Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

There’s something magical about a soup that tastes like it was made with love in a sunlit Italian kitchen, and that’s exactly what you get with this Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup. Imagine tender pieces of chicken, vibrant vegetables, and luscious cream all simmered together for the ultimate comfort in every spoonful. This incredibly flavorful soup brings the savory charm of Tuscan chicken to a cozy bowl, making it the kind of recipe that invites you to grab a second helping—and maybe even a third!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is easier than you might think—the key lies in using quality basics and a handful of carefully chosen additions that deliver rich flavor, effortless texture, and spot-on color. Each ingredient plays a role in building layers that make every bite feel special.

• Olive oil: Helps to brown the chicken and vegetables, unlocking their natural flavors at the start.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Provides the juicy, protein-rich foundation for the soup. Thighs deliver extra tenderness, while breasts keep things lean.
• Italian Seasoning: This herb blend infuses the base with fragrant Mediterranean notes that define Tuscan cuisine.
• Salt and pepper: Brings balance and enhances every other ingredient—don’t skip the tasting step for perfect seasoning!
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness, color, and a satisfying bite.
• Celery: Lends aromatic depth and savory crunch to the soup’s body.
• Onions: Delivers mellow sharpness and a flavor backbone when sautéed.
• Sundried tomatoes: Offers tangy, concentrated tomato flavor for authentic Tuscan richness.
• Garlic cloves: Brings robust warmth and a cozy, inviting aroma.
• Flour: This simple thickener creates the creamy, luxurious soup base we crave.
• Tomato paste (optional): For an extra punch of tomato flavor and gorgeous color, especially if you love a slightly deeper broth.
• Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful liquid backbone of the soup—start with less, and add more if you want your soup thinner.
• Italian small shell pasta: These cute shells soak up all the creamy broth for perfect bites every time.
• Heavy whipping cream: Delivers irresistible richness and classic creamy texture.
• Grated parmesan reggiano cheese: Adds bold, salty umami and helps thicken the soup deliciously.
• Fresh spinach: Brightens up the whole dish with a pop of color and gentle earthiness as it wilts into the creamy stew.

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced chicken and season with half the Italian seasoning, plus a little salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring so every piece gets lovely golden edges outside while staying juicy inside. This step is all about building flavor right from the very beginning.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

After removing the chicken, add the onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic to the pot. Let them cook together for about 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables turn soft and fragrant—this medley creates the aromatic heart of the soup and sets up that authentic Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup essence.

Step 3: Build a Creamy Base

Sprinkle flour over the softened veggies, stirring well to coat and avoiding lumps. This is also the time to mix in tomato paste, if you’re using it, which brings an extra layer of richness and bold color. Make sure to cook out the raw flavor, while still keeping everything smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add Broth and Pasta

Next, gradually whisk in your chicken broth to smooth the flour and deglaze all the yumminess stuck to the pan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then add the small shell pasta and the last teaspoon of Italian seasoning, plus more salt and pepper as needed. Cover your pot and lower the heat—let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes so the chicken becomes tender and your noodles reach that just-right al dente bite.

Step 5: Stir in the Creamy Goodness

Open the lid and gently stir in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and a generous handful of grated Parmesan. This is where the Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup really comes together—give it five more minutes on low, letting the cream thicken and the spinach transform into silky, green ribbons. Taste and adjust your seasonings before serving!

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Garnishes

Your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup will absolutely shine with the right finishing touches. Sprinkle a handful of extra Parmesan or fresh basil over each bowl for a burst of flavor and color. Cracked black pepper and a drizzle of quality olive oil also add that little something special.

Side Dishes

This soup loves company—think warm, crusty bread for dunking or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic bread and focaccia are both wonderful matches that soak up every last bit of the creamy soup.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to truly wow your guests, try serving your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls or tiny mugs for a cozy appetizer. A few microgreens or edible flowers on top add a restaurant-worthy flourish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftover soup cool to room temperature, then ladle into airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days, making lunch or easy dinners effortless throughout the week. If the pasta soaks up more broth as it sits, simply thin the soup with a splash of extra chicken broth before enjoying again.

Freezing

Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup freezes best if you leave out the pasta (add cooked pasta fresh when reheating). Portion cooled soup into freezer-friendly containers, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Warm your leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to preserve the creamy texture. Add more broth or water as needed to thin. Microwaving works as well—cover and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between to make sure everything heats evenly and the cream doesn’t separate.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a wonderful shortcut. Just add it after the pasta has cooked, letting it warm through in the creamy soup. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, since it’s already fully cooked—just a few minutes in the simmering soup is all you need.

How do I keep my pasta from turning mushy in the soup?

The best trick is to cook the pasta separately, then add it just before serving. This way, it doesn’t sit and soften further in leftover soup, especially if you’ll be storing and reheating it. If you’re eating it all right away, cooking it in the soup is delicious and easy.

Can I make Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan or swap for a dairy-free alternative. The texture will still be luscious, though the flavor will be slightly different—you’ll still get a wonderfully rich, satisfying soup!

Is there a gluten-free version of this soup?

Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta or simply leave it out and add extra vegetables like zucchini or potatoes. Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free thickening agent such as cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

What’s the best way to thin out the soup if it gets too thick?

If your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup thickens up (especially after chilling), just stir in more chicken broth or even a splash of milk while reheating. The flavors will stay beautifully balanced, and you’ll get that perfect creamy consistency again.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a bowlful of pure comfort that’s sure to impress everyone at your table, don’t wait another day to make Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup. It’s warm, hearty, and so easy to fall for—just like the best comfort foods always are. Give it a try and let it become a favorite in your kitchen too!

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