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

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of chicken, veggies, and herbs creates a rich flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this soup without any fuss.
• Versatile Meal: This soup is perfect for lunch or dinner, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
• Comforting and Hearty: The creamy texture and warm spices make it ideal for chilly evenings.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with chicken and fresh vegetables, it’s both healthy and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, you will need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: This is essential for cooking the soup evenly while allowing enough space for all ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pots, ensuring even mixing of your ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect flavor balance in your soup.

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
• 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)

For Thickening the Soup

• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (Optional See notes)

For Broth and Pasta

• 6-8 cups chicken broth (I recommend starting with 6 cups. See notes.)
• 6 oz pasta (I used Italian small shells.)

For Creaminess

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2-1 cup grated parmesan reggiano cheese

For Freshness

• 2 1/2-3 cups fresh spinach

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Step 1: Brown 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 Vegetables

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

Step 3: Add Flour

Sprinkle flour throughout the mixture and stir well to combine. Adding flour gradually helps avoid excess drying. If using tomato paste, add it now as well.

Step 4: Whisk in Chicken Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth while stirring repeatedly 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 pasta along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes until chicken is tender and pasta is al dente. Alternatively, you can boil pasta separately and add it later.

Step 6: Stir in Cream

Open the pot again and stir in heavy cream, spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7: Final Touches

Taste your soup! Adjust seasoning with salt or spices as needed before serving.

This delightful Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is not just easy to make but also offers layers of flavor that everyone will enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or simply enjoying a bowl at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your soup experience.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A fresh baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Garlic Bread: Add a flavorful kick with garlic butter spread on toasted bread.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing complement the richness of the soup.
• Mixed Greens: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the creamy texture.

Top with Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Chopped basil or parsley adds freshness and color to each bowl.
• Extra Parmesan: Sprinkling more cheese on top enhances the flavor profile.

Serve in Unique Bowls

• Bread Bowls: Serve your soup in hollowed-out bread for a fun twist.
• Mason Jars: Perfect for individual servings and adds a rustic touch to your table setting.

How to Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

To make your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup even better, follow these helpful tips. Each suggestion will guide you toward achieving the ultimate comfort food experience.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken make a significant difference in flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go to find the perfect level of seasoning without overpowering the dish.
• Cook Pasta Separately: This prevents overcooking and ensures pasta retains its texture when added to the soup.
• Let it Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer enhances flavors, making it richer and more satisfying.
• Add Spinach Last: To keep spinach bright and vibrant, stir it in just before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Complement your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup with these delightful side dishes. Each option adds something special to your meal.

1. Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots seasoned with garlic are ideal for scooping up soup.
2. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic offer a refreshing contrast.
3. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad filled with veggies can balance the warmth of the soup perfectly.
4. Cheesy Quesadillas: Crispy quesadillas filled with cheese are great for dipping into creamy broth.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Flavorful stuffed mushrooms add an elegant touch to your meal.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a healthy and colorful side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the overall flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.

• Using too much flour: Adding excess flour can lead to a thick, pasty texture. Instead, sprinkle it gradually and stir well to maintain the desired creaminess.
• Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can leave your soup bland. Always taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning throughout the cooking process.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it tough. Aim for just 4-5 minutes of browning before simmering to keep it tender.
• Ignoring ingredient prep: Skipping proper dicing of vegetables may result in uneven cooking. Ensure all ingredients are uniformly chopped for consistent texture and flavor.
• Adding cream too early: Incorporating heavy cream too soon can cause it to curdle. Add it toward the end of cooking for a smooth, velvety finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Cool the soup before refrigerating to avoid condensation.

Freezing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container for expansion.

Reheating Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until fully warm.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup.

Can I make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just add cream when reheating for best results.

What kind of pasta works best in this soup?

Italian small shells or any short pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni complement this soup nicely while adding heartiness.

Can I customize the vegetables in Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

Is there a vegetarian version of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup?

Yes! Substitute chicken with chickpeas or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is an irresistible dish that combines rich flavors with comforting textures. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, this recipe offers great flexibility—feel free to customize with different veggies or pasta types. Give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!