Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

If you’ve been dreaming of a soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender chunks of chicken mingling with vibrant sundried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy broth that’s delicately flavored with garlic and Italian herbs. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, quick to prepare but rich in taste, making it ideal for cozy weeknights or sharing with a crowd. You’ll love how every spoonful bursts with texture and flavor, truly showcasing the magic of Italian-inspired home cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe comes together with simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the crisp bite of diced carrots and celery to the silky touch of heavy cream, every component pulls its weight to create a balanced and hearty soup.

• Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing, adding a subtle fruity richness to the chicken and veggies.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 to 1 ½ pounds): Tender and juicy protein that soaks up the Italian seasoning beautifully.
• Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons, divided): A fragrant mix of herbs that brings classic Tuscan flavors to the dish.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
• Diced carrots (½ cup): Adds a gentle sweetness and vibrant color.
• Diced celery (½ cup): Provides a fresh, crisp texture that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy broth.
• Diced onions (½ cup): Gives a savory base and depth to the soup’s flavor.
• Diced sundried tomatoes (¼ cup): Infuses the soup with a tangy, slightly sweet tomato richness, elevating the whole dish.
• Garlic cloves, minced (3): Adds warmth and a fragrant punch that’s absolutely irresistible.
• Flour (¼ cup): Acts as a thickening agent, giving the soup that perfect creamy consistency.
• Tomato paste (2 tablespoons, optional): Intensifies the tomato flavor for a deeper, richer soup.
• Chicken broth (6-8 cups): The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
• Pasta (6 oz, such as small shells): Adds comforting bite and heartiness to the soup.
• Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Makes the broth wonderfully rich and indulgent.
• Grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese (½-1 cup): Provides a nutty, salty finish that’s signature to Tuscan cooking.
• Fresh spinach (2 ½-3 cups): Adds bright color, nutrition, and a fresh earthy note.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s nicely browned on the outside, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step seals in the juices and builds a savory foundation that you’ll notice in every spoonful.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, toss in the diced onions, carrots, celery, and sundried tomatoes along with the minced garlic. Sauté everything for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions turn translucent. This softens the vegetables while releasing their natural sweetness and aromas, creating that irresistible kitchen aroma that makes you so eager to dive into this soup.

Step 3: Add Flour and Broth

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked vegetables and chicken, stirring thoroughly to coat everything. This is the secret to your creamy texture without adding cream just yet. Then, gradually whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps, and bring the mixture to a boil. This process lets the soup thicken and develop body without feeling heavy.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Once the broth is boiling, add the pasta and the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the pasta is tender but still slightly firm—al dente perfection. This timing is key to ensure tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta that won’t become mushy.

Step 5: Finish the Soup

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to meld all the flavors together and soften the spinach just right. Give everything a final taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. You’ve now achieved that beautiful, creamy Tuscan magic!

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Garnishes

To take your bowl of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe to the next level, sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan on top and add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. Fresh cracked black pepper and a few torn basil leaves or extra spinach also make bright, fresh garnishes that contrast beautifully with the rich soup.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs brilliantly with crunchy garlic bread or warm focaccia to soak up every last drop of the creamy broth. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the soup’s richness, balancing the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve this soup in mini bread bowls or rustic ceramic soup crocks for rustic charm. You can also pack it in mason jars for an on-the-go lunch that feels special. Adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a swirl of pesto before serving adds an unexpected twist that will impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier. Just be sure to store the soup separately from bread or garnishes to maintain texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months, but be mindful that the cream and pasta may change texture slightly upon thawing. To minimize this, consider freezing the broth and chicken mixture without the cream and pasta, then add fresh cream and cook pasta fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it. For best results, add a handful of fresh spinach and a bit of Parmesan cheese just before serving to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are great because they stay juicy and tender during cooking, adding a bit more flavor to the soup. Just dice them into 1-inch pieces and cook as usual.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with canned coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free cheesy flavor. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely. Brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables first for the best flavor, then combine all ingredients except the cream, cheese, and spinach in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Add the cream, cheese, and spinach in the last 30 minutes.

What pasta works best for this soup?

Small shapes like shells, ditalini, or orzo are ideal because they cook quickly and fit perfectly on your spoon with the other ingredients. Avoid long pasta that may get soggy.

How can I make this soup spicier?

You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing stage or top with sliced fresh chili peppers. A dash of smoked paprika also adds a gentle smoky heat that complements the Tuscan flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe is one of those comforting meals that feels like homemade love in every bowl. It’s hearty, creamy, and bursting with flavor, yet surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving a soulful solo meal, this soup will quickly become a cherished favorite. Give it a try—I promise it will warm your heart and satisfy your soul.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a comforting, hearty dish packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and spinach in a rich, Parmesan-infused broth with a creamy texture. It combines classic Italian flavors like sundried tomatoes and Italian seasoning with pasta, making it perfect for a satisfying family meal.

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Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 to 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning, divided
• Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics

• ½ cup diced carrots
• ½ cup diced celery
• ½ cup diced onions
• ¼ cup diced sundried tomatoes
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Soup Base and Finishes

• ¼ cup flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
• 6 to 8 cups chicken broth
• 6 oz pasta (such as small shells)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ to 1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
• 2 ½ to 3 cups fresh spinach

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Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic to the pot with the chicken. Cook and stir until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant, roughly 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add Flour and Broth: Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to incorporate it evenly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the boiling soup. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the pasta is tender but still al dente.
5. Finish the Soup: Stir in the heavy whipping cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the soup to simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts completely. Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute the chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
• Use gluten-free flour and pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
• The tomato paste is optional but adds a subtle depth of flavor and color to the soup.
• For a thicker soup, use less chicken broth or add a little more flour.
• Fresh spinach can be swapped for kale or Swiss chard if desired.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian