Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

This creamy Tuscan chicken soup is a cozy, heartwarming dish perfect for any time of the year. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy base, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this soup will become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy Tuscan chicken soup is the epitome of comfort food. It brings together all the best flavors—tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful broth that’s enriched with Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. The combination of seasonings like Italian herbs, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes adds a depth of flavor that will warm you up with every spoonful. It’s the perfect balance of creamy and savory, making it a dish that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ cup diced carrots

• ½ cup diced celery

• ½ cup diced onions

• ¼ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• ¼ cup flour

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)

• 6-8 cups chicken broth (start with 6 cups)

• 6 oz small pasta (such as Italian shells)

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• ½-1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese

• 2 ½-3 cups fresh spinach

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onions, carrots, celery, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft and translucent.

3. Add Flour and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. If you’re using tomato paste, add it here and stir well.

4. Add Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Use your spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pot.

5. Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the pasta and remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, and the pasta is al dente. If you prefer, you can cook the pasta separately and add it at the end.

6. Add Cream and Spinach: Stir in the heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed.

8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, with extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10 cups

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for tofu or extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a vegetarian version of this creamy soup.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or cashew cream in place of the heavy cream, and skip the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth to thin the soup if needed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great option and will add a bit more flavor and juiciness to the soup.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge. The flavors will continue to develop and may even taste better the next day.

Can I use store-bought broth?

Yes, store-bought broth works just fine for this recipe. You can use either chicken or vegetable broth based on your preference.

How can I make this soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use less broth or add a bit more flour at the beginning to thicken the base. Alternatively, blend a portion of the soup before adding the pasta.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach can be used. Just be sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the soup.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup without the pasta for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat, then cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any small pasta, such as penne, farfalle, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like zucchini, kale, or peas to make the soup heartier and even more nutritious.

How do I avoid overcooking the pasta?

If you’re concerned about overcooking the pasta, cook it separately and add it to the soup right before serving.

Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a spicy kick if desired.

Conclusion

This creamy Tuscan chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and filled with hearty ingredients. It’s perfect for warming up on a cold day, serving to guests, or enjoying with your family. With its savory flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your dinner rotation!