Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup recipe! This comforting dish brings together tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful cream sauce that’s sure to win hearts at the dinner table. Perfect for cozy nights or weeknight dinners, this is a rich and satisfying meal that promises warmth and deliciousness in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of Italian seasoning, sundried tomatoes, and heavy cream creates a delightful depth of flavor.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with veggies like spinach, carrots, and celery, this soup is both hearty and healthy.
- Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 50 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use your choice of chicken breasts or thighs and adjust the veggies based on what you have on hand.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze for future meals.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious soup, make sure you have the right tools on hand to streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and holding all the ingredients comfortably.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (Diced into 1 inch pieces; I used 1 1/2 pounds.)
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning (Divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup diced sundried tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves (Minced)
Thickening Agents
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (Optional See notes)
Broth and Pasta
- 6-8 cups chicken broth (I recommend starting with 6 cups. See notes.)
- 6 oz pasta (I used Italian small shells.)
Creamy Finish
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2-1 cup grated parmesan reggiano cheese
- 2 1/2-3 cups fresh spinach
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook until browned on all sides, which should take about 4–5 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook until all vegetables are translucent, which should take about 3–4 minutes.
Step 3: Thicken the Soup Base
Sprinkle the flour throughout the mixture in the pot. Stir well to combine fully. Add flour gradually to avoid excess drying. If using tomato paste, add it here as well.
Step 4: Add Broth
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth while stirring consistently to ensure there are no lumps formed. Use your spoon to deglaze any bits stuck at the bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Simmer with Pasta
Bring everything to a rolling boil before adding in your pasta and an additional teaspoon of Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. Cover with a lid and lower heat to let it simmer for about 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and pasta is al dente. Alternatively, boil pasta separately then add at the end.
Step 6: Finish with Cream
Once cooked, open the pot lid and stir in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes for flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Taste & Adjust Seasoning
Finally, taste your soup! Adjust seasoning as needed with salt and spices before serving hot.
Enjoy your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup warm alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad!
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its delicious flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough or Baguette: Serve with warm slices of sourdough or a freshly baked baguette for a delightful dipping experience.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread pairs perfectly, providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Basil or Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley enhances the dish’s flavor and adds a pop of color.
- Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding chili flakes can give the soup an extra kick.
As Part of a Meal
- With Salad: Pair it with a light salad for a balanced meal. A simple mixed greens salad dressed with vinaigrette complements the rich soup.
- In a Bread Bowl: Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and edible presentation.
How to Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
To achieve the best results with your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, consider these helpful tips. Following these will ensure your dish is as delicious as possible.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs add vibrant flavors that dried versions can’t match.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or add more flour. For thinner soup, simply add more broth.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and spices gradually for perfect seasoning without overdoing it.
- Don’t Overcook Spinach: Add spinach just before serving to keep its bright color and nutrients intact.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some delicious options to complement your meal.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery sticks make for perfect dipping companions in your creamy soup.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add texture and nutrition, enhancing your overall dining experience.
- Cheesy Grilled Sandwiches: Melty cheese sandwiches are comforting and pair wonderfully with the creamy flavors of the soup.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with tomatoes and cucumbers offers a healthy balance to your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices can be filling alongside your soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the outcome.
- Overcooking the Chicken: This can lead to dry meat. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Not seasoning at every step may result in bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor-quality chicken or broth will impact flavor. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients to enhance the dish.
- Skipping the Deglazing Step: Failing to deglaze can leave a bitter taste. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot after adding broth to incorporate all flavors.
- Adding Cream Too Early: Adding cream too soon can cause it to curdle. Stir it in just before serving for a smooth texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.
What vegetables can I add to Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup?
Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition.
How do I thicken Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup?
You can thicken it by adding more flour or cornstarch mixed with water, or simply let it simmer longer.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omit cheese for a delicious dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress anyone at your table. Give it a try today!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious cream sauce. This comforting soup is perfect for cozy evenings or quick weeknight dinners, delivering rich flavors in every spoonful. With the delightful blend of Italian seasoning and sundried tomatoes, each serving promises warmth and satisfaction. Quick to prepare and easily customizable, you can whip up this nourishing meal in just 50 minutes. Enjoy it with crusty bread or salad for a complete dining experience that will please everyone at your table.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 – 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (diced)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 6–8 cups chicken broth
- 6 oz pasta (small shells recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 ½ – 3 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced onions
- ¼ cup sundried tomatoes
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, sauté diced chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until browned (4–5 min).
- Add diced vegetables and garlic; cook until translucent (3–4 min).
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture; stir well to combine.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth while deglazing the pot.
- Bring to a boil; add pasta and simmer covered until cooked (20 min).
- Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan cheese; simmer an additional 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (350g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
