If you’re craving a hearty, comforting bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you are in for a treat with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe. This dish brings together tender chunks of seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, luscious broth that’s velvety with cream and cheesy Parmesan. Loaded with vibrant spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, this soup not only satisfies your taste buds but also fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of Italian-inspired flavors. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a crowd-pleasing option for dinner guests, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe combines simple but essential ingredients that each play a special role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the fresh veggies adding color and crunch, to the creamy cheese and rich broth creating that silky mouthfeel, everything harmonizes beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: The foundation for sautéing that brings out the depth of flavors in the chicken and veggies.
- 1 to 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced: Tender chicken pieces provide hearty protein and soak up the seasoning perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning, divided: A fragrant blend that infuses the soup with classic Tuscan herbs.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- ½ cup diced carrots: Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant orange hue.
- ½ cup diced celery: Provides a fresh, slightly crunchy texture.
- ½ cup diced onions: Brings sweetness and depth once softened and caramelized.
- ¼ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes: Concentrated tomato flavor that offers a tangy, savory punch.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Gives an aromatic base that wakes up the palate.
- ¼ cup flour: Helps thicken the soup to the perfect creamy consistency.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional): Adds richness and depth of tomato flavor if you want extra heartiness.
- 6-8 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation of the soup, varying the amount lets you control thickness.
- 6 oz pasta (small shells or your favorite shape): Adds comforting carbs that soak up delicious broth.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- ½ to 1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese: Brings that unmistakable nutty, savory kick.
- 2 ½ to 3 cups fresh spinach: Fresh greens that introduce color, nutrition, and a slight earthiness.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced chicken, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken browns beautifully, about 4 to 5 minutes. This searing step locks in juicy flavor and develops a lovely color that will make your soup even more inviting.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Next, add diced onions, carrots, celery, sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies soften and the onions become translucent. This builds a fragrant and flavorful base, bursting with layers of sweetness and savory notes that compliment the chicken perfectly.
Step 3: Add Flour and Broth
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked vegetables and stir it well to coat everything. This flour will help thicken the soup into a rich creamy consistency as it cooks. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps, giving the soup a perfect, smooth body, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Once boiling, toss in your pasta along with the remaining Italian seasoning and, if using, the tomato paste. Allow the soup to simmer for 20 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through and the pasta reaches an al dente texture. This timing guarantees the pasta isn’t overcooked but just right to complement the creamy broth.
Step 5: Finish the Soup
Finally, stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 5 more minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the flavors to blend seamlessly. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. The result is a silky, flavorful Tuscan masterpiece ready to warm your soul!
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your bowl of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe with a few fresh garnishes like chopped fresh basil or a sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of good quality olive oil on top or a few red pepper flakes can add a delightful finishing touch and boost both aroma and flavor.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks that can be dipped into the creamy broth. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast, or roasted vegetables add an earthy side to complement the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in small bread bowls to create a rustic, edible vessel. Alternatively, ladle the soup over a bed of cooked rice or serve it with a side of polenta for an extra comforting meal. Presentation with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of colorful pepper can turn your handcrafted soup into a restaurant-worthy experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, let the leftovers cool completely before storing them in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal that tastes just as amazing warmed up the next day.
Freezing
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the pasta may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavor will remain fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and to reincorporate any separated cream. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the soup thickened too much. Heating it slowly ensures the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor and work wonderfully in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe. Just dice them similarly so they cook evenly.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep that savory taste without dairy.
What pasta works best in this soup?
Small shape pastas like shells, orzo, or ditalini are ideal because they cook quickly and are bite-sized enough to scoop easily with the soup’s broth.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
You can, but I recommend cooking the chicken and sautéing the vegetables first on the stove for the best flavor, then transferring everything to the slow cooker to simmer with broth and pasta added last.
How can I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, add a bit more flour at the start or reduce the amount of broth slightly. Letting it simmer uncovered will also help concentrate the flavors and thicken the texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that fills your home with warmth and comfort. From its inviting aroma to the perfect balance of creamy, hearty, and fresh ingredients, this soup promises satisfaction in every spoonful. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite go-to recipe for cozy nights and happy gatherings!
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender pieces of chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth infused with Italian seasonings and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting meal, this soup features tender pasta shells and fresh spinach, delivering a balanced and satisfying taste of Tuscan-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Oils
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 to 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced onions
- ¼ cup diced sundried tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Thickening and Flavor
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
Liquids and Pasta
- 6 to 8 cups chicken broth
- 6 oz pasta (such as small shells)
Dairy and Greens
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ to 1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
- 2 ½ to 3 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until browned on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir frequently and cook until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Flour and Broth: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and chicken, stirring well to combine and create a roux base. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and remaining Italian seasoning to the boiling broth. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, until the chicken pieces are cooked through and the pasta is al dente.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in the heavy whipping cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the soup to simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter soup, but it will be less creamy.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the chicken broth to 6 cups instead of 8 cups.
- Tomato paste is optional but adds depth of flavor and color.
- For a gluten-free version, replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta.
- Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
