If you’re looking for a soup that’s comforting, vibrant, and packed with textures and bright flavors, this Italian Ground Turkey Soup with Cauliflower Gnocchi, Peas, and Lemon Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine tender, juicy ground turkey mingling with soft cauliflower gnocchi and sweet peas, all bathed in a zesty, lemon-tinged broth that sings with the warmth of Italian seasoning and the subtle kick of Calabrian peppers. It’s a perfect dish that feels both cozy and fresh, ideal for anytime you’re craving something wholesome yet exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this soup just right comes down to simple, essential ingredients that each play a special role in the flavor and texture of the final dish. From the lean ground turkey providing hearty protein, to the bright lemon zest that lifts the whole bowl, every element matters.
- Olive Oil: Adds a smooth richness and helps brown the turkey beautifully.
- Extra Lean Ground Turkey: Keeps the soup light but satisfying with a mild flavor base.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning, bringing out all the natural flavors.
- Garlic: Infuses the broth with its classic aromatic punch.
- Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend that gives the soup its soulful, herbaceous character.
- Calabrian Peppers: Adds a gentle smoky heat that deepens the complexity.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Creates a savory and comforting soup base without overwhelming saltiness.
- Frozen Cauliflower Gnocchi: A light, gluten-free take on classic gnocchi, providing soft, pillowy bites.
- Frozen Green Peas: Bring bursts of sweetness and vibrant green color.
- Parmigiano Reggiano: Freshly grated for salty, nutty richness.
- Low Fat Ricotta Cheese: Blended into the soup for creamy texture and subtle tang.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: Adds a refreshing brightness that cuts through the savory notes.
- Black Pepper: For a perfectly balanced hint of spice.
- Milk: Helps create the ricotta sauce’s silky smoothness.
How to Make Italian Ground Turkey Soup with Cauliflower Gnocchi, Peas, and Lemon Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Start by heating your Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat with a splash of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the extra lean ground turkey and let one side brown for about 3 to 4 minutes before breaking it apart. This step is crucial because the browned bits add so much deep, meaty flavor to the soup. Make sure the turkey is fully cooked before moving on.
Step 2: Build Flavors with Seasonings
Once the turkey is cooked, stir in kosher salt, crushed garlic, Italian seasoning, and those spicy Calabrian peppers. Allow the garlic to cook until fragrant, roughly a minute, letting those wonderful aromas fill your kitchen. This mix creates the savory and slightly spicy backbone of your soup’s character.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Gnocchi
Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and bring everything to a brisk boil. Once boiling, add the frozen cauliflower gnocchi. These little gnocchi need about 5 minutes to become tender and soak up the flavor of the broth. Afterward, stir in the green peas and cook for another 2 minutes to keep their sweet, fresh taste intact.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Ricotta Sauce
Turn off the heat, then quickly fold in the parmigiano reggiano for that salty umami hit. Next, stir in the luscious ricotta sauce made from low fat ricotta cheese mixed with lemon zest, lemon juice, and milk to create a smooth, creamy finish. Season with black pepper and additional salt if needed. This final step adds incredible creaminess and a citrusy lift that makes this Italian Ground Turkey Soup with Cauliflower Gnocchi, Peas, and Lemon Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Italian Ground Turkey Soup with Cauliflower Gnocchi, Peas, and Lemon Recipe
Garnishes
To make your soup extra special, sprinkle freshly grated parmigiano or parmigiano reggiano cheese on top just before serving. Adding chopped fresh parsley or basil not only adds a pop of green but a fresh herbal note that complements the lemon perfectly. A drizzle of good olive oil can also add a lovely sheen and extra richness.
