Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a comforting bowl of goodness that tastes like a Tuscan holiday, look no further than Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup. This soul-soothing soup packs juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy beans, vibrant spinach, and rich Parmesan into every spoonful. The best part? It comes together in just over half an hour. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or just looking to indulge in some Italian-inspired coziness, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is your new weeknight hero.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this recipe is how it turns a handful of simple ingredients into a luxurious experience. Each element adds something unique—flavor, creaminess, or irresistible color—to create a bowl you’ll crave again and again!
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle, fruity base and keeps the chicken tender while cooking.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces become juicy and flavorful, soaking up all the Tuscan-inspired goodness.
- Onion: Gives sweetness and depth to the soup, making the base aromatic.
- Garlic: Essential for that fragrant, classic Italian flair.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings together the herbaceous, earthy notes that define Tuscan cuisine.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick; adjust to your spice preference.
- Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid backbone—choose a good-quality broth for best results.
- Heavy Cream: Delivers luscious richness and that signature silky texture.
- Cannellini Beans: These creamy beans thicken the soup naturally and add satisfying substance.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Each bite gives a pop of tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Fresh Spinach: Stirred in at the end, it wilts down to emerald ribbons and loads the soup with freshness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A savory, salty finish—don’t skimp on this!
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 5–6 minutes. You’ll want them lightly golden and cooked all the way through—just be sure not to overcook since they’ll go back in later. Set the chicken aside so it stays juicy for the grand finale.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot (don’t wipe it clean—those golden bits from the chicken add flavor!), sauté the chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and, if you like a touch of heat, red pepper flakes. Let everything cook together for about 30 seconds; you’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like a rustic trattoria.
Step 3: Simmer with the Good Stuff
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the drained, rinsed cannellini beans and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring everything to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil) and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to mingle and become something magical.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Return your chicken to the pot, then add the fresh spinach, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together for another 2–3 minutes, just until the spinach has wilted and the soup has thickened a bit from the cheese. Ladle the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup hot into bowls and add extra Parmesan on top if you’re feeling fancy (and you always should).
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Garnishes
This soup loves a flourish! A sprinkle of extra Parmesan, some torn fresh basil, or even a drizzle of good olive oil elevates each bowl into a restaurant-worthy meal. A little cracked black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders, too. Make it your own with whatever herbs or cheese you love.
Side Dishes
There’s nothing better than sopping up the last drops of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup with a piece of crusty bread—something rustic like a baguette or warm garlic breadsticks. For a lighter touch, serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the soup in big, shallow bowls so the vibrant greens and reds shine through. For a cozy touch, ladle it into mugs with a slice of toasted bread perched on top. Or, go for a family-style vibe and bring the whole pot to the table for everyone to ladle their own—perfect for sharing and gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup hold up beautifully in the refrigerator. Allow the soup to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days, and the flavors somehow get even better by the next day.
Freezing
Thinking ahead? This soup can be frozen, though keep in mind the texture might change slightly due to the cream. Cool the soup completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, pour the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup into a saucepan and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup appears a bit thick, just stir in a splash of broth or water to bring it back to your preferred consistency. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the dairy to separate.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! If you have leftover or store-bought rotisserie chicken, just shred or chop it and add it in after the soup has simmered, right before you add the spinach and Parmesan.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap the heavy cream for a full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened plant-based cream, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. The result will have a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious and creamy.
Is there a way to add more veggies?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers along with the onion for extra freshness and nutrition. The more color, the better!
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the onion, garlic, and seasonings first, then place everything except spinach, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours, then add the remaining ingredients during the last 20 minutes.
Is Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup gluten-free?
It sure is! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for those looking for a hearty, wheat-free meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a comforting, easy-to-make meal that feels like a warm hug, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you just might find yourself craving this creamy, dreamy soup all year long!
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup. This hearty soup combines tender chicken, creamy beans, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a luscious broth finished with a touch of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot, cook chicken until browned, and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté onion until soft, then add garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Add Broth and Cream: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in beans and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Finish the Soup: Return chicken to the pot, add spinach, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Simmer until spinach wilts and soup thickens.
- Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 2 cups
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 770 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
