Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1-1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided; Salt and pepper to taste; ½ cup diced carrots; ½ cup diced celery; ½ cup diced onions; ¼ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup flour; 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional); 6-8 cups chicken broth (start with 6 cups); 6 oz pasta (Italian small shells recommended); 1 cup heavy whipping cream; ½-1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese; 2 ½-3 cups fresh spinach

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a rich and comforting dish filled with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and pasta, all simmered in a creamy, parmesan-infused broth. Perfect for cozy dinners or weeknight meals, this flavorful soup is sure to become a family favorite in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup combines all the best ingredients for a comforting and satisfying meal. The creamy broth, made with heavy cream and Parmesan, perfectly complements the tender chicken, vegetables, and pasta. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes brings a burst of flavor, while fresh spinach adds a beautiful color and texture. With a combination of Italian seasoning and garlic, this soup packs a punch in terms of flavor. It’s easy to prepare, and its rich, velvety texture will keep you coming back for more! Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Ingredients

1 teaspoon olive oil
1-1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup diced carrots
½ cup diced celery
½ cup diced onions
¼ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup flour
2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
6-8 cups chicken broth (start with 6 cups)
6 oz pasta (Italian small shells recommended)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
½-1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
2 ½-3 cups fresh spinach

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides.
Add the diced carrots, celery, onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to combine. Add gradually to avoid clumps. If using tomato paste, add it now and stir well to incorporate.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Use a spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pot.
Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then add the pasta, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and more salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the pasta is al dente. (Alternatively, you can boil the pasta separately and add it to the soup at the end.)
Stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and spices as needed before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10 cups
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Different Protein: Swap the chicken for turkey or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers, for a hearty vegetarian version of this soup.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and omit the Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in additional veggies like potatoes, leeks, or kale to boost the nutrition and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much during storage, simply add a bit more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly in this soup, offering a richer flavor. They are also more forgiving if overcooked compared to chicken breasts.

2. Can I use frozen chicken?

You can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked. It’s best to thaw the chicken first if possible.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

4. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. However, note that pasta can sometimes become mushy when frozen and reheated, so you may want to cook the pasta separately and add it after reheating the soup.

5. How can I make the soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more flour at the beginning or use an immersion blender to purée some of the soup. Another option is to let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken.

6. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any small pasta, such as elbow macaroni or rotini, but small shells work best for holding the creamy broth.

7. Can I make this soup without the cream?

Yes, you can substitute the cream with half-and-half, milk, or a dairy-free cream alternative if you want a lighter or dairy-free version.

8. Can I skip the sun-dried tomatoes?

If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can skip them or replace them with a tablespoon of tomato paste for a deeper tomato flavor.

9. Is there a way to make this soup spicier?

To add a spicy kick, you can stir in some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce.

10. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this soup?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken such as rotisserie chicken. Just add it in during the last 5 minutes of simmering to heat through.

Conclusion

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is the perfect cozy meal that combines creamy broth, tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and pasta. The addition of Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach elevates the flavor, making it a comforting dish your whole family will love. Ready in just 50 minutes, it’s a deliciously satisfying option for weeknight dinners or special occasions.