Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Cozy up with a bowl of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, a hearty, comforting dish packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious creamy broth. This recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Tuscany straight to your kitchen, perfect for warming up on a chilly day or impressing dinner guests with a gourmet touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy: The silky broth is infused with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan, creating a decadent yet balanced flavor.
2. One-Pot Wonder: Everything comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
3. Healthy Twist: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and a touch of cream, it’s indulgent without being heavy.
4. Versatile: Customize it with your favorite veggies, pasta, or even a low-carb option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cook the Chicken: Poach chicken breasts in salted water or chicken broth until fully cooked, about 10–12 minutes. Once cooled, shred using two forks. (Alternatively, use rotisserie chicken for convenience.)
2. Chop Vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Build the Base

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add Broth: Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and incorporate all the flavors.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

1. Season: Stir in Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add the Creamy Elements

1. Incorporate the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the pot and simmer for 5 minutes to warm through.
2. Make it Creamy: Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy.
3. Add Spinach: Toss in the spinach, stirring until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
2. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy broth.
• Make it a Meal: Add a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
• Family-Friendly Options: Serve with cooked pasta or rice for a heartier dish, especially for kids.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Parmesan: Grating Parmesan from a block ensures it melts smoothly into the broth without clumping.
2. Don’t Boil the Cream: Once the cream is added, reduce the heat to prevent curdling.
3. Thicken if Desired: For a thicker soup, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the soup before adding the cream.

Variations

1. Low-Carb Option
   • Replace carrots and celery with zucchini or cauliflower.
2. Vegetarian Version
   • Swap chicken for chickpeas or cannellini beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
3. Add Pasta
   • Stir in cooked tortellini or small pasta shapes like orzo for a comforting twist.
4. Spicy Upgrade
   • Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a kick of heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the cream and spinach. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and stir in the cream and spinach just before serving.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes! Thaw frozen spinach and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the soup.

Why This Soup is Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving comfort food, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a versatile and crowd-pleasing recipe. Its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a dish you’ll come back to time and time again.

Yield: 6

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Print

Cozy up with a bowl of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, a hearty, comforting dish packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious creamy broth. This recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Tuscany straight to your kitchen, perfect for warming up on a chilly day or impressing dinner guests with a gourmet touch.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Soup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed for best flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For Garnish
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese
• Crusty bread or garlic bread for serving

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Build the Base

1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
2. Add the dried basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.

3. Add the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Stir in the shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped spinach.
2. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Finish with Cream and Cheese

1. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
2. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the soup is creamy and slightly thickened.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese.
2. Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side.

Notes

Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes offer the best flavor, but you can rehydrate dried ones in warm water if needed.

Creaminess Level: For a lighter soup, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.

Vegetable Substitutions: Kale works well instead of spinach for a heartier texture.