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
- Quick Prep Time: With only 20 minutes of prep, you can have this delicious soup ready in no time.
- Hearty and Comforting: The combination of chicken, vegetables, and cream creates a filling meal that warms you from the inside out.
- Versatile Ingredients: Easily swap out vegetables or pasta to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a rainy day or a cozy dinner party, this soup fits right in.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The rich flavors and creamy texture make it an instant favorite among family and friends.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and 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: Ideal for making soups as it allows for even cooking and plenty of space for all ingredients.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pot, ensuring all ingredients blend well together.
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 & 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 they become translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 3: Add Flour & Tomato Paste
Sprinkle the flour throughout the mixture. Stir well to combine. If using tomato paste, add it here and mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Pour in Chicken Broth
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Use your spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Soup with 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 it simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is tender and pasta is al dente. Alternatively, boil pasta separately if preferred.
Step 6: Final Touches
Open the pot and stir in heavy cream, spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning
Taste your soup before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt or spices as needed to enhance flavor.
With this easy-to-follow guide on making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, you’re set for a delightful culinary experience! Enjoy every heartwarming bowl.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Serving Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is all about enhancing its rich flavors and creating a delightful dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough or Baguette: The tangy flavor of sourdough or the crusty exterior of a baguette makes them perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a buttery crunch that complements the soup beautifully.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs on top just before serving for added color and freshness.
- Chives: Finely chopped chives provide a mild onion flavor that pairs well with the creamy texture.
Top with Cheese
- Parmesan Shavings: Adding fresh shavings of Parmesan on top elevates the dish, giving it an extra layer of flavor.
- Feta Crumbles: For a tangy twist, sprinkle some feta cheese over the soup right before serving.
Serve in a Bread Bowl
- Edible Bowls: For a fun presentation, serve your soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This not only looks great but also adds to the meal as you can eat the bowl too!
Accompany with Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers crisp romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons that contrast nicely with the soup’s creaminess.
- Caprese Salad: The fresh tomatoes and mozzarella bring brightness and balance to your meal.
How to Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
To ensure your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the overall flavor profile of your soup.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, simply add more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Avoid Overcooking Chicken: Keep an eye on your chicken while cooking to prevent it from becoming dry; tender chicken makes for a better soup.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and spices throughout cooking to ensure balanced flavors.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
- Experiment with Pasta Types: Different pasta shapes can change the texture of your soup. Try using small shells, ditalini, or even gluten-free options.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Pairing side dishes with your delicious Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup can create a wholesome meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these potatoes make a hearty complement.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
- Cheesy Biscuit Bites: Fluffy biscuits filled with cheese are perfect for dipping!
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds nutrition and color without overpowering flavors.
- Bruschetta: Topped with tomatoes and basil, bruschetta offers a delightful appetizer before diving into your soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins pair well with savory soups, adding a touch of sweetness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection enhance both taste and visual appeal alongside your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers: These flavorful bites can be made ahead and served warm for an additional savory option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, avoid these common mistakes for the best results.
- Using the wrong cut of chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. They cook evenly and keep the soup tender.
- Skipping seasoning: Always season your ingredients at each stage. This builds layers of flavor and enhances the overall taste.
- Not using enough broth: Start with at least 6 cups of chicken broth. Adding too little can result in a soup that is too thick or bland.
- Overcooking the pasta: Ensure your pasta is al dente before adding cream. This keeps it from becoming mushy and maintains texture in your soup.
- Ignoring the vegetables: Don’t rush cooking your vegetables. Cooking them until translucent allows their flavors to infuse into the soup.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.
Reheating Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup special?
This recipe combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich creamy sauce that creates a delightful comfort food experience.
Can I make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time! Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or coconut milk as lighter alternatives, though they will change the flavor slightly.
How do I customize my Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition and variety.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe fits perfectly. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a warm and inviting dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a luscious cream sauce. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly evenings or as a satisfying weeknight dinner. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Easy to prepare in just 20 minutes, you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or pasta. The result is a hearty meal that warms both body and soul, making it ideal for cozy gatherings or simply enjoying at home.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Italian seasoning
- Diced carrots
- Diced celery
- Diced onions
- Sundried tomatoes
- Garlic cloves
- Flour
- Chicken broth
- Pasta (such as small shells)
- Heavy whipping cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh spinach
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook until browned (4–5 minutes).
- Stir in onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic; cook until translucent (3–4 minutes).
- Sprinkle flour into the mixture; stir to combine. Add tomato paste if using.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Deglaze the pot bottom.
- Bring to a boil; add pasta and additional seasoning. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan; simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
