Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup! It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a luscious cream sauce that will warm you up on chilly nights. This delightful soup is not only comforting but also versatile enough for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a standout choice for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: The blend of Italian seasoning, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes creates an irresistible taste.
• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a hearty meal ready in under an hour.
• Versatile: Perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests; it’s sure to impress!
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and protein, this soup is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Comforting: It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, ideal for rainy days or winter nights.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare this delightfully creamy dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution, perfect for simmering soups.
• Sharp knife: Makes chopping ingredients quick and safe.
• Whisk: Ensures smooth mixing of the broth and flour without lumps.

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 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 Vegetables

In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, celery, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. Sauté until they are translucent, which should take about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Flour

Sprinkle the flour throughout the mixture in the pot. Stir well to combine. Adding flour gradually helps avoid excess drying. If you’re using tomato paste, add it now and stir thoroughly.

Step 4: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth while stirring consistently to eliminate lumps. Be sure to deglaze the bottom of the pan by scraping it with your spoon.

Step 5: Add Pasta

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir in the pasta along with another teaspoon of Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot with a lid, lower the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender while ensuring that pasta remains al dente.

Step 6: Stir in Cream & Spinach

Open the pot after simmering time is done. Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for an additional five minutes to meld flavors together beautifully.

Step 7: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your soup before serving! Adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt or spices according to your preference.

Enjoy your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup! It’s a delightful dish that will surely become a new favorite at your dinner table.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup, soaking up all those rich flavors.

Add a Salad on the Side

• A light salad, such as a simple mixed greens salad, complements the soup well. The freshness balances the richness of the soup.

Serve with Garlic Bread

• Garlic bread adds an extra touch of flavor. Its buttery and garlicky taste pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of the soup.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing your soup with fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens each bowl.

Offer Grated Cheese

• Providing grated Parmesan or mozzarella allows guests to customize their soup experience with an extra cheesy delight.

Use a Bread Bowl

• For an elegant presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This not only looks great but also adds more flavor!

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How to Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

To achieve the best results when preparing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor and overall quality of your soup.

• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more flour gradually. For a thinner texture, use additional chicken broth.

• Season Gradually: Taste as you cook! Adjusting seasoning throughout ensures balanced flavors.

• Cook Pasta Separately: For better control over pasta texture, cook it separately and add it just before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup pairs well with several sides that can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Toast: Simple and quick to prepare, garlic toast is perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.

2. Caesar Salad: The crispiness of romaine lettuce and creamy dressing complements the rich flavors of the soup beautifully.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring added nutrition and a lovely contrast to the creamy texture.

4. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits baked with cheese can be delightful alongside your comforting soup.

5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad filled with veggies offers a healthy balance to this hearty dish.

6. Steamed Asparagus: Tender asparagus adds elegance and freshness while being easy to prepare.

7. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad is refreshing against the warm soup; choose your favorite dressing for added flavor.

8. Fruit Platter: A simple fruit platter provides a sweet finish that contrasts nicely with savory notes from the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your chicken and vegetables properly can lead to bland soup. Always taste as you go and adjust with salt and pepper.
• Not browning the chicken: If you skip browning the chicken, you miss out on developing deep flavors. Make sure to cook it until golden before adding other ingredients.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding pasta too early can result in mushy noodles. Add it during the last stages of cooking or boil separately for better texture.
• Using low-quality broth: A good chicken broth makes all the difference in flavor. Choose a high-quality or homemade broth for best results.
• Ignoring ingredient variations: Feel free to customize your soup with different vegetables or proteins. Sticking rigidly to the recipe can limit your creativity!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing it in containers.

Freezing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top since liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Simmer gently over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup:

Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Yes! Feel free to incorporate additional veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

What kind of pasta works best in Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup?

Small pasta shapes like shells or ditalini are ideal as they hold onto the creamy sauce well.

How can I make this dish healthier?

To make a lighter version, use less cream and add more spinach or other vegetables while keeping an eye on portion sizes.

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor without needing additional cooking.

Is Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup gluten-free?

You can easily make this gluten-free by swapping regular pasta with gluten-free options and using cornstarch instead of flour.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile! With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it uniquely yours. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!