Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the ground chicken to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the pasta and continue to simmer until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta you use.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until it's wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
Don't overcook the pasta. Use quality broth for best flavor. Add a touch of acid like lemon juice or balsamic vinegar at the end to brighten the flavors. Soup can be made ahead and is even better the next day. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes. For variations, add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, use different greens like kale, or add white beans for extra protein. A Parmesan rind simmered in the soup adds umami flavor, just remove before serving.