Side Dishes
This soup stands strong on its own, but pairing it with crusty rustic bread or a light mixed green salad brings a nice balance, especially for a midday meal. Garlic breadsticks or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette mirror the soup’s bright flavors beautifully and make for a complete, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or a cozy night in, serve this soup in individual shallow bowls with a small dollop of ricotta on top, garnished with a twist of lemon zest. You might also offer extra Calabrian peppers on the side for anyone who loves a bit more heat. Present it alongside a small bowl of grated Parmigiano Reggiano so everyone can customize their flavor to perfection.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Italian Ground Turkey Soup with Cauliflower Gnocchi, Peas, and Lemon Recipe refrigerates beautifully. Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to marry even more, making the next-day meal even tastier.
Freezing
While you can freeze the soup, keep in mind that cauliflower gnocchi may change texture slightly after freezing and reheating. To maintain the best experience, consider freezing the turkey and broth separately from the gnocchi and peas, then combine and heat just before serving.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stove over low heat to avoid breaking down the gnocchi too much. Stir frequently until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens up too much. This keeps the texture just right and prevents the soup from feeling heavy.
FAQs
Can I use other kinds of ground meat instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or even lean ground beef can work well, but turkey keeps the soup light and healthy while still providing great flavor.
Is there a substitute for cauliflower gnocchi?
If you can’t find cauliflower gnocchi, regular gnocchi or even small pasta shapes like orecchiette can be a great swap. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can this soup be made dairy-free?
Yes! Skip the ricotta and parmesan or replace them with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream and nutritional yeast for a similar creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
How spicy is the soup with Calabrian peppers?
Calabrian peppers add a gentle smoky heat, not overwhelming spice. You can adjust the amount you use or omit them if you prefer a milder soup.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You could, by substituting the ground turkey for hearty vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The texture and taste will change, but it’s a tasty option.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Ground Turkey Soup with Cauliflower Gnocchi, Peas, and Lemon Recipe is a delightful bowl of comfort and brightness all in one. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but elegant and satisfying enough to share with friends. If you love dishes with fresh flavors, pleasing textures, and just the right kick of spice, this recipe is definitely worth trying—one spoonful and you’ll be hooked!
Print
Italian Ground Turkey Soup with Cauliflower Gnocchi, Peas, and Lemon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Italian Ground Turkey Soup is a hearty, comforting dish combining lean ground turkey, cauliflower gnocchi, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth. Enhanced with Italian seasoning, garlic, and Calabrian peppers, it’s a delicious, quick, and nutritious meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 pound Extra Lean Ground Turkey
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 4 cloves Garlic, crushed or minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- 1–2 Tablespoons Calabrian Peppers
- 3 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
- 1 package Frozen Cauliflower Gnocchi
- 1 1/3 cup (175g) Frozen Green Peas
Cheese and Dairy
- 4 oz Parmigiano Reggiano or Parmesan, freshly grated
- 15 oz Low Fat Ricotta Cheese
- 1/4 cup Milk
Additional Flavors
- Zest and Juice of 1 Lemon
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Heat the Pot: Warm a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Ensure the oil is hot before proceeding.
- Brown the Turkey: Place the ground turkey in the pot and brown one side for 3-4 minutes before breaking it apart with a spatula to cook it thoroughly.
- Add Seasonings: Mix in the kosher salt, crushed garlic, Italian seasoning, and Calabrian peppers. Cook for about one minute until the garlic is fragrant, stirring frequently to combine flavors.
- Add Broth and Boil: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Gnocchi: Add the frozen cauliflower gnocchi to the boiling broth and cook for 5 minutes until tender.
- Add Peas: Stir in the frozen green peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Mix Cheese and Ricotta Sauce: Turn off the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano. In a separate bowl, combine the low-fat ricotta cheese, milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper to make the ricotta sauce, then fold it gently into the soup.
- Serve: Adjust salt to taste. Serve immediately garnished with extra grated cheese and fresh parsley or basil if desired. Alternatively, keep the soup simmering over low heat until ready to serve.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Calabrian peppers based on your heat preference.
- Using cauliflower gnocchi keeps the soup lower in carbs compared to traditional gnocchi.
- The ricotta sauce adds creaminess without the need for heavy cream.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil make a great garnish for added freshness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
