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
Scale
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.