If you have been searching for a soul-warming, deliciously rich dish to cozy up with, then this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe is here to steal your heart. Imagine tender chunks of seasoned chicken nestled in a velvety broth, enriched with fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes that add bursts of color and flavor with every spoonful. This soup perfectly blends comfort and elegance, making it an exceptional choice for family dinners or when you want to impress guests without fuss. It’s flavorful, nourishing, and so satisfying that once you try this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to crafting a soup that’s not just tasty but beautifully balanced in flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role: from the tender chicken to the fresh spinach and the creamy Parmesan, this lineup ensures every bowl is a luscious experience.
- Olive oil: A teaspoon to gently brown the chicken and bring out savory depth.
- Chicken breasts or thighs (1 to 1 ½ pounds): Diced into bite-size pieces for tender, juicy protein.
- Italian Seasoning (2 teaspoons, divided): A fragrant herb blend that infuses the dish with classic Tuscan charm.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together harmoniously.
- Diced carrots (½ cup): Adds a subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch.
- Diced celery (½ cup): Brings a fresh, aromatic bite and texture contrast.
- Diced onions (½ cup): Creates a savory base that deepens the soup’s flavor.
- Diced sun-dried tomatoes (¼ cup): Offers bursts of tangy, sweet intensity with a gorgeous reddish hue.
- Minced garlic (3 cloves): For that unmistakable aromatic kick that lifts every spoonful.
- Flour (¼ cup): Helps thicken the soup to a satisfyingly creamy consistency.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds richness and deep tomato flavor, but feel free to skip if you prefer a lighter touch.
- Chicken broth (6-8 cups): The hearty liquid that ties all ingredients together in a flavorful base.
- Pasta (6 oz, small shells recommended): Perfect for catching the creamy broth and chicken pieces in every bite.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): The key to making the soup luxuriously smooth and indulgent.
- Grated Parmesan Reggiano (½ to 1 cup): Adds sharp, nutty flavor that enriches the overall profile.
- Fresh spinach (2 ½ to 3 cups): Provides a bright color and a healthy, tender bite to finish the soup beautifully.
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 seasoned with a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s nicely browned on the outside, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step builds the foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it — a well-seared chicken creates more depth for your soup.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Once the chicken has a lovely golden color, add the onions, carrots, celery, sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir everything together and cook until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent, which usually takes around 3 to 4 minutes. These aromatics release their flavors and start forming the soup’s hearty base.
Step 3: Add Flour and Broth
Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly. This little trick thickens the soup and gives it that irresistible creamy texture. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil — this step activates the thickening power of the flour while hydrating the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Cook Pasta and Season
Now it’s time to introduce the pasta and the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer gently for about 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook fully and the pasta to reach that perfect al dente texture. The pasta absorbs the broth’s goodness, making every mouthful comforting and satisfying.
Step 5: Finish the Soup
The final flourish is stirring in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the soup to simmer just for about 5 minutes more so that the spinach wilts gently and the cheese melts into a dreamy, velvety finish. Give your soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed — this is the moment to make it truly your own.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish takes this soup from delicious to downright irresistible. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a few fresh basil or parsley leaves, or even a drizzle of high-quality olive oil can brighten the bowl visually and add an extra layer of flavor. Garlic croutons or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes work beautifully if you want a bit of crunch or heat.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to be the star of the meal, but pairing it with warm crusty bread or garlic rolls really elevates the experience. A simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette creates a refreshing contrast and rounds out the meal nicely. For a touch of rustic charm, roasted vegetables or a light cheese platter can complement the creamy richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special occasions, serve the soup in individual rustic bread bowls to impress guests and make your presentation unforgettable. Garnishing each bowl with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of chopped sun-dried tomatoes adds a pop of color and sophistication. You can also ladle the soup over cooked rice or polenta for a unique twist that’s equally comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent odors from mingling with other foods. When you reheat, do so gently on the stovetop to keep the creaminess intact.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, making it a perfect meal prep option. Cool it completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Keep in mind that pasta can sometimes become a bit softer after freezing, so you may want to cook the pasta separately next time if you plan to freeze the soup often.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your frozen or refrigerated soup, reheat it slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps loosen it back up. Avoid boiling once the cream is added to preserve the velvety texture and to prevent it from separating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more moisture and richness to the soup, so feel free to use either depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is there a non-dairy alternative to heavy cream for this soup?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free option, though the flavor will be a bit different. These alternatives still deliver creaminess while keeping the soup rich and comforting.
What type of pasta works best in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe?
Small shapes like shells, ditalini, or orzo work best as they soak up the broth without overwhelming the soup. Larger pasta can overpower the balance of ingredients.
Can I make this soup spicier?
Definitely! Adding crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or topping the soup with a dash of hot sauce gives it a pleasant spicy kick that livens up the creamy flavors.
How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
To thicken, simply add a bit more flour when cooking or let the soup simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid. To thin, stir in additional chicken broth or water until you reach the desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe is a treasure you’ll want to keep coming back to, whether you’re craving a comforting meal on a chilly evening or entertaining friends and family. It’s approachable but bursting with complex flavors and textures that make every spoonful special. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your new go-to soup for warmth and deliciousness.
Print
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: Tuscan, Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a hearty and delicious recipe featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth infused with Italian flavors. Perfect for a comforting meal, this soup combines the goodness of chicken, pasta, spinach, and Parmesan cheese in a flavorful broth that warms the soul.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Soup Base
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
- 6–8 cups chicken broth
Additional Ingredients
- 6 oz pasta (such as small shells)
- 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 along with 1 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken pieces, stirring occasionally, until browned on the outside, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook together until the vegetables are translucent and softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Flour and Broth: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and chicken mixture and stir well to combine, cooking for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and the remaining teaspoon of Italian Seasoning to the boiling soup. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the pasta is al dente.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in the heavy whipping cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes so the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the broth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier texture.
- For a thicker soup, use the full 8 cups of chicken broth and add more flour as needed.
- The tomato paste is optional and adds a slight depth of flavor and color.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
