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
- Deliciously Creamy: The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a rich texture that makes every bite irresistible.
- Hearty Ingredients: Packed with chicken, veggies, and pasta, this soup is filling enough to serve as a complete meal.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a cozy dinner or pack it for lunch; it’s perfect for any occasion.
- Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 50 minutes, this soup fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors appeal to both adults and kids alike, making it a family favorite.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the deliciousness of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and allows you to sauté, simmer, and serve all in one pot.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients safely and efficiently.
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 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: Cook 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, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. Cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Add Flour & Tomato Paste
Sprinkle the flour throughout the mixture and stir well to combine. Add flour gradually to avoid excess drying. If using tomato paste, add it now and stir.
Step 4: Add Chicken Broth
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to ensure there are no lumps. Use your spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Cook Pasta
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Add in the pasta along with another teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover with a lid and lower heat to let simmer for about 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and pasta is al dente. Alternatively, you can boil pasta separately and add it later.
Step 6: Stir in Cream & Spinach
Open the pot and stir in heavy cream, spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning
Taste your soup! Adjust with more salt or spices if needed before serving.
With these simple steps, you’ll have a delightful bowl of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup ready to warm your heart!
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Serving Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup can enhance your dining experience, making it even more enjoyable. Here are some delightful suggestions for serving this comforting dish.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair the soup with a fresh loaf of crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the creamy broth nicely.
Over Rice
- Serve the soup over a bed of fluffy rice. This addition makes for a heartier meal and complements the flavors perfectly.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish each bowl with fresh basil or parsley. This adds a pop of color and boosts the flavor profile.
Accompanied by a Side Salad
- A crisp side salad works well alongside the soup. Choose a simple vinaigrette to keep it light and refreshing.
In Individual Bowls
- For a classy presentation, serve the soup in individual bowls. This elevates the dining experience and makes it feel special.
With a Sprinkle of Cheese
- Top each serving with additional grated Parmesan cheese. It enhances the creamy texture and adds extra flavor.
How to Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
To ensure your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs elevate the taste significantly compared to dried or canned options.
- Control the thickness: Adjust the amount of flour based on your desired soup thickness; less flour creates a lighter soup.
- Taste as you go: Regularly tasting helps you adjust seasonings, ensuring that the final dish is perfectly seasoned.
- Simmer gently: Allowing the soup to simmer gently helps meld all flavors together while keeping chicken tender.
- Customize your protein: Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or even shrimp for different flavor profiles.
- Storage tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheating will restore its creamy goodness.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Complementing your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup with tasty side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Bread: Deliciously buttery with garlic and herbs; perfect for dipping into your soup.
- Caesar Salad: A classic salad that offers crunch and tang, balancing out the creaminess of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients while enhancing overall flavors.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms make for an elegant side that pairs beautifully with soup.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad provides a refreshing contrast to hot soup; try using Italian dressing for added zest.
- Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits filled with cheese are great for soaking up every drop of your creamy dish.
- Coleslaw: A light coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, brightening up every bite of your comforting soup.
- Quiche: A slice of quiche offers richness and pairs well with any kind of soup, especially creamy varieties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating the perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup can be easy, but some common mistakes can hinder your success. Here are some errors to watch out for:
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Using low-quality chicken: Always opt for fresh, high-quality chicken to enhance the flavor and texture of your soup.
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Overcooking the vegetables: Cook vegetables just until tender. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture, which detracts from the overall dish.
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Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup as you cook. Adjust salt and spices as needed to achieve the best flavor profile.
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Skipping the deglazing step: Deglaze your pot after browning the chicken. This step enhances the flavors by incorporating those tasty browned bits into your soup.
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Not allowing enough simmer time: Letting your soup simmer allows flavors to meld beautifully. Skipping this step can leave you with a bland dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in a container.
Freezing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers for expansion when freezing.
Reheating Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup:
Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?
Yes! Leftover cooked chicken works great in this soup. Just add it towards the end of cooking to warm it through.
How can I customize my Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup?
Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also adjust the creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream.
What type of pasta is best for this soup?
Small pasta shapes like shells or ditalini work best. They hold onto the broth well and make each bite delightful.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop. Just store it properly in the fridge or freezer.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is not only comforting but also versatile, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether cozying up on a chilly night or needing a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bowl. Feel free to experiment with ingredients based on what you have on hand!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup. This rich and hearty dish combines tender chicken with vibrant vegetables, all enveloped in a luscious cream sauce that’s perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. With its delightful blend of flavors and textures, including savory Italian seasoning and fresh spinach, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with crusty bread, every spoonful offers warmth and satisfaction. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this easy-to-make recipe that’s as delicious as it is comforting!
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1–1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (diced)
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 6–8 cups chicken broth
- 6 oz small pasta (such as shells)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2–1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2.5–3 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned (4-5 minutes).
- Add onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic; cook until translucent (3-4 minutes).
- Sprinkle flour into the mixture and stir well; add tomato paste if desired.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Bring to a boil, add pasta along with additional seasoning; cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan cheese; simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
