Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup recipe! This comforting dish combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy sauce that’s sure to win hearts at the dinner table. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this rich meal promises warmth and deliciousness in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of Italian seasoning, sundried tomatoes, and creamy broth creates an irresistible taste.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this soup in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course for lunch or dinner, it’s a great option for family meals or entertaining guests.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from fresh spinach and vegetables, this soup is both satisfying and healthy.
• Freezable: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals on busy days.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools before starting. Having everything at hand will help you create this lovely soup without any hitches.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the soup evenly while providing enough space for all the ingredients.
• Sharp knife: A good knife ensures precise chopping of vegetables and chicken, making your prep quicker.

Ingredients

• 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 Tuscan Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté 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: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. Cook until translucent, which takes about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Flour

Sprinkle the flour throughout the mixture and stir well to combine. To avoid excess drying, add flour in stages. If you’re using tomato paste, add it now.

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: Simmer with Pasta

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Add in the pasta along with another teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover with a lid and lower heat to let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender, with pasta al dente. Alternatively, you can boil pasta separately and add it later.

Step 6: Stir in Cream and Spinach

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

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and spices if needed for perfect flavor balance.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your dining experience.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Slices of warm, crusty baguette are perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Garlic Bread: Savory garlic bread adds an extra layer of flavor and makes for a hearty pairing.

Topped with Garnishes

• Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh basil adds a burst of freshness and vibrancy on top of the soup.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated or shaved Parmesan cheese brings a rich, nutty flavor that complements the soup.

Accompanied by Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine and tangy dressing balances the richness of the soup.
• Mixed Green Salad: Light and refreshing, mixed greens with a vinaigrette dressing offer a nice contrast.

In Individual Bowls

• Personal Serving Bowls: Serving the soup in individual bowls creates an inviting atmosphere and makes it easier for guests to enjoy their portions.

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How to Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

To ensure your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor significantly.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go when adding salt, pepper, and spices to avoid overpowering the dish.
• Cook Pasta Separately: For perfect pasta texture, cook it separately and add it just before serving.
• Simmer Gently: Allowing the soup to simmer gently helps develop deeper flavors without overcooking the chicken.
• Add Spinach Last: Adding spinach at the end preserves its vibrant color and nutrients.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with garlic provide a satisfying crunch alongside the creamy soup.
2. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese offer a comforting side that complements the soup’s richness.
3. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a fresh element to your meal while being easy to prepare.
4. Caprese Salad: A refreshing combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil brightens up your plate.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up any leftover soup in your bowl.
6. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad brings texture and nutrition without overpowering the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Not seasoning enough: Failing to season your chicken and vegetables can lead to bland soup. Always taste as you cook, adding salt and pepper gradually.
• Using too much flour: Adding too much flour can make the soup overly thick or gummy. Start with less and add more if needed for consistency.
• Skipping the deglazing step: Neglecting to deglaze the pot can waste flavor. Always scrape up any brown bits at the bottom of the pot when adding broth.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry and tough. Monitor cooking times closely to maintain tenderness.
• Not allowing the flavors to meld: Rushing the simmering process can prevent flavors from developing fully. Allow sufficient time for all ingredients to blend together nicely.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing it in containers.

Freezing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers, as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil; heat for about 25 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup.

Can I use leftovers for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup?

Yes! Leftover chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. Just ensure it’s properly heated before serving.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup?

You can use half-and-half or coconut milk as lighter alternatives. However, they will alter the flavor slightly.

How do I customize my Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup?

Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. You can also switch up the protein with turkey or tofu.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well and is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that provides warmth and comfort. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!