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

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of Italian seasoning and fresh ingredients creates a rich taste that warms the soul.
• Comforting and Filling: Hearty chicken and pasta make this soup a complete meal that is perfect for chilly evenings.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, you can whip up this soup in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the creaminess to suit your taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: This soup keeps well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space for cooking all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients gently without scratching your cookware.

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 and Broth

• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (Optional See notes)
• 6-8 cups chicken broth (I recommend starting with 6 cups. See notes.)

Pasta and Creamy Elements

• 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: Heat the Oil

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 Vegetables

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

Step 3: Add Flour & Tomato Paste

Sprinkle the flour throughout and stir well to combine. Add the flour gradually to avoid excess drying. If using tomato paste, add it now and stir thoroughly.

Step 4: Combine Broth & Deglaze

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: Add Pasta & Simmer

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 cooked through and pasta is al dente. Alternatively, boil pasta separately and add it later.

Step 6: Stir in Cream & Spinach

Open the pot and stir in heavy cream, spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your soup and adjust seasoning with salt or spices if needed.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this delightful Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup! Serve it warm with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Serving Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is all about enhancing its rich flavors and ensuring a delightful dining experience. Here are some creative suggestions to consider:

Enjoy with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette – A sliced, warm baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Garlic Bread – This adds a deliciously fragrant complement and crunch that pairs well with each bite.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast.
• Caprese Salad – Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil add brightness to your meal.

Garnish Options

• Fresh Herbs – Chopped parsley or basil can elevate the soup’s presentation and flavor.
• Additional Cheese – A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top enhances the creaminess.

Pair with Wine

• Chardonnay – A smooth, buttery Chardonnay complements the richness of the soup.
• Pinot Grigio – For a lighter option, this wine’s acidity balances the creaminess.

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How to Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

To ensure your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup reaches perfection, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the overall flavor profile of your soup.
• Adjust Creaminess – Modify the amount of heavy cream based on your personal preference for creaminess.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente – This helps prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed in with the soup.
• Season Gradually – Taste as you go; adjusting seasonings at each step leads to a well-balanced dish.
• Let It Simmer – Allowing the soup to simmer enables all flavors to meld beautifully over time.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

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

1. Garlic Knots – Soft and buttery bread knots loaded with garlic flavor make a delightful companion.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted to perfection add nutrients and variety to your meal.
3. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad tossed with lemon dressing provides a healthy contrast.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful peppers filled with flavorful rice or grains offer a hearty addition.
5. Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread – This slightly spicy cornbread brings warmth and comfort alongside the soup.
6. Zucchini Fritters – Crispy fritters made from fresh zucchini can add crunch and flavor contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Aim for a cooking time of just 4-5 minutes until browned, and then let it simmer gently.
• Skipping the Deglazing Step: Failing to deglaze the pot can leave burnt bits in your soup. Always use a spoon to scrape the bottom before adding liquids.
• Not Adjusting Seasoning: Underseasoning can lead to bland soup. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and spices as needed.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor quality chicken or broth can ruin the dish. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Adding Spinach Too Early: Adding spinach too soon can cause it to wilt excessively. Stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking for optimal texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags 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 to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls; stir halfway through for even warming, about 2-3 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot, ensuring not to boil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup?

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a delightful blend of tender chicken, veggies, and creamy broth seasoned with Italian herbs.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later enjoyment.

How can I customize my Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup?

Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or replace chicken with turkey or sausage based on your preference.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup keeps well and is perfect for meal prepping. Just store it properly as mentioned above.

What are some side dishes that pair well with this soup?

Consider serving with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!