Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

If there’s a soup you’ll find yourself craving over and over, it’s this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup. Imagine a velvety broth infused with Italian herbs, brimming with tender chicken, garden-fresh veggies, and hints of sun-dried tomato and parmesan. Every spoonful delivers cozy comfort and restaurant-worthy flavor, all whipped up easily at home. Whether you’re feeding the family on a chilly weeknight or hoping to wow dinner guests, this soup is about to become your new go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup has its own moment to shine, and together they build a beautiful balance of flavor, color, and texture. Don’t be intimidated by the list—these are all familiar, wholesome staples that make a truly special pot of soup.

• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the chicken and aromatic vegetables for maximum flavor.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Diced for tenderness; thighs offer a bit more richness, while breasts lighten things up.
• Italian seasoning: Brings in that signature Tuscan aroma—herbaceous and warm.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for boosting all the savory notes in the soup.
• Diced carrots: These sweet, vibrant bites add appealing color and texture.
• Diced celery: Contributes aromatic and earthy base flavor, providing subtle crunch.
• Diced onions: They melt into the background for savory depth and sweetness.
• Diced sundried tomatoes: Offer tangy, concentrated tomato flavor and a hint of the Mediterranean.
• Minced garlic: Garlic’s punchy, fragrant quality makes the soup sing.
• Flour: For thickening the broth to that dreamy, creamy consistency.
• Tomato paste (optional): Adds extra umami and a gentle blush of color if you want an extra flavor boost.
• Chicken broth: The base, imparting savory goodness and tying all the flavors together.
• Small pasta shells: These little noodles capture bits of the soup, making every bite extra satisfying.
• Heavy whipping cream: Lends silky richness and a luxuriously smooth finish.
• Parmesan Reggiano cheese (grated): Adds sharpness and depth—stir in more for extra indulgence.
• Fresh spinach: A pop of green and freshness to balance the creaminess.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your diced chicken with half the Italian seasoning, and season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on all sides for about 4 to 5 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup and gives the chicken that golden, delicious edge.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, toss in the onions, carrots, celery, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. Let everything mingle over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, until the onions turn translucent and the kitchen fills with that irresistible Italian aroma. This creates beautiful layers of flavor and a tempting color mix in your soup.

Step 3: Add the Flour and Tomato Paste

Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and chicken, stirring well to coat. Add it in stages—this helps prevent any clumps and keeps things smooth rather than dry. If you’ve chosen to include tomato paste, stir that in now. It deepens the color and taste of your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring repeatedly so you get a silky base without lumps. Scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze any delicious bits that may be stuck—that’s where tons of flavor lives!

Step 5: Add Pasta and Simmer

Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then add your small pasta shells, the remaining Italian seasoning, and more salt and pepper to taste. Cover, lower the heat, and let the pot simmer for about 20 minutes. You’re looking for chicken that’s perfectly tender and pasta that’s just al dente. If you prefer, you can cook the pasta separately and stir it in at the end to control the texture.

Step 6: Stir in the Cream, Spinach, and Parmesan

Open up the pot and gently add your heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated parmesan. Stir everything together to let the spinach wilt into bright green ribbons and the cheese melt seamlessly into the broth. Let it all simmer for a final five minutes, infusing your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup with that irresistible richness.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might like more salt, a crack of black pepper, or even an extra sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Now you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Garnishes

Give your bowl a finishing touch! A flourish of freshly grated parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or Italian parsley, or just a quick drizzle of olive oil right before serving brings out those Tuscan vibes. Cracked black pepper or a light zesting of lemon will brighten things up beautifully.

Side Dishes

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is begging for some good bread—try a warm, crusty baguette, chewy focaccia, or even garlic bread for dipping. For a lighter side, a simple arugula salad with a lemony vinaigrette pairs perfectly and helps balance the soup’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress up your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup for special occasions: serve in a hollowed-out bread bowl for ultimate coziness, or ladle into small cups for an elegant appetizer at your next gathering. Topping each bowl with a swirl of pesto or a fried sage leaf adds an extra pop of color and sophistication.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the soup has cooled completely, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for a make-ahead lunch or easy weeknight dinner.

Freezing

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup freezes well, though the cream and pasta may change texture slightly upon reheating. For best results, freeze without the cream and pasta, then add them fresh when you reheat. Use freezer-safe containers and enjoy within 2 to 3 months for peak flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it looks a little thick, just add a splash of chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Avoid boiling to keep the cream silky and the chicken juicy.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Absolutely! Stir in your shredded rotisserie chicken after the veggies sauté, just before adding the broth. It’s a great shortcut and infuses even more flavor into your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup.

What type of pasta works best?

Small pasta shapes like shells, ditalini, or orzo are fantastic because they cook quickly and soak up the broth. Feel free to swap in gluten-free pasta if that suits your needs.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

You can! Use coconut cream or an unsweetened plant-based creamer instead of heavy cream, and substitute nutritional yeast or a dairy-free parmesan to keep that cheesy, creamy vibe alive.

Will the soup thicken as it sits?

Yes, the pasta will soak up some liquid as the soup sits, so leftovers may be thicker. Just add a bit of extra broth or water when reheating to bring back that ideal creamy consistency.

What protein substitutions work well?

Try diced turkey, Italian sausage, or even cannellini beans for a vegetarian twist—all work beautifully in the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup and let you mix things up to suit your pantry or preferences.

Final Thoughts

You’re just a pot away from your new favorite comfort food! This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is cozy, nourishing, and bursting with flavors that are both special and familiar. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see just how simple it is to bring a taste of Tuscany to your table—enjoy every delicious spoonful!

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