Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup recipe! This comforting dish features tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a weeknight meal, this soup is sure to impress everyone at the table with its delightful flavors and heartwarming aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Comforting: The combination of chicken, vegetables, and cream creates a filling dish perfect for chilly evenings.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up this delicious soup quickly.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out vegetables or pasta to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This soup is rich in flavor, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or entertaining guests.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking process seamless, gather the essential tools before you start. Having the right equipment will help you create this delicious soup without any hassle.

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 simmering soups evenly and holding larger quantities.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your pot’s surface.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.

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

• 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 & 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 pieces along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Flour

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture in the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Add flour gradually to avoid clumping. If using tomato paste, add it now and mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Whisk in Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Use your spoon to deglaze any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Add in your pasta along with another teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper again if desired. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for about 20 minutes until chicken is tender and pasta is al dente. Alternatively, you can cook pasta separately and add it at the end.

Step 6: Finish with Cream & Spinach

Once cooking time is complete, open the lid and stir in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.

Step 7: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your soup one last time before serving! Adjust salt and spices as needed based on personal preference.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as part of a cozy dinner spread, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Classic Serving

• Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a touch of color and flavor.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair the soup with slices of crusty bread or baguette. This allows for dipping and adds a delightful crunch to each bite.

Over Rice

• Ladle the soup over a bed of fluffy rice for a hearty and filling option, making it perfect for hungry diners.

As an Appetizer

• Offer smaller portions of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup as an appetizer at dinner parties. It’s a great way to start a meal.

Topped with Cheese

• Add extra grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for an added layer of richness.

Side Salad

• Serve alongside a fresh side salad with mixed greens to balance the creaminess of the soup.

How to Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Perfecting your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is all about enhancing flavors and textures. Follow these tips to make your soup even better.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs whenever possible. Fresh ingredients enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your soup.

• Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.

• Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust seasonings toward the end to avoid overseasoning early on.

• Experiment with Pasta: Try using different types of pasta, like tortellini or orzo, for varied textures and flavors in your soup.

• Let it Rest: Allow the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

• Store Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every delicious drop of soup.

2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crisp texture and tangy flavor that complements the creamy soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a healthy, colorful side that balances out the richness.

4. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad can offer a refreshing contrast in both taste and texture.

5. Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad featuring cherry tomatoes and cucumbers adds protein and freshness to your meal.

6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses with olives and crackers makes for an elegant side that enhances your dining experience.

7. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds vibrant color and complements the creaminess of the soup well.

8. Cornbread Muffins: Moist cornbread muffins add sweetness and are great for dipping into your deliciously creamy soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few important details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Using cold chicken: Always start with chicken that is at room temperature. This ensures even cooking and a better texture.
• Not seasoning properly: Failing to taste and adjust the seasoning can lead to bland soup. Season throughout the cooking process for maximum flavor.
• Adding dairy too early: Adding cream too soon can cause it to curdle. Wait until the end of cooking for a rich, creamy finish.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Keep them slightly crisp for better texture in your soup.
• Skipping the deglazing step: Not deglazing the pot can result in a less flavorful soup. Scrape up any browned bits after sautéing for a delicious depth of flavor.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It keeps well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup.

Can I use different types of pasta in this soup?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta shape, like tortellini or penne, for a unique twist.

How do I make this soup healthier?

Consider using low-fat cream or reducing the amount of cheese for fewer calories while still enjoying the flavors of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken will save time. Just add it during the last few minutes of cooking to warm through.

What can I serve with this soup?

Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy!

Final Thoughts

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices according to your taste. Give this delightful recipe a try—you won’t regret it!