A hearty, healthy soup brimming with Italian flavors, lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead!

Ingredients:

For the Soup Base:

• 1 pound ground turkey – lean, flavorful, and protein-packed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing
• 1 medium onion, diced – adds a savory, sweet base flavor
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – for aromatic depth
• 1 medium zucchini, diced – fresh and tender vegetable addition
• 2 medium carrots, diced – sweet and nutritious
• 2 celery stalks, diced – for a classic soup base
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice) – provides a bright tomato flavor
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste – for a rich, concentrated tomato base
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth – for a flavorful liquid base
• 1 (15 oz) can white beans (cannellini or navy, drained and rinsed) – creamy and hearty
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – classic Italian herb
• 1 teaspoon dried basil – adds fragrant sweetness
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – earthy and aromatic
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – for a touch of heat
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo) – makes the soup extra hearty
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for garnish and added umami flavor
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped – for a boost of greens

Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté the Ground Turkey

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
3. Remove the cooked turkey from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

1. Stir in the zucchini, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
2. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

1. Add the cooked ground turkey back to the pot, along with the white beans, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
2. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients

1. If using pasta, add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. If adding fresh spinach or kale, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt quickly.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper, if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success:

• For a Thicker Soup: Blend a portion of the soup (before adding pasta or greens) with an immersion blender, then stir it back in.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
• Freezing Instructions: Leave out the pasta and greens before freezing. Freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight and reheat, adding fresh pasta and greens as desired.

Yield: Serves 6

This Italian Ground Turkey Soup is a perfect blend of hearty and healthy, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.