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If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich, comforting, and brimming with vibrant flavors, it effortlessly combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and savory Parmesan in a lush, creamy broth. Every spoonful highlights the perfect balance of Italian-inspired ingredients, creating a soup so satisfying you’ll want to make it a regular in your kitchen repertoire. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a day when you need a bit of culinary sunshine, this recipe delivers pure delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup’s magic starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an essential role in building its luscious flavor and satisfying texture. From the earthy sweetness of fresh vegetables to the rich creaminess of Parmesan and heavy cream, every component contributes beautifully to the final dish.
- Olive oil: Adds a fragrant foundation and helps gently brown the chicken to lock in flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Tender, protein-packed pieces that soak up the spices and broth.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings classic Tuscan warmth and aroma.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other ingredients.
- Diced carrots: Provide a slight sweetness and gorgeous color contrast.
- Diced celery: Adds subtle crunch and depth to the vegetable medley.
- Diced onions: Bring savory backbone and aroma to the soup.
- Diced sundried tomatoes: Concentrated tang and a touch of chewiness for complexity.
- Minced garlic: Delivers that classic Italian punch and irresistible fragrance.
- Flour: Thickens the soup to the perfect creamy consistency.
- Tomato paste (optional): Enhances the soup’s richness and subtle tomato undertones.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base, creating warmth and depth.
- Pasta (Italian small shells): Tender morsels that soak up the creamy broth beautifully.
- Heavy whipping cream: Infuses the soup with velvety richness and smooth texture.
- Grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese: Adds nutty, salty complexity and a luscious finish.
- Fresh spinach: Brings bright color, nutrients, and a gentle earthy note.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced chicken seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it brown on all sides, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes. This caramelization locks in juicy flavor that will carry throughout the soup. Once browned, set the chicken aside if your pot feels crowded—this helps your vegetables get their chance to shine.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Stir frequently as these ingredients soften and release their wonderful aromas. This step builds the soup’s aromatic foundation; those softened vegetables add natural sweetness and body, coaxing out layers of flavor with every stir.
Step 3: Add Flour and Tomato Paste
Sprinkle the flour over the veggies little by little, stirring to avoid lumps. The flour acts as a thickening agent, ensuring your soup attains that luxurious creamy texture. For an added depth boost, stir in the tomato paste now—it enriches the broth with a gentle tang and subtle umami that will elevate this soup to next-level deliciousness.
Step 4: Pour in the Chicken Broth
Gradually whisk in six cups of chicken broth, stirring constantly to smooth out any clumps and scrape the flavorful brown bits off the bottom of the pot—a process called deglazing. This technique unlocks concentrated flavor, infusing every spoonful with savory goodness. You can always add extra broth later if you prefer a thinner soup.
Step 5: Simmer with Pasta and Chicken
Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the uncooked pasta along with another teaspoon of Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste. Cover, reduce heat, and let it simmer about 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the pasta just reaches al dente perfection. Cooking the pasta in the soup allows it to soak in all the flavors, making every bite truly harmonious.
Step 6: Stir in Cream, Spinach, and Parmesan
Remove the lid and gently mix in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. The soup will become creamy and rich while the spinach wilts down to tender perfection. Let it simmer another five minutes, giving everything time to meld and develop that signature cozy, silky finish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the gorgeous Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe into bowls, topping with extra Parmesan if you like. Warm, hearty, and utterly comforting, this soup is ready to become your new go-to for soul-satisfying meals. Grab a spoon and dig in!
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes take this soup to shining heights. Think freshly grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy kick, a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley for bright, herbaceous notes, or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil that adds a subtle fruity richness. These little touches make every bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the creamy broth, turning your meal into a warm, satisfying feast. A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint, balancing the richness with crisp, clean flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual family dinners or entertaining guests, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for an adorable and edible presentation. Alternatively, top each bowl with a swirl of pesto or a sprinkle of chili flakes to add a pop of unexpected flavor and color that’ll definitely impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or an effortless dinner follow-up.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the pasta may become softer upon thawing, so if you prefer, cook the pasta separately before freezing and add it freshly cooked when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring often. If the soup is too thick after refrigeration or freezing, whisk in a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its creamy texture. Heating slowly helps preserve the vibrant flavors and prevents the cream from curdling.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and more forgiving, making them a fantastic choice for this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe. Just dice them similarly, and you’ll get tender, flavorful bites in every spoonful.
Is it okay to substitute the heavy cream?
If you’re looking to lighten the soup, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the soup won’t be quite as rich and silky. For dairy-free options, coconut cream is a good alternative that still adds creamy texture and a subtle sweetness.
What type of pasta works best in this soup?
Small shaped pasta like Italian shells, ditalini, or orzo work beautifully because they cook quickly and distribute evenly throughout the soup. Larger pasta shapes might be too bulky and change the mouthfeel.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can transform this into a vegetarian delight by swapping the chicken for hearty mushrooms or white beans, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The creamy base and herbs will still create that comforting Tuscan vibe.
How spicy is this soup?
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe is mild and approachable, more focused on warm herbs and savory creaminess than heat. If you enjoy spice, adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during cooking can add a nice kick.
Final Thoughts
Making this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe feels like preparing a big bowl of comfort with just the right Italian flair—the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with cozy satisfaction. It’s a wonderful recipe to share with family and friends, or to keep all for yourself whenever you need a little delicious warmth. Trust me, once you try it, this soup will quickly become one of your favorites too!
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings (about 10 cups)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken, savory vegetables, rich Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach all simmered together in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup blends classic Italian flavors with creamy textures to create a delicious and satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 to 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for cooking chicken)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for simmering with pasta)
- Additional salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced onions
- ¼ cup diced sundried tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 ½ to 3 cups fresh spinach
Soup Base and Pasta
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
- 6 to 8 cups chicken broth, start with 6 cups
- 6 oz pasta (such as Italian small shells)
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ to 1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside if needed.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Flour and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir thoroughly to combine. Add the flour in stages to prevent clumping. If using, add tomato paste at this stage and stir well to incorporate.
- Incorporate Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and deglazing the bottom of the pan. Start with 6 cups and reserve extra for thinning the soup later if needed.
- Add Pasta and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and an additional teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with more salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and lower the heat; simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pasta is just al dente. Alternatively, you can cook the pasta separately and add it after simmering.
- Finish the Soup: Remove the lid, then stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or add more flour when sautéing vegetables.
- Using chicken thighs can add more flavor and tenderness, but breasts work well too.
- You can substitute the small shell pasta with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the soup will be less creamy.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a nice depth of flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Cooking the pasta separately can help avoid overcooking if you plan to store leftovers.
