Name: Tuscan Chicken Vegetable Stew Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups carrots, chopped; 2 cups celery, chopped; 1 large zucchini, chopped; 1 sweet red bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped; 1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped; 1 19 oz. can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons cider vinegar; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 cup flour; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish; Parmesan cheese, for garnish

If you love cozy, hearty meals that are packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, then this Tuscan Chicken Vegetable Stew Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how this stew combines tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a rich broth that tastes like it’s been simmering all day — but you can whip it up in less than an hour! Keep reading, because I’m sharing all the insider tips to help you nail it perfectly every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich & Comforting Flavor: The blend of Italian seasoning, garlic, and fresh veggies gives this stew a true Tuscan warmth that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Balanced & Nutritious: Packed with colorful veggies, lean chicken, and beans, it’s a wholesome meal that fuels your body without weighing you down.
Perfect for Busy Cooks: You can put this together in under an hour — no all-day simmering needed, but it still tastes like it did.
Customizable to Your Taste: Whether you want more spice, swap vegetables, or go vegetarian, this recipe is super flexible.

A close-up view of a bowl filled with chunky vegetable soup that has about three layers visible: the bottom layer is a light brown broth, the middle layer is a mix of white beans and diced orange carrots scattered around, and the top layer shows pieces of green zucchini, red tomatoes, celery, dark green spinach leaves, and small white pieces of chicken, all sprinkled with herbs. The bowl is round and white with a natural speckled rim, placed on a white marbled surface next to a white cloth with yellow stripes, and a small part of another bowl with rice is visible at the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Tuscan Chicken Vegetable Stew, Tuscan Chicken Stew, hearty chicken vegetable stew, Italian chicken stew, healthy chicken vegetable soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to build layers of flavor and texture. When shopping, look for the freshest vegetables you can find and boneless chicken breast that’s well-trimmed — it’ll cook quicker and stay tender in the stew.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy butter, half a medium onion diced near two whole uncracked garlic bulbs, a neat pile of chopped bright orange carrots, chopped pale green celery stalks, chunks of fresh green zucchini, a handful of chopped sweet red bell pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with white all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl with mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl with crushed red pepper flakes, a small white ceramic bowl with shiny white cannellini beans, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant diced red tomatoes, chopped cooked white chicken breast pieces, chopped fresh dark green spinach leaves, a small white ceramic bowl with amber cider vinegar, fresh green parsley sprigs, and a small mound of grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Tuscan Chicken Vegetable Stew, Tuscan Chicken Stew, hearty chicken vegetable stew, Italian chicken stew, healthy chicken vegetable soup

Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps sauté your veggies to golden perfection.
Butter: Gives the stew a silky finish—don’t skip it for that comforting richness.
Onion: Provides a natural sweetness as it softens and caramelizes.
Garlic: The star flavor that wakes up the entire pot.
Carrots: Bright color and natural sweetness that soften just right.
Celery: Adds an earthy crunch and classic stew aroma.
Zucchini: Light, tender, and soaks up the broth’s flavors beautifully.
Sweet red bell pepper: Brings a mild sweetness and vibrant color.
Flour: For thickening the broth into a luscious base.
Chicken broth: The heart of the stew’s savory depth—use homemade or low-sodium store-bought.
Italian seasoning: Brings that quintessential Tuscan herb bouquet.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat if you like a little kick.
Cannellini beans: Great source of protein and creaminess; rinse to reduce saltiness.
Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and body, balancing the richness.
Cooked chicken breast: Tender and lean, it makes the stew satisfying and hearty.
Fresh spinach: Tossed in at the end for a pop of color and nutrients.
Cider vinegar: A splash brightens all the flavors just before serving.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout.
Fresh parsley: For garnish, adds freshness and a little herbal punch.
Parmesan cheese: Optional but highly recommended for savory depth and creaminess on top.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Tuscan Chicken Vegetable Stew Recipe depending on what’s in season or my mood. Feel free to make it your own — tweaking spices or veggies is part of the fun!

Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and double the beans for a protein-packed meatless stew.
Spicy Kick: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat — my family goes crazy for this!
Hearty with Potatoes: Toss in diced red potatoes early so they soften and add extra bulk.
Seasonal Veggies: In the fall, I swap zucchini for butternut squash, or include kale instead of spinach in winter.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken Vegetable Stew Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables

Start by heating the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once melted, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. I like to stir these occasionally until the onions are translucent and the carrots have softened just a bit, which takes about 4-5 minutes. This step builds the base flavor and aroma, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Add Zucchini and Red Pepper

Next, stir in the chopped zucchini and sweet red bell pepper. Cook these for another 2 minutes just until they start to soften. You want to keep them slightly crisp to maintain some texture in the stew.

Step 3: Make the Roux and Add Broth

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. Cook the flour for about a minute — this cooks out the raw taste and creates a roux that will thicken your stew. Then, slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly. This gradual addition helps prevent lumps and lets the broth thicken nicely.

Step 4: Build the Stew

Once your broth starts to thicken, stir in the Italian seasoning, optional red pepper flakes, rinsed cannellini beans, and the canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring everything to a boil, stirring often to prevent sticking on the bottom.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Simmer

After the stew has come to a boil, add the cooked chopped chicken breast. Then turn the heat down to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes. This simmering time allows all the flavors to marry beautifully and the chicken to absorb the stew’s delicious essence.

Step 6: Finish with Spinach and Vinegar

In the final minutes, stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cider vinegar. The vinegar brightens the stew and balances the richness, while the spinach wilts down for a fresh pop of green. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the spinach is tender and the stew is heated through.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Give the stew a taste and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, if you like. This last touch makes it feel extra special!

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Pro Tips for Making Tuscan Chicken Vegetable Stew Recipe

Don’t Skip the Roux: Cooking the flour with butter and veggies creates the perfect stew thickness without it getting gloopy.
Use Cooked Chicken: Pre-cooked chicken breast saves time and keeps the meat tender — no risk of drying out.
Add Spinach Last: This keeps the greens vibrant and fresh instead of turning mushy.
Simmer Gently: Keep the heat low during simmer to let flavors blend without toughening ingredients.

How to Serve Tuscan Chicken Vegetable Stew Recipe

A close-up of a bowl filled with colorful vegetable soup on a white marbled surface. The soup has many layers of ingredients: bright orange carrot slices, green zucchini chunks, green spinach leaves, red tomato pieces, pale white beans, and light beige small pieces of a soft ingredient, all floating in a light brown broth speckled with black pepper and herbs. A silver spoon sits inside the bowl, holding a mix of zucchini, beans, and tomato. The bowl itself is off-white with a light brown rim. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Tuscan Chicken Vegetable Stew, Tuscan Chicken Stew, hearty chicken vegetable stew, Italian chicken stew, healthy chicken vegetable soup

Garnishes

I always finish this stew with fresh chopped parsley for brightness and a hearty sprinkle of Parmesan cheese — it melts slightly and adds a savory kick that takes the dish over the top. Sometimes I also add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for extra richness.

Side Dishes

It’s fantastic on its own, but I love serving it alongside crusty bread or warm focaccia to soak up every last drop. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette helps cut through the richness and rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I sometimes serve the stew in rustic mini cast-iron pots or pretty soup bowls, topped with fresh herbs and Parmesan shards. Pair it with a glass of Chianti, and you’ve got a charming Tuscan-inspired meal that’s sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the stew cools, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, so I often make it the day before to enjoy the next day.

Freezing

This Tuscan Chicken Vegetable Stew freezes wonderfully. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers, making sure it cools completely before sealing. When you thaw and reheat, the texture and flavor hold up really well—perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Reheating

I recommend reheating gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick helps revive the stew’s perfect consistency. Avoid the microwave if possible for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken for this stew?

Absolutely! While I prefer cooked chicken breast for tenderness and quick prep, shredded rotisserie chicken or even thigh meat works great. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if adding raw chicken to ensure it’s cooked through.
Is this stew suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, this stew is ideal for meal prep. It keeps well refrigerated for several days and freezes nicely too. Flavor improves over time, so making a big batch ahead is a smart move for busy weeks.
Can I make this stew gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornstarch mixed with water to thicken. Just adjust quantities so the stew gets the right consistency without lumps.
What can I substitute for cider vinegar?

If you don’t have cider vinegar on hand, a splash of lemon juice or red wine vinegar works well to add that bright, acidic note that balances the stew.

Final Thoughts

This Tuscan Chicken Vegetable Stew Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s the perfect blend of comforting and fresh, quick enough for weeknights but tasty enough to serve company. If you’re craving a meal that feels homemade and satisfying without a lot of fuss, this stew is exactly what you want. I promise, once you try it, it’ll become one of those recipes you make again and again, just like I do!