Italian Ground Turkey Soup 🍲🇮🇹

This Italian Ground Turkey Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that warms the soul. It's rich with the tastes of fresh herbs, tomatoes, and savory turkey, making it a wholesome meal perfect for chilly evenings or any time you're in need of comfort food. Top it off with some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of deliciousness! 🧀❤️

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Add-Ins

• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup spinach or kale, roughly chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or elbow pasta)

For Serving

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the green beans and pasta, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.

5. Stir in the spinach (or kale) and cannellini beans. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and the beans are heated through.

🥄 For added depth of flavor, consider deglazing the pot with a splash of white wine after browning the turkey before adding the vegetables. This will enhance the soup's overall taste!

6. Serve hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

🍽️ This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors will deepen over time. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it, if necessary.

Variations

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta or skip the pasta altogether and replace it with more vegetables.
• Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
• Vegetarian: Substitute ground turkey with mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetable broth.
• Richer flavor: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste during the sautéing step for a concentrated tomato flavor.

Whip up a pot of this Italian Ground Turkey Soup, and savor every spoonful of comfort! 🍲✨