Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup recipe! This comforting dish combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich cream sauce that’s perfect for cozy evenings or quick weeknight dinners. The unique blend of flavors is sure to impress everyone at your table, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a luxurious texture that elevates this soup.
- Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 50 minutes, you can whip up this delicious meal even on busy nights.
- Versatile Ingredients: Adapt the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of pasta to suit your taste.
- Heartwarming Comfort: This soup is not only filling but also provides warmth and satisfaction, making it ideal for chilly days.
- Great for Meal Prep: Enjoy leftovers throughout the week; this soup stores well and tastes even better the next day.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather these essential tools before starting.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space for all ingredients to cook evenly and allows for easy stirring.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for mixing without scratching your pot, ensuring every ingredient blends perfectly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial to achieving the right balance of flavors.
Ingredients
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: Sauté 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: Cook 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 flour throughout the mixture and stir well to combine. Add flour gradually to avoid excess drying. If using tomato paste, add it here and mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Incorporate Chicken Broth
Gradually whisk in chicken broth while stirring repeatedly 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 pasta along with remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover with lid, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for about 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and pasta is al dente.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Spinach
Open the pot and stir in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let simmer for an additional five minutes.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt or spices if needed before serving.
Enjoy your delightful bowl of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup!
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your dining experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: Serve warm slices of sourdough for a tangy complement.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Pair with garlic breadsticks for a delicious, buttery crunch.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Basil: Sprinkle fresh basil for a burst of freshness.
- Parsley Garnish: Add parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Accompanied by Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad balances the richness of the soup.
- Mixed Greens: Light mixed greens with vinaigrette offer a refreshing contrast.
Served in Bread Bowls
- Bread Bowl Presentation: Hollow out small bread loaves and fill them with soup for a fun twist.
How to Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
To achieve the best results with your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure you get maximum flavor and texture in every bowl.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the soup’s flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, gradually add more broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Balance Flavors: Taste as you go, adding salt, pepper, or spices to achieve the perfect balance.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: If adding pasta directly to the soup, ensure it’s cooked al dente to avoid mushiness.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to rest after cooking helps flavors meld together beautifully.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses such as Pecorino Romano for unique flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Pairing side dishes with Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this rich soup perfectly.
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with garlic and Parmesan make a tasty side.
- Caprese Salad: Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil provide a refreshing contrast.
- Italian Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, and olives adds variety to your meal.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: Lightly stir-fried seasonal vegetables maintain freshness alongside the creamy soup.
- Cheesy Quinoa Bake: A hearty quinoa bake brings an extra layer of nutrition and comfort.
- Classic Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and balances the richness of the soup.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob offers a simple yet satisfying side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, it’s easy to encounter a few common pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Using too much flour: Adding excess flour can lead to a clumpy soup. Gradually sprinkle it in and stir well for a smooth texture.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it tough. Aim for just enough time until it’s tender and cooked through.
- Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoning can result in bland soup. Always taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before serving.
- Not letting the soup simmer: Skipping the simmering step can affect flavor development. Let it simmer long enough for the ingredients to meld together.
- Forgetting the cream: The creamy component is essential for this dish. Ensure you add heavy cream right before serving for that rich flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool down before placing it in the fridge.
Freezing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Freeze in a suitable container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of the container since liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely. Start with 1-2 minutes on high, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a bit of broth if it thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup so special?
This soup combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and rich creaminess that creates a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Can I use different pasta types in Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute with your favorite small pasta shapes, such as macaroni or orzo, depending on your preference.
How do I make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup healthier?
Consider using low-fat milk instead of heavy cream and adding extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to boost nutrition.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian option.
How do I serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad, making it perfect for lunch or dinner gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is not just delicious; it’s versatile enough to suit various tastes. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting seasonings. So gather your ingredients and enjoy this heartwarming dish that promises comfort in every bowl!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Get ready to indulge in a warm bowl of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. This delightful recipe features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a luxurious cream sauce that comes together in just 50 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this versatile dish allows you to customize with your favorite veggies or pasta. The rich flavors of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a satisfying experience that will impress your family and friends. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
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, small shells
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2–1 cup grated parmesan reggiano cheese
- 2 1/2–3 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook until browned.
- Stir in onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic; cook until vegetables are translucent.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and combine well. If using tomato paste, add it now.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a boil; add pasta along with remaining seasoning. Cover and simmer until chicken is cooked through and pasta is al dente.
- Stir in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese; simmer for an additional five minutes.
- Adjust seasoning before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
