Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup recipe! This comforting dish brings together tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful 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

• Comforting and Hearty: The combination of chicken, vegetables, and cream creates a warm bowl of goodness.
• Quick Preparation: With a total time of 50 minutes, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Ingredients: Swap in your favorite veggies or pasta types to make this soup your own.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a dish that everyone will love, making it great for family dinners or gatherings.
• Easy Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge, making it easy to enjoy later.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for cooking large batches of soup evenly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for perfect flavor balance.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for the Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup:

• 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)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (Optional; see notes)
• 6-8 cups chicken broth (I recommend starting with 6 cups; see notes.)
• 6 oz pasta (I used Italian small shells.)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2-1 cup grated parmesan reggiano cheese
• 2 1/2-3 cups fresh spinach

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat:
1. Heat the olive oil.
2. Add the diced chicken along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook until browned on all sides, about 4–5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

In the same pot:
1. Add diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic.
2. Cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Thicken the Soup

Sprinkle flour throughout:
1. Stir well to combine.
2. If using tomato paste, add it now and stir until incorporated.

Step 4: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in chicken broth:
1. Stir continuously to avoid lumps while deglazing the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil:
1. Add pasta and remaining Italian seasoning.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cover with a lid and lower heat to let simmer for about 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and pasta is al dente.

Step 6: Finish with Cream & Spinach

Once cooked:
1. Stir in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Let simmer for an additional 5 minutes before serving.

Step 7: Adjust Seasoning

Taste the soup:
1. Adjust seasoning with more salt and spices if necessary before serving hot.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious bowl of Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup!

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

This Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve it. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Enjoy the soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. The bread complements the creamy texture and absorbs the flavors perfectly.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving. This adds a burst of color and freshness that elevates the dish.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Serve the soup over a bed of rice or quinoa. This makes for a heartier meal and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Pair with a Side Salad

• A simple green salad pairs well, offering a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. Use vinaigrette to balance the flavors.

In Individual Bowls

• For special occasions, consider serving the soup in individual bowls. It adds elegance and makes portion control easier.

How to Perfect Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

To achieve the best results with your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor profile significantly.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth gradually until desired consistency is reached.
• Add Spice: For a kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to elevate the flavor.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving lets all the flavors meld beautifully.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste your soup while cooking and adjust seasonings accordingly for perfect balance.
• Store Properly: Store leftovers in airtight containers; it keeps well in the fridge for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Complementing your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup with side dishes can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that creamy goodness.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing side that balances richness.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition while enhancing flavor.
4. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing offers crunch alongside your warm soup.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be filled with grains, beans, or veggies for a hearty complement.
6. Cheesy Biscuits: Warm biscuits with cheese are not only comforting but also great for dipping into your soup.
7. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad can provide texture contrast and is great served cold alongside hot soup.
8. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy zucchini fritters offer a fun twist and pair wonderfully with creamy soups.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup to the next level.

• Using the wrong chicken cut: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender pieces. Avoid tougher cuts that can affect texture.
• Skipping seasoning: Always season your chicken and vegetables well with salt and pepper. This step enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
• Not stirring properly: When adding flour, sprinkle it gradually and stir continuously to prevent lumps. Ensure a smooth texture for your soup.
• Ignoring cooking time for pasta: Overcooking pasta can lead to mushy textures. Cook until al dente, or add it separately before serving for better results.
• Underestimating the creaminess: Adjust cream and cheese amounts according to taste. More cream creates a richer soup that many enjoy!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

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

Reheating Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup.

What is Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup?

Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is a rich and flavorful dish made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce that captivates taste buds.

Can I use different pasta types?

Yes! You can substitute small shells with other pasta like penne or fusilli, but adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I customize this Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup?

Feel free to add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, or substitute spinach with kale for a unique twist.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and omit cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients! We encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own.