Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (Diced into 1 inch pieces); 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning (Divided); Salt and pepper to taste; 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); 1/4 cup flour; 2 tablespoons tomato paste (Optional); 6-8 cups chicken broth; 6 oz pasta (Italian small shells); 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2-1 cup grated parmesan reggiano cheese; 2 1/2-3 cups fresh spinach

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy meal that feels like an Italian getaway in a bowl, look no further than Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup. Think: tender chicken, robust sun-dried tomatoes, velvety Parmesan, and a swirl of creamy broth, all brought together with pops of bright spinach and aromatic herbs. Each spoonful feels special, but this recipe is simple enough to make any night of the week. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need a little comfort, this soup always hits the spot.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is how humble but well-chosen ingredients come together for rich, layered flavor. Each component adds its stamp, from vibrant veggies to creamy cheese. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Olive oil: Just a teaspoon is enough to create a lovely base for sautéing the chicken and veggies, adding a subtle richness.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Chicken thighs bring juiciness, while breasts provide lean protein; both soak up the Tuscan flavors beautifully.
Italian seasoning: Divided for both the chicken and the soup, this blend infuses every bite with familiar herbal warmth.
Salt and pepper: The classic duo—layer carefully for depth and balance.
Diced carrots: Add natural sweetness and beautiful color.
Diced celery: Lends gentle earthiness and a subtle crunch.
Diced onions: They’re the foundation of savory flavor in any great soup.
Diced sundried tomatoes: These little jewels provide bursts of tangy, concentrated tomato flavor.
Minced garlic: Fragrant and punchy, garlic ties all the flavors together.
Flour: A small amount thickens the soup, turning broth into luscious silk.
Tomato paste (optional): Provides a pop of color and extra tomato intensity, but you can skip it if you like.
Chicken broth: The savory backbone—start with six cups and add more if you love a brothier soup.
Small pasta (shells suggested): Bite-sized pasta makes this soup extra comforting and satisfying.
Heavy whipping cream: A must for that signature creamy finish—don’t substitute here!
Grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese: Salty, nutty, and absolutely essential for Italian flavor.
Fresh spinach: Stirs in at the end for vibrant color and a fresh, earthy bite.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges and a little caramelization—the kind that locks in flavor for your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Leaving the chicken in the pot, toss in your diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until the veggies are soft and aromatic. This step sets the flavor foundation for everything to come.

Step 3: Add Flour (and Tomato Paste, if Using)

Sprinkle the flour over the veggie and chicken mixture, a little at a time, stirring well with each addition. The goal is to avoid clumps and coat everything evenly. If you’re using tomato paste, add it now for extra depth—just stir until it’s blended in.

Step 4: Add Broth and Deglaze

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up all the tasty browned bits from the bottom with your spoon. This deglazing step gives the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup extra body and richness, ensuring you don’t miss any flavor.

Step 5: Simmer with Pasta and Seasoning

Once the broth mixture is smooth, bring it to a rolling boil. Add your small pasta, the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a bit more salt and pepper. Pop a lid on, lower the heat, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the pasta is perfectly al dente. If you prefer a less starchy broth, you can cook the pasta separately and stir it in at the end.

Step 6: Finish Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Remove the lid and reduce to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, heap in the spinach, and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Let everything merge for another 5 minutes until the soup is luxuriously creamy, the spinach has wilted, and the cheese has melted into the broth.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Now’s your chance to taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or extra Parmesan if you like. Your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is now ready to serve piping hot!

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Garnishes

A final flourish makes all the difference! Sprinkle each bowl with extra grated Parmesan and a crack of black pepper. A scatter of fresh basil or parsley brightens up the bowl and brings garden-fresh aroma right to your table. For a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper is delicious.

Side Dishes

This soup loves company! Serve with warm, crusty bread for dunking, or simple garlic toast to soak up the creamy broth. A crisp green salad with a punchy vinaigrette makes a perfect palate refresher if you’re serving Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup as part of a bigger meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, ladle the soup into individual mugs or mini bread bowls for a wow-factor presentation. You can also top with a spoonful of herbed ricotta, or serve family-style in a big Dutch oven so everyone can help themselves to seconds (they will want to!).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup cool before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it tastes even better the next day—the flavors really mingle and deepen overnight.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, ladle the cooled soup (without pasta, which can get mushy) into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the refrigerator and add freshly cooked pasta while reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If needed, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the texture—soup thickens as it stands, but a little extra liquid brings it right back to its original silkiness.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?

Absolutely! Just shred or dice the rotisserie chicken and add it after the veggies are sautéed—you’ll only need to simmer it long enough to heat through.

What pasta shapes work best in Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup?

Small pasta shapes like shells, ditalini, or orecchiette are perfect because they scoop up the creamy broth. But feel free to experiment—just avoid anything too large or long.

Is there a way to make this soup lighter?

You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk, though you’ll lose a little richness. Be sure to use Parmesan for flavor, and don’t skip the spinach!

Can I make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup gluten-free?

Yes—substitute a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour, and use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just watch the cook time, as gluten-free pasta can cook quickly.

How can I add more vegetables?

Feel free to stir in chopped kale, zucchini, or even bell peppers with the carrots and celery. This soup is flexible, so you can sneak in whatever veggies you love or have on hand.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience just how delicious and soul-warming Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is, whether you’re sharing it with family or curling up solo with a steamy bowl. It’s the kind of recipe that might just become your new go-to for busy weeks or cozy gatherings. Give it a try soon, and don’t be surprised when people start asking you for the recipe!

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, pasta, and a creamy broth, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Instructions

Heat the olive oil: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, 1 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes.
Add vegetables: Add onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. Cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add flour: Sprinkle flour throughout and stir well. Add tomato paste if desired.
Whisk in broth: Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps. Bring to a boil.
Add pasta: Add pasta, remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Stir in cream: Add heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and spices as needed.

Notes

You can adjust the consistency by adding more or less broth based on your preference.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more flour to the mixture.
Feel free to customize with additional vegetables or herbs of your choice.
This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian