Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe

Savory Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Rustic Italian ground turkey soup brings hearty comfort right to your kitchen table.

Savory aromas will dance through your home as ingredients meld together beautifully.

Nutritious and warming, this recipe promises a delightful meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Lean turkey creates a lighter alternative to traditional beef-based soups while maintaining rich, complex flavors.

Hearty vegetables add vibrant color and essential nutrients to every spoonful.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings infuse each bite with authentic taste and warmth.

Hungry?

You’ll want to grab a ladle and start cooking immediately.

Italian Ground Turkey Soup: Hearty and Aromatic

  • Boost Your Nutrition: Packed with lean ground turkey, this soup delivers a protein-packed meal loaded with colorful vegetables that nourish your body and tantalize your taste buds.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like switching spinach for kale or adding different pasta shapes, making this recipe flexible for personal preferences and pantry availability.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this hearty soup in less than an hour, perfect for busy families craving a delicious, wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot, reducing dish washing and saving precious time after a long day of work or activities.

Ingredients for Italian Turkey Soup

Proteins:
  • Ground Turkey: A lean and flavorful meat that provides the protein base for this hearty Italian soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: These aromatic ingredients create a robust flavor foundation for the soup.
  • Carrot, Celery, Zucchini: Fresh vegetables that add nutrition, texture, and depth to the soup.
  • Spinach (or Kale): A nutritious green that brings color and additional nutrients to the dish.
Liquid and Canned Ingredients:
  • Diced Tomatoes: A tangy base that adds richness and acidity to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that helps create the soup's consistent and flavorful broth.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Oregano, Basil, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic Italian herbs and spices that give the soup its distinctive Mediterranean flavor profile.
Optional Additions:
  • Pasta: A hearty addition that makes the soup more filling and substantial.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A traditional garnish that adds a salty and creamy finish to the soup.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: A classic Italian cooking oil that helps sauté the ingredients and adds a subtle flavor.

Directions to Prepare Italian Ground Turkey Soup

Step 1: Brown the Turkey

In a spacious pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Crumble ground turkey into the pot, breaking it into small pieces using a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat turns golden and loses its pink color.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot.

Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the kitchen fills with a delicious fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Mix in Colorful Vegetables

Toss in a medley of chopped vegetables:
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Zucchini

Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables start to soften.

Step 4: Create the Soup Base

Pour into the pot:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chicken broth
Sprinkle in the herbs and spices:
  • Oregano
  • Basil
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together thoroughly.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce heat.

Let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Stir in fresh greens:
  • Spinach or kale

Add cooked pasta if desired.

Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and savor each spoonful.

Tips for Flavorful and Hearty Soup

  • Toast herbs like oregano and basil in the pot before adding liquid to intensify their aromatic qualities.
  • Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Swap ground turkey with lean ground chicken or plant-based crumbles for alternative protein options.
  • Cook pasta separately and add just before serving to prevent soggy noodles and maintain ideal texture.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and allow personal seasoning preferences.

Flavor Variations for Turkey Soup

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground turkey with firm tofu, crumbled tempeh, or plant-based ground meat alternative for a meatless version.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip pasta and add cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Blend: Increase red pepper flakes and add cumin, smoked paprika, and a dash of harissa paste for a bolder, spicier flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta or omit pasta completely, ensuring all other ingredients like broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Complementary Dishes for Turkey Soup

  • Light, zesty white wine cuts through the soup's richness, complementing the herbaceous flavors of oregano and basil while refreshing the palate.
  • Crusty, tangy bread provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up the soup's savory broth, adding textural contrast and enhancing the meal's heartiness.
  • Peppery greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette offer a bright, crisp counterpoint to the warm, robust soup, balancing the dish with a clean, light touch.

Storing Italian Ground Turkey Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Maintains quality for up to 3 months when sealed properly.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef for ground turkey. Just ensure it’s browned thoroughly and drain excess fat before adding other ingredients.

  • Is this soup gluten-free?

The soup itself is gluten-free, but if you add pasta, use gluten-free pasta to keep the recipe completely gluten-free.

  • How can I make the soup more protein-rich?

Add white beans, lentils, or increase the amount of ground turkey to boost protein content.

  • Can I freeze this Italian ground turkey soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup without pasta. Add fresh pasta when reheating to maintain its texture.

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Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe

Italian Ground Turkey Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty “Italian Ground Turkey Soup” delivers a comforting blend of robust flavors and nourishing ingredients. Savory herbs and tender turkey create a satisfying meal perfect for warming winter evenings or when craving Mediterranean-inspired comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey

Vegetables:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, sliced
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup cooked small pasta
  • 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium flame, then introduce ground turkey and cook until golden brown, methodically crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon.
  2. Incorporate finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for approximately 2-3 minutes until aromatic and translucent.
  3. Add diced carrot, celery, and zucchini to the pot, allowing vegetables to soften and meld together for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stream in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, then season with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
  5. Elevate heat to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing soup to develop rich flavors for 20 minutes.
  6. Gently fold in fresh spinach or kale and pre-cooked pasta, letting ingredients integrate for an additional 4-5 minutes until greens are wilted and tender.
  7. Ladle steaming soup into serving bowls, crowning each portion with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a luxurious finishing touch.

Notes

  • Boost protein by choosing lean ground turkey for a healthier soup base that keeps calories lower.
  • Customize vegetable mix by swapping zucchini with seasonal veggies like bell peppers or butternut squash for variety.
  • Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and adjusting salt quantity to personal taste preferences.
  • Make soup gluten-free by replacing regular pasta with alternatives like quinoa, rice, or zucchini noodles for dietary flexibility.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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