Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup recipe! This dish combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce that makes it a perfect meal for cozy evenings or busy weeknights. It’s not just comforting but also packed with flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying it as leftovers, this soup is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavors: The combination of Italian seasoning and hearty vegetables creates a mouth-watering flavor profile.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip this up in about 50 minutes.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for lunch or dinner, this soup can be adapted with different veggies or pasta types.
• Comforting Warmth: Ideal for chilly nights, this soup provides warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.
• Great for Meal Prep: This recipe makes ten servings, making it perfect for meal prepping for the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Essential for even cooking and simmering large quantities of soup.
• Sharp knife: A good knife ensures precise cutting of vegetables, speeding up the prep time.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the best flavor balance in your soup.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Main 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: Heat the Olive Oil

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 the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. Cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Flour and Tomato Paste

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

Step 4: Pour in Chicken Broth

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

Step 5: Add Pasta and Simmer

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir in the pasta along with additional Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to low. Allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and pasta is al dente.

Step 6: Incorporate Cream and Spinach

Open the pot and stir in heavy cream, spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7: Taste Test

Taste your soup and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or spices as desired.

Enjoy this wonderful Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup that’s sure to please everyone at your table!

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Serving Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with a few simple tips. Here are some suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Bread: A side of buttery garlic bread adds a flavorful punch and complements the creaminess.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Parmesan, croutons, and a creamy dressing balances the richness of the soup.
• Mixed Greens: A simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast.

Garnish Creatively

• Fresh Herbs: Top each bowl with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and color.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes offers a spicy kick for those who enjoy heat.

How to Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Perfecting your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup can turn this dish into a family favorite. Here are some tips to achieve that creamy goodness.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables enhance flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add extra chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
• Flavor Boost with Seasoning: Taste as you cook and adjust seasoning to ensure balanced flavors.
• Simmer Slowly: Letting the soup simmer allows flavors to meld beautifully; don’t rush this step.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort alongside the soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds texture and color.
3. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad dressed in vinaigrette complements the creamy soup without overwhelming it.
4. Cheesy Biscuits: Flaky biscuits loaded with cheese offer a delightful bite alongside each spoonful of soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice and cheese serve as an exciting side option.
6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob brings a burst of flavor that pairs well with the creamy profile of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Bold seasoning: Skipping the seasoning can lead to a bland soup. Always taste and adjust as needed during cooking.
• Bold chicken preparation: Not properly browning the chicken can result in a lack of flavor. Ensure you cook the chicken until golden brown for depth.
• Bold vegetable chopping: Cutting vegetables unevenly may lead to inconsistent cooking. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure everything cooks evenly.
• Bold broth choice: Using low-quality broth can diminish the soup’s overall flavor. Opt for a rich, homemade or high-quality store-bought broth for best results.
• Bold cream addition: Adding cream too early can cause it to curdle. Incorporate it towards the end of cooking for a smooth finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short increments, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup.

What is Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup?

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a rich, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy broth inspired by Tuscan flavors.

Can I make this soup without pasta?

Yes! You can skip the pasta for a lower-carb option or replace it with zucchini noodles or another substitute of your choice.

How do I customize my Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. You can also adjust the creaminess by using less cream or substituting with coconut milk.

What should I serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. Both options complement its rich flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile and customizable. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty lunch or dinner, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different veggies or spices!