Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

If you have been searching for a comforting, flavorful, and hearty bowl to warm your soul on cooler days, you have to try this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe. This dish combines tender chicken, vibrant sundried tomatoes, and fresh spinach all swirled into a luscious, creamy broth that tastes like a hug in a bowl. Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of rich textures and Italian-inspired flavors, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual gatherings. Get ready to fall in love with a soup that is as satisfying as it is simple to make!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s admire how straightforward and essential these ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe to life, from the aromatic Italian seasoning that lifts the flavors, to the fresh spinach that adds brightness and color.

• Olive oil: The perfect cooking fat that starts your soup with a fragrant base.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: These provide tender, protein-packed bites in every spoonful.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the soup with classic Tuscan flair.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.
• Carrots, celery, and onions: The holy trinity of soup veggies, adding sweetness, earthiness, and depth.
• Sundried tomatoes: These little flavor bombs introduce a tangy, sun-ripened complexity.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic offers an irresistible aroma and a savory kick.
• Flour: Used to thicken the soup perfectly without heaviness.
• Tomato paste (optional): Adds rich umami and deep color to your broth.
• Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together.
• Pasta (Italian small shells recommended): Adds comforting bite and heartiness.
• Heavy whipping cream: The secret to that silky, creamy texture you’ll love.
• Grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese: Brings nutty, salty notes and enriches the soup.
• Fresh spinach: A burst of vibrant green and subtle earthiness finishing the dish.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced chicken along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste. Let the chicken brown nicely on all sides for about 4 to 5 minutes—the beautiful golden crust locks in flavor. Once browned, set the chicken aside to make room for the veggies.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics

In the same pot, stir in diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook these until softened and fragrant, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies and creates a rich base that makes the soup so luscious.

Step 3: Add Thickener and Tomato Paste

Sprinkle the flour evenly over your sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine and prevent clumping, gradually adding the flour in stages if needed. If you choose to use tomato paste, now is the moment to add it and mix thoroughly. This combination starts to build the velvety texture and deeper flavor your soup deserves.

Step 4: Add Broth and Deglaze

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, lifting all those tasty browned bits into the soup. Begin with 6 cups, but keep extra broth handy if you want to adjust the soup’s consistency later. This liquid infusion is what transforms it all into a comforting, hearty soup experience.

Step 5: Simmer with Pasta

Bring your soup base to a rolling boil. Now add the pasta along with another teaspoon of Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and reduce the heat so it simmers gently for about 20 minutes, letting the chicken cook through and the pasta become perfectly al dente. For convenience, you may cook the pasta separately and stir it in at the end if you prefer.

Step 6: Finish the Soup

Remove the lid to stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let everything simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This step melts the cheese and wilts the spinach beautifully while bringing together all the magnificent flavors into the signature creamy richness of this recipe.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle into bowls and, if desired, shower with extra Parmesan cheese for an elegant finishing touch. Warm, indulgent, and delicious, this soup is ready to bring smiles to your table.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe further, consider topping each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness, or a drizzle of good olive oil. Cracked black pepper adds an extra spicy pop that complements the creamy broth perfectly.

Side Dishes

This soup stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or warm, crusty bread takes it to the next level. Garlic bread, focaccia, or even cheesy breadsticks make ideal companions, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that scrumptious soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls or even hollowed-out bread bowls for an impressive presentation at gatherings. For a party, consider offering the soup as a small tasting portion in elegant shot glasses garnished with a tiny spinach leaf or a Parmesan crisp for a chic appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe into airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to deepen, making your second helping just as delightful as the first.

Freezing

This soup freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that fresh spinach is best added fresh when reheating rather than freezing with the soup for optimal texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. You may want to add a splash of broth or cream to bring back its lovely silky consistency. Add fresh spinach during reheating to restore vibrancy and freshness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, making the soup even more comforting. Just dice them similarly and adjust cooking times if needed, but both cuts work great.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese or simply omit it for a lighter version without sacrificing too much creaminess.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

While this soup is best when cooked on the stovetop for texture control, you can brown the chicken and sauté vegetables separately, then combine all ingredients (excluding pasta and spinach) in a slow cooker. Add pasta and spinach toward the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Small shapes like Italian shells, ditalini, or small elbow macaroni work best because they cook quickly and are easy to eat in soup. Avoid large pasta which can be overwhelming or take longer to cook.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely. Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be mindful of cooking times to keep the veggies tender but not mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe is a delightful blend of comfort, flavor, and Italian charm that will quickly become a go-to favorite. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or you want to impress family and friends, this soup delivers warmth and richness with every spoonful. Roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try—you’ll soon see why it’s such a beloved classic in the world of cozy soups!

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and spinach in a rich, creamy broth with Italian seasoning, pasta, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup offers a flavorful blend of textures and tastes that meld beautifully in one pot.

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Ingredients

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Chicken & Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 to 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables & Aromatics

• ½ cup diced carrots
• ½ cup diced celery
• ½ cup diced onions
• ¼ cup diced sundried tomatoes
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Thickener & Broth

• ¼ cup flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
• 6 to 8 cups chicken broth, start with 6 cups

Pasta & Dairy

• 6 oz pasta (such as Italian small shells)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ to 1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese

Greens & Final Seasoning

• 2 ½ to 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for simmering with pasta)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until all sides are browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside if needed.
2. Sauté Vegetables & Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
3. Add Thickener & Tomato Paste: Sprinkle the flour gradually over the vegetables, stirring thoroughly to avoid lumps. If using, add tomato paste now and mix well to combine.
4. Add Broth & Deglaze: Gradually whisk in chicken broth, starting with 6 cups, stirring continuously to deglaze the pot and ensure no lumps remain. Reserve extra broth for thinning the soup if desired.
5. Simmer with Pasta: Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then add the pasta along with an additional teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for about 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and pasta is just al dente.
6. Finish the Soup: Remove the lid and stir in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt and flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, topping with extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

• Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs can add extra juiciness compared to breasts.
• Adding tomato paste is optional but enhances the richness and depth of flavor.
• If the soup is too thick, add reserved chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
• Cooking pasta separately can prevent it from soaking up too much broth, keeping the soup less starchy.
• Fresh spinach is best added at the end to preserve vibrant color and texture.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian