Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something truly comforting, rich, and bursting with flavor, then you’ve got to try my Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe. This soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day — creamy, packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and just the right touch of Tuscan herbs. I promise, once you make it, your family will be asking for seconds, and you’ll find yourself keeping it on repeat! So, pull up a chair, and let’s dive into one of my all-time favorite soup recipes.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this soup is in how the wholesome ingredients work together to deliver depth and creaminess without fuss. I like to use fresh veggies and good-quality chicken broth — you’ll notice the difference in every spoonful.

• Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the chicken for extra flavor.
• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: I usually go with thighs because they stay tender, but breasts work wonderfully too.
• Italian Seasoning: Divided to layer flavor throughout the soup.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors—adjust as you go.
• Carrots, Celery, and Onions: The classic trio that builds a savory base.
• Sundried Tomatoes: Just a bit for that tangy umami boost.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced, because we want that garlic flavor to really shine.
• Flour: Helps thicken the soup to creamy perfection without needing a roux ahead of time.
• Tomato Paste (Optional): Adds subtle depth; if you’ve got it, use it!
• Chicken Broth: I start with 6 cups, but you can add up to 8 for a thinner soup.
• Small Pasta Shells: Italian small shells hold the broth beautifully and add bit of texture.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: For that signature creamy finish—you won’t want to skip this.
• Parmesan Reggiano Cheese: Freshly grated, it melts in smoothly enhancing the soup’s richness.
• Fresh Spinach: Added at the end for a lovely pop of color and fresh flavor.

Variations

I love playing around with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe depending on what I have on hand or dietary needs. Feel free to tweak it so it suits your style — it’s incredibly forgiving and adapts well.

• Vegetarian Variation: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken, adding extra beans or mushrooms for protein.
• Gluten-Free Substitute: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch, and switch the pasta for gluten-free varieties or even spiralized zucchini for a lighter feel.
• Extra Veggies: I sometimes toss in chopped zucchini or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the cooking process if you love a little heat.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken with Flavor

Start by heating olive oil in your soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced chicken seasoned with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning plus salt and pepper. I like to let the chicken brown nicely, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This browning brings out a deeper flavor you’ll really appreciate in the final soup.

Step 2: Build the Veggie Base

Once the chicken is browned, add your diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook them down until the onions turn translucent and everything smells amazing, about 3-4 minutes. This step really sets up your soup’s flavor foundation.

Step 3: Thicken and Deepen with Flour and Tomato Paste

Sprinkle the flour over the veg and chicken, stirring well to combine. I like adding it in stages so it doesn’t clump or dry out. If you’re using tomato paste, now’s the time to stir it in — it adds such a lovely richness.

Step 4: Add Broth and Pasta, Then Simmer

Now, whisk in your chicken broth gradually, scraping up any browned bits stuck to your pot’s bottom (hello, flavor!). Bring this to a rolling boil, then toss in the pasta, sprinkle in the remaining Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Cover and let it simmer gently on low heat for about 20 minutes—until the chicken is tender and the pasta is just right. Pro tip: If you’re short on time, boil the pasta separately and add it at the end to prevent overcooking.

Step 5: Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Parmesan

The final step is my favorite — stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for 5 more minutes so the spinach wilts gently and all the flavors meld together into pure magic. Taste it, then adjust salt or pepper if needed before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan and some freshly cracked black pepper on top before serving — it adds that perfect finishing touch. Sometimes, I throw on a few torn basil leaves or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if the mood strikes me. It’s those little garnishes that elevate the soup to restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty, but I love pairing it with crusty bread or garlic knots for dunking. A fresh green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette also balances nicely when you want something lighter alongside this creamy soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or when guests drop by, serve this soup in rustic bread bowls — it looks charming and is super fun to eat. You can also add a drizzle of pesto or a swirl of extra cream on top to impress without extra hassle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the soup taste even better the next day—a total win for easy lunches.

Freezing

Freezing this soup works well if you skip adding the cream and spinach before freezing. I freeze it in portion-sized containers and add the dairy and greens fresh when thawing and reheating. This keeps the texture and flavor bright.

Reheating

I reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, then stir in fresh cream, spinach, and Parmesan right at the end. This way, you preserve the creamy texture and vibrant color.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe turns any regular day into something cozy and special. When I first tried it, I didn’t expect to fall head over heels for a soup, but here we are — it’s a staple in my house. The best part? It’s straightforward enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Give it a try, and I’m betting it’ll become one of your go-to soul-warming meals too. Trust me, you’ll want to keep a pot of this goodness simmering all winter long!

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