Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

There’s just something magical about a steaming bowl of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup. Every spoonful delivers tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a luxuriously creamy broth that tastes like a hug in a bowl. Whether you serve it for a cozy family dinner or lunch with friends, this crowd-pleaser brings together classic Italian-inspired flavors in a soul-warming way that is both easy and extraordinary. Honestly, once you taste how savory and satisfying Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup can be, you’ll want to add it to your regular comfort food rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this soup such a standout is the careful selection of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one brings a special touch—think melt-in-your-mouth chicken, rich parmesan, and colorful veggies—all working together for a satisfying and balanced bite.

• Chicken (Boneless, Skinless Breasts or Thighs): Tender, juicy, and full of protein; cut into bite-size pieces for even cooking.
• Olive Oil: Delicate and fruity, it jump-starts the flavor base for the soup.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that instantly transports you to Tuscany with loads of savory aroma.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
• Carrots: Add sweetness, color, and a pleasant bite.
• Celery: Brings an earthy base note and classic soup texture.
• Onions: Offer up savory richness