Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a bowl of velvety, soul-warming comfort that’s bursting with sun-kissed Mediterranean flavors, look no further than Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup. This riff on a classic combines juicy chicken, tender veggies, ribbons of spinach, and just the right touch of cream—each spoonful delivers cozy richness and a taste of the Italian countryside.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled: every ingredient in Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup plays its part, working together like a flavorful symphony! Here’s exactly what makes this soup so lip-smackingly delicious—and totally worth bringing into your weekly rotation.

• Olive oil: A drizzle to sauté, lending an Italian foundation and deep flavor from the very first sizzle.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Chicken thighs add a richer, juicier bite, but breasts work perfectly for a leaner profile—dice into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
• Italian seasoning: The signature herb blend infuses the entire soup with classic Tuscan flair.
• Salt and pepper: For simple, essential seasoning every step of the way.
• Diced carrots, celery, and onions: The aromatic base trio—soft, sweet, and the secret to incredible soup depth.
• Sundried tomatoes: Bursts of tang and sweetness, adding signature Tuscan color and vibrancy.
• Garlic: Three cloves, sautéed just until fragrant, for a boost of irresistible aroma.
• Flour: Stirred in as a thickener, it makes the broth silky and substantial.
• Tomato paste (optional): Adds richer, deeper tomato flavor and a touch of color—totally up to your preference.
• Chicken broth: The base for everything! Start with 6 cups and adjust for your desired soup thickness.
• Small pasta shells (or similar): Their shape catches just enough broth and makes every spoonful fun.
• Heavy whipping cream: The magic touch—this is what transforms the soup into true comfort food.
• Grated parmesan reggiano: For depth, savoriness, and a lovely hint of salt; don’t skimp on the real stuff if you can.
• Fresh spinach: Gently wilts at the end, adding color, nutrition, and a signature pop of green.

Variations

Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup your own by switching up the add-ins or tailoring to whatever’s in your fridge. Consider these ideas as a springboard for creativity—this soup is incredibly forgiving and flexible to personal tastes and dietary needs!

• Low-Carb: Swap the pasta shells for extra veggies or cauliflower “rice” for a lighter, carb-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free: Try coconut cream and your favorite vegan cheese to transform this into a creamy, dairy-free delight.
• Super-Protein Boost: Swap in cooked cannellini beans for extra protein and fiber.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for subtle heat.
• Veggie Forward: Stir in kale, zucchini, or even peas during the last five minutes for more color and texture.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in half your Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper, and add the diced chicken. Let it cook undisturbed until it’s golden on the outside—this builds deep flavor as a base. Aim for 4–5 minutes, then transfer the browned chicken to a plate, leaving all those tasty juices in the pot.

Step 2: Build that Savory Base

In the same pot (no need to clean!), toss in your carrots, celery, onions, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. Sauté them together until the vegetables are softened and the aroma fills your kitchen, about 3-4 minutes. This step creates that quintessential “Tuscan soup” foundation.

Step 3: Thicken the Broth & Add Tomato Paste

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring as you go to coat everything evenly (try doing this in two batches so you don’t end up with lumps). If you’re using tomato paste, add it here and stir well to meld the flavors—the tomato paste deepens the color and gives that classic warmth.

Step 4: Pour in the Chicken Broth

Gradually pour in 6 cups of chicken broth, whisking as you go to dissolve the flour and scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This is where the magic really starts: the broth will begin to thicken, becoming luscious and silky.

Step 5: Simmer with Pasta & Chicken

Bring your soup to a gentle boil. Add the seared chicken back into the pot along with the pasta shells, remaining Italian seasoning, and an extra dash of salt and pepper. Cover and reduce to a simmer. Let the mixture bubble away for about 20 minutes—just until the chicken is fully cooked and the pasta is tender but still has a lovely bite.

Step 6: Add Cream, Spinach & Parmesan

Open the lid, stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and a generous scoop of grated parmesan. Let the soup simmer for five more minutes, until the spinach is wilted and everything is silky, creamy, and irresistible. Taste and adjust with extra salt, pepper, or parmesan as needed—then serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Garnishes

This soup absolutely shines with a flourish of extra grated parmesan, a drizzle of fruity olive oil, or a scattering of fresh basil or parsley. For a beautiful finishing touch, try crispy fried garlic chips or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you love a little heat!

Side Dishes

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is almost a meal on its own, but it absolutely begs for some crusty artisan bread, buttery garlic knots, or even a simple side salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette. For an Italian feast, pair with antipasto skewers or roasted seasonal veggies on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform a humble bowl into a restaurant-worthy presentation by serving Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup in large, shallow soup plates with a swirl of cream on top. For special occasions, ladle it into mini mugs for an appetizer course, or serve accompanied by parmesan crisps for an extra-crunchy twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftover soup to cool, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making that second bowl taste even more Tuscan!

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully—just ladle into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space for expansion. For best results, freeze before adding spinach and cream, then reheat and stir those in fresh right before serving.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to keep the cream from separating. If it’s thickened, splash in a little broth or milk to loosen it up and restore that creamy, luscious texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing soup that brings both comfort and a taste of Italy to your kitchen, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup will win you over in just one spoonful. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again (and again!) whenever you need a hug in a bowl.

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