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 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

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, this recipe allows you to create a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Ingredients: A mix of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and rich cream creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this soup fits right in.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the veggies, it’s a wholesome choice for your meal.
• Comfort Food: This soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms you up from the inside out.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, gather your essential kitchen tools. These will help ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space for cooking all ingredients evenly without spilling.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware and helps prevent lumps in the soup.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for balanced flavors.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for prepping your vegetables uniformly.

Ingredients

• 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
• 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 See notes)
• 6-8 cups chicken broth (I recommend starting with 6 cups. See notes.)
• 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: Brown the Chicken

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 they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Flour and Tomato Paste

Sprinkle the flour throughout the mixture and stir well to combine. Add the flour gradually to avoid excess drying. If you’re using tomato paste, add it here and stir thoroughly.

Step 4: Incorporate Chicken Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to ensure there are no lumps. Use your spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

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 reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender while ensuring that pasta is al dente. Alternatively, boil pasta separately then add it at the end.

Step 6: Finish with Cream and Spinach

After simmering, uncover the pot. Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese before letting it simmer for an additional five minutes.

Step 7: Adjust Seasoning

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

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup!

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Serving Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is all about enhancing its comforting flavors while ensuring a delightful dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Spread butter and minced garlic on slices of baguette, then toast them until golden for a crispy, buttery delight.
• Ciabatta Rolls: Soft and chewy, these rolls are perfect for dipping into the soup.

Add a Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese complements the creamy soup well.
• Mediterranean Salad: A mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta adds freshness and acidity that balances the richness.

Garnish for Extra Flavor

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
• Croutons: Add crunchy croutons to each bowl for texture contrast.

How to Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

To ensure your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t shy away from seasoning your chicken and vegetables well. This enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
• Fresh ingredients: Use fresh spinach and high-quality chicken broth for the best taste and texture in your soup.
• Gradual flour addition: Sprinkle flour gradually while stirring to prevent clumps from forming in the soup base.
• Cream incorporation: Stir in the heavy cream gently to maintain its smoothness without curdling.
• Taste as you go: Always taste your soup as it cooks. Adjust seasoning if necessary to achieve your desired flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Complementing your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup with side dishes can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic pair beautifully with the rich soup.
2. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a fresh crunch that contrasts nicely with the soup’s creaminess.
3. Cheesy Biscuit Bites: These fluffy biscuits are perfect for scooping up soup while adding cheesy goodness to each bite.
4. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables brings in additional flavors and textures to your plate.
5. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a refreshing appetizer.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a nutritious side that balances the heartiness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Bold timing issues: Cooking the chicken too long can lead to dryness. Be sure to monitor the chicken until it’s just cooked through and tender.
• Bold ingredient overload: Adding too many vegetables can dilute the soup’s creamy base. Stick to the suggested amounts for optimal flavor balance.
• Bold seasoning neglect: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking may leave your soup bland. Always check and tweak flavors before serving.
• Bold flour mishaps: Adding all the flour at once can create lumps. Sprinkle it gradually while stirring for a smooth consistency.
• Bold broth choices: Using low-quality or overly salty broth can negatively impact flavor. Choose a good quality, low-sodium chicken broth for the best results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring often until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup special?

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with tender chicken and fresh vegetables enveloped in a rich cream sauce.

Can I customize the ingredients in Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or substitute with other proteins like turkey or lamb. Feel free to experiment!

How do I thicken Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more flour or use cornstarch mixed with water as a thickening agent.

Is Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup healthy?

This soup is packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from vegetables, making it a nutritious choice when enjoyed in moderation.

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients to suit your taste preferences. We encourage you to try making this delicious recipe at home—it’s sure to become a family favorite!