If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender chunks of chicken mingling with vibrant spinach, tender pasta shells, and a luscious, creamy broth seasoned just right to bring together all those cozy Italian flavors. This soup is not just a meal but an experience—rich, soothing, and packed with nutrition while still feeling indulgently creamy and delicious. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a way to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe checks all the boxes for a soulful, satisfying dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe comes together with simple, everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role in flavor, texture, and color. The chicken provides heartiness and protein, the fresh vegetables add sweetness and depth, and the pasta adds that chewy comfort element we all crave. The creamy broth, enriched by heavy cream and Parmesan, ties everything together to create a rich, velvety finish.
- Olive oil: A versatile fat that helps brown the chicken and brings a subtle fruity flavor.
- Boneless chicken breasts or thighs (1–1.5 pounds, diced): Tender, protein-packed pieces that soak up all the lovely soup flavors.
- Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): A blend of herbs that instantly adds an Italian flare to the dish.
- Diced carrots (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and a pop of color to brighten the soup.
- Diced celery (1/2 cup): Offers a gentle crunch and aromatic depth.
- Diced onions (1/2 cup): Builds a savory base and sweetness.
- Chicken broth (6–8 cups): The flavorful liquid that makes this soup hearty and satisfying.
- Pasta (6 oz small shells recommended): Adds substance and soaks up the creamy broth perfectly.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Creates a luxuriously rich, smooth texture.
- Fresh spinach (2.5–3 cups): Infuses vibrant green color and a nutritious boost.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, which sets the stage for perfectly cooked chicken. Season your beautiful diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the hot oil. Allow the chicken to brown evenly for about 4-5 minutes, developing that rich caramelized flavor that elevates the entire soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced carrots, celery, onions, along with any sundried tomatoes and garlic you love (optional but highly recommended for a flavor boost). Sauté everything until the onions turn translucent and the vegetables begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes. This step unlocks sweetness and lends a wonderful aroma that signals good things to come.
Step 3: Thicken the Soup Base
Sprinkle in flour and, if you have it, a spoonful of tomato paste to add color and umami. Stir this combination well so the flour distributes evenly—this is the secret to that lovely creamy, thick base in the finished soup.
Step 4: Deglaze with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth gradually while whisking to scrape up those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of your pot. This deglazing step infuses your soup with an unbeatable depth of flavor and gets everything melding beautifully together.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Simmer
Bring your pot to a gentle boil and then add the small pasta shells along with an additional teaspoon of Italian seasoning for a flavor punch. Cover the pot and simmer for about 20 minutes until the pasta turns perfectly al dente, soaking up the delicious broth without getting mushy.
Step 6: Stir in Cream and Spinach
Finally, stir in the heavy whipping cream and fresh spinach, letting the spinach wilt down gently into the hot soup. Adding Parmesan cheese at this stage (though optional) can introduce a beautiful, nutty undertone that complements the creamy broth so well. Let everything simmer together for 5 more minutes to marry all the flavors.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Before serving, taste your soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This last step ensures that your soup’s flavor is balanced, comforting, and as vibrant as possible.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly cracked black pepper, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley makes for an inviting finishing touch. These garnishes highlight the fresh, vibrant flavors already thriving inside your soup.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty soup with crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia to soak up that creamy broth. A light side salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast that balances the richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in beautiful rustic bowls for a cozy, homestyle feel. For entertaining, hollow out small round bread loaves to serve the soup inside—this not only looks charming but doubles as an edible bowl!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it keeps well for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners during the week.
Freezing
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully. Just leave out the pasta when freezing if you prefer, as it can become mushy upon thawing, then cook fresh pasta when reheating. Freeze the soup in suitable containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stove so you don’t scorch the creamy broth. Stir occasionally until warmed through. If needed, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to the perfect soup consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and add even more flavor to the soup, making them an excellent substitute or option if you prefer dark meat.
Is this soup gluten-free?
As written, the recipe contains flour and pasta, which have gluten. You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and pasta alternatives without sacrificing the creaminess and texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy whipping cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit the cheese altogether to keep it creamy and flavorful.
How long does it take to make this soup from start to finish?
It usually takes about 45 minutes, including prepping ingredients and simmering, making it a manageable weeknight meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time so everything stays tender but not mushy.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe, you’ll see why it quickly becomes a household favorite. It’s the perfect marriage of simple ingredients and rich, comforting flavors that will have you coming back for seconds. Cozy up with a warm bowl and enjoy the proud feeling that you just made something truly delicious and nourishing from scratch.
Print
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a hearty, comforting dish packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, pasta, and a luscious creamy broth infused with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines rich flavors with wholesome ingredients to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 – 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2.5 – 3 cups fresh spinach
Liquids and Dairy
- 6–8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry Items and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste (optional)
- 6 oz small shell pasta
Instructions
- Heat and Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper and add to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced carrots, celery, onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add Flour and Tomato Paste: Stir in the all-purpose flour and optional tomato paste to the pot. Mix well to combine and cook briefly to remove the raw flour taste.
- Deglaze with Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Simmer Pasta: Bring the soup to a boil, then add the pasta and an additional teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
- Add Cream, Spinach, and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup thickens slightly.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken broth with low-sodium broth for a healthier option.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a unique flavor but they can be omitted if unavailable.
- Small shell pasta works best to hold the soup, but other small shapes like ditalini or orzo are good alternatives.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 1 month.
