CREAMY TUSCAN CHICKEN SOUP ULTIMATE

Imagine the aroma of garlic and herbs filling your kitchen, mingling with the savory scent of chicken simmering in a creamy, sun-dried tomato broth – that’s Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup. This isn’t just any chicken soup; it’s a flavor-packed journey to Italy in a bowl, bringing warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Trust me, you’re about to discover your new favorite soup recipe!

Gather Your Ingredients

For the Soup:

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• Chicken Broth: 6 cups
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup
• Spinach: 5 oz, fresh, baby spinach
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated, plus more for garnish
• Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and Pepper: To taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• Gnocchi: 1 cup, store-bought or homemade
• White Beans: 1 (15-ounce) can, rinsed and drained

Let’s Make Some Magic: Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started:

1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Building the Flavor:

3. Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point, just nicely seared to develop flavor.
4. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the remaining Italian seasoning. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

Simmering to Perfection:

5. Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Adding the Creaminess: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Heat through gently, but do not boil, as this can cause the cream to curdle.

The Finishing Touches:

7. Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the soup and stir until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to your liking.

Optional Add-Ins (If Using):

9. Add Gnocchi (Optional): If adding gnocchi, stir it into the soup during the last 5 minutes of simmering, or until they are tender.
10. Add White Beans (Optional): If adding white beans, stir them in during the last few minutes of simmering to heat through.

Serving Time!:

11. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup into bowls and garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Tuscan Chicken Soup

Okay, friend, let’s chat about some insider secrets to make this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup truly *amazing*.

Chicken Choices:

While I usually go for chicken breasts because they’re lean and readily available, you can absolutely use chicken thighs for an even richer flavor. Just be sure to trim any excess fat before cutting them up.

Sun-Dried Tomato Savvy:

Those oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are little flavor bombs! Don’t toss the oil after draining them. You can use it to sauté the onions and garlic for an extra layer of deliciousness. If you’re using dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrate them in warm water for about 15 minutes before chopping.

Creamy Consistency Perfection:

The key to a perfectly creamy soup is to avoid boiling it after adding the heavy cream. High heat can cause the cream to separate and become grainy. Gently heat it through for the silkiest, most luxurious texture.

Spinach Strategies:

Fresh spinach wilts down quickly, so don’t add it too early. Stirring it in right at the end ensures it retains some texture and vibrant color. If you only have frozen spinach on hand, be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the soup.

Spice It Up (or Down!):

That pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely warmth, but it’s totally optional. If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to omit it altogether. Or, if you’re a chili-head like me, add a bit more for an extra kick!

Make-Ahead Magic:

Good news! This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is even better the next day. The flavors meld together beautifully in the fridge. Just keep in mind that the pasta (if you use gnocchi) will absorb some of the liquid, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.

Variations to Make It Your Own

Now, let’s talk about how to personalize this recipe to suit your taste buds and dietary needs. I love tweaking recipes to make them my own, and I encourage you to do the same!

Keto-Friendly Option:

Want to make this soup keto-friendly? Simply omit the gnocchi or pasta. You can also use cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative. Consider trying Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Cream Cheese Soup for another great low-carb option.

Dairy-Free Delight:

To make this soup dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream. Be sure to use a good quality Parmesan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.

Vegetarian Tuscan Soup:

Skip the chicken and add cannellini beans or chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add extra vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers. It’s like a hearty Zuppa Toscana Soup, but creamier!

Pasta Possibilities:

While gnocchi is a classic choice, feel free to use other types of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or even tortellini. For a heartier soup, try adding some small shells or ditalini. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right accompaniments.

Crusty Bread:

A slice of crusty bread is essential for soaking up all that delicious broth. Ciabatta, sourdough, or even a simple baguette work perfectly.

Side Salad:

A light and refreshing side salad adds a nice contrast to the richness of the soup. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great choice.

Grilled Cheese:

Who doesn’t love grilled cheese with soup? A classic combination that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Try using provolone or mozzarella cheese for an Italian-inspired twist.

Wine Pairing:

If you’re looking to elevate your meal, pair this soup with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity of the wine will cut through the richness of the cream and complement the flavors of the soup.

More Soup Inspiration

Craving more comforting and flavorful soups? Here are a few of my other favorite recipes:

• Marry Me Chicken Soup: A creamy and decadent soup that’s sure to impress.
• Chicken Gnocchi Soup: A classic and comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly day. Also check out this Chicken Gnocchi Soup version!

If you’re looking for something a little different, you might enjoy this Tuscan Chicken Pasta. It’s got all the same great flavors in a pasta dish!

Enjoy Your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup!

There you have it – the ultimate Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup recipe! I hope you enjoy making and savoring every spoonful of this comforting and flavorful dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Ultimate

Alice Yowell

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish, packed with garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a journey to Italy in a bowl, perfect for a cozy night in. Customize it with optional add-ins like gnocchi or white beans to make it your own.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Ladle

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 oz fresh baby spinach
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup store-bought or homemade gnocchi optional

Instructions

 

• Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning.
• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
• Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the remaining Italian seasoning. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
• Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Heat through gently, but do not boil.
• Add the fresh spinach to the soup and stir until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to your liking.
• If adding gnocchi, stir it into the soup during the last 5 minutes of simmering, or until they are tender.
• If adding white beans, stir them in during the last few minutes of simmering to heat through.
• Ladle the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup into bowls and garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired.

Notes

For richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Don’t toss the oil from the oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes; use it to sauté the onions and garlic. To avoid curdling, do not boil the soup after adding the heavy cream. This soup is even better the next day. The flavors meld together beautifully in the fridge. If using gnocchi, it will absorb some liquid, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating. For a keto-friendly option, omit the gnocchi or pasta or substitute with cauliflower rice. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Substitute Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast. To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken and add cannellini beans or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers.