian restaurant.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
If you notice any browned bits sticking to the bottom of your pot, this is the perfect time to deglaze. A splash of the 4 cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth will help loosen those flavor-packed bits—and trust me, we want all that goodness in our soup.
Step 4: Add Broth and Pasta
Pour in the remaining chicken broth and add 8 ounces of farfalle pasta to the pot. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, giving it an occasional stir to prevent the pasta from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Incorporate the Peas
Remove the lid and stir in 1 cup of frozen peas. These little green gems don’t need long to cook—just enough time to warm through while maintaining their vibrant color and slight bite.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
Now for the creamy magic—add 1 cup of blended ricotta cheese sauce and 2 ounces of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir everything together until the soup takes on a luxurious, velvety texture that coats the back of your spoon.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle this comforting soup into bowls while it’s still hot. The steam rising from each bowl carries the enticing aroma of herbs and cheese, a promise of the cozy meal to come. Garnish as desired—perhaps with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh herbs?
Step 8: Keeping Warm
If you’re not serving immediately, keep the soup on low heat. This prevents the pasta from overcooking while ensuring everyone gets to enjoy a warm bowl, even if they come back for seconds (which, let’s be honest, they probably will).
What to Serve with Creamy Italian Chicken Soup
This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but a few simple sides can turn it into a memorable dinner experience. A chunk of crusty garlic bread is practically mandatory—perfect for sopping up that rich, cheesy broth. For something lighter, try a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, whose peppery bite and acidity balance the soup’s creaminess.
When I’m feeling extra, I’ll serve small bowls of additional toppings like fresh basil strips, toasted pine nuts, or red pepper flakes so everyone can customize their bowl. And to drink? A crisp Pinot Grigio works beautifully for the adults, while sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon refreshes without competing with the soup’s complex flavors.
Creamy Italian Chicken Soup Substitutions and Variations
This soup is wonderfully adaptable to what you have on hand or your dietary needs:
- Protein swaps: Ground turkey, Italian sausage (removed from casings), or white beans for a meatless option
- Pasta alternatives: Any short pasta works, or try cheese tortellini for extra indulgence. Swap in gluten-free pasta for GF needs
- Dairy adjustments: Replace ricotta with coconut cream for dairy-free, or use cashew cream for a vegan twist
- Veggie additions: Toss in spinach instead of peas, add diced carrots with the garlic, or stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- Spice it up: No Calabrian peppers? Use red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce
- Finishing touches: Top with crispy prosciutto bits, fresh herbs, lemon zest, or a swirl of pesto
Leftovers and Storage for this Creamy Italian Chicken Soup
This soup makes fantastic leftovers, though the pasta may continue absorbing broth as it sits. Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For freezing (up to 2 months), I recommend doing so before adding the pasta and dairy components—simply add fresh pasta and dairy when reheating for best texture.
When reheating, warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You’ll likely need to add a splash of extra broth or water to loosen things up, as the pasta tends to absorb liquid overnight. A quick grating of fresh Parmesan just before serving will revive all those wonderful flavors.
Pro tip: This soup actually develops deeper flavors on day two, making it perfect for meal prep!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Italian Ground Chicken Soup brings together the comfort of classic Italian flavors with the ease of ground meat and everyday ingredients. The combination of tender pasta, savory chicken, and that silky ricotta sauce creates something truly special—substantial enough for dinner yet simple enough for weeknight cooking. It’s become my go-to recipe for those busy days when the weather turns cool or when someone in the house needs a bit of culinary comfort. There’s something undeniably nurturing about setting a steaming bowl of homemade soup on the table, especially one that comes together in just about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot?
I’d suggest an Instant Pot over a slow cooker. Brown the chicken on sauté mode first, then pressure cook everything except pasta, peas, and cheeses for 5 minutes. Add those after releasing pressure.
Is This Soup Freezer-Friendly Before Adding the Ricotta Sauce?
Yes, I’d freeze it without the ricotta and pasta. The broth and chicken base freezes beautifully, then just add fresh pasta and stir in the ricotta sauce when reheating for the best texture.
What Is the Spice Level With the Calabrian Peppers?
With Calabrian peppers, I’d rate this soup at a medium spice level. They add a nice kick without overwhelming the dish. You can always adjust the amount or omit them entirely if you prefer milder flavors.
How Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?
To make this soup gluten-free, I’d substitute the farfalle pasta with gluten-free pasta alternatives like rice, corn, or chickpea pasta. Just follow the same cooking instructions, but check package directions for timing adjustments.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Yes, you can absolutely use ground turkey instead of chicken! It’s a great substitution that will work perfectly in this recipe while maintaining the soup’s flavor profile and creamy texture.