Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup: Prepare to be transported to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany with every spoonful of this incredibly flavorful and comforting soup! Imagine tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy broth infused with the bright flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl, and trust me, you’ll want seconds (and maybe thirds!).

While not a traditional dish passed down through generations in Italy, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup draws inspiration from the region’s love of fresh, vibrant ingredients and simple, rustic cooking. It captures the essence of Tuscan cuisine – bold flavors, high-quality ingredients, and a focus on creating satisfying meals that bring people together. Think of it as a modern interpretation of classic Tuscan flavors, adapted for the convenience of a weeknight dinner.

What makes this soup so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of creamy richness and bright acidity. The sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated burst of sweetness and tang, while the garlic and herbs provide a savory depth. The spinach wilts beautifully into the broth, adding a touch of freshness and a boost of nutrients. And let’s not forget the chicken – tender and juicy, it’s the star of the show. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal on a chilly evening or simply want to add a touch of Italian flair to your dinner table, this soup is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Soup:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional Garnishes:
• Fresh basil, chopped
• Crusty bread, for serving

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor right from the start.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken to the pot in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and lightly browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove and Set Aside: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside in a clean bowl. We’ll add it back into the soup later, so keep it warm if possible. Don’t worry about cleaning the pot just yet; we’ll use the flavorful bits left behind to build the base of our soup.

Building the Soup Base:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot (no need to clean it!). Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced yellow onion and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning. Softening the onion is key to creating a flavorful base for the soup.
2. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make the soup taste bitter. The aroma of garlic is a great indicator that it’s ready.
3. Deglaze the Pot (Optional): If there are any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot (fond), you can deglaze it by adding a splash of chicken broth and scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon. This will release all those delicious flavors and incorporate them into the soup.

Simmering the Soup:

1. Add the Liquids: Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth and the 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes (undrained) into the pot. Stir to combine. The diced tomatoes add a lovely acidity and texture to the soup.
2. Season the Soup: Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the Parmesan cheese will also add saltiness, so start with a smaller amount and adjust as needed.
3. Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.

Adding the Finishing Touches:

1. Stir in the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the soup. Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated burst of flavor and a chewy texture that complements the other ingredients.
2. Incorporate the Spinach: Add the roughly chopped fresh spinach to the soup. Stir until the spinach wilts, which should only take a minute or two. Spinach adds a healthy dose of vitamins and a vibrant green color to the soup.
3. Return the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the pot. Stir to combine and heat through.
4. Add the Cream and Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream and the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream, as this can cause it to curdle. The heavy cream adds richness and creaminess, while the Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory flavor.
5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.

Serving and Garnishing:

1. Serve Hot: Ladle the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup into bowls and serve hot.
2. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil, if desired. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a touch of heat.
3. Serve with Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping and soaking up all the delicious broth. A side salad would also make a great accompaniment.

Tips and Variations:

• Make it Lighter: To reduce the fat content, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream. However, keep in mind that this will result in a less creamy soup.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
• Use Different Greens: If you don’t have spinach, you can use kale or Swiss chard instead. Just be sure to remove the tough stems from the kale before chopping it.
• Spice it Up: For a spicier soup, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Make it Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually develop even more as it sits. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
• Freezing: While you can freeze this soup, the texture of the cream may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider omitting the cream and adding it after thawing and reheating.
• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken thighs will result in a richer, more flavorful soup. Just be sure to trim off any excess fat before cooking.
• Pasta: For a heartier soup, add cooked pasta, such as rotini or penne, during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Slow Cooker Version: You can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Sear the chicken as directed, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the onion, garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the spinach, cream, and Parmesan cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup!

Conclusion:

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen! From the rich, creamy broth infused with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic to the tender chicken and vibrant spinach, every spoonful is a comforting and satisfying experience. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to elevate their soup game. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight, and the results are restaurant-quality delicious.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking. For a heartier meal, try adding some cooked pasta, like small shells or ditalini. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and add some cannellini beans or chickpeas for protein. You could also swap the spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different nutritional boost and flavor profile. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten up the flavors even more.

Serving suggestions? Oh, the possibilities! A crusty loaf of bread, perfect for dipping into that luscious broth, is always a winner. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would also complement the richness of the soup beautifully. For a more elegant presentation, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. And if you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of mascarpone cheese adds an extra layer of creamy indulgence.

I’ve made this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup countless times, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening, and it’s also great for meal prepping – it tastes even better the next day! The leftovers are fantastic for lunch or a quick and easy dinner.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new favorite in your household. The combination of creamy texture, savory chicken, and bright Tuscan flavors is simply irresistible.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create some culinary magic! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself.

And now, the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve made this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor? What did you serve it with? I’m always eager to learn from your experiences and see how you’ve made the recipe your own. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking!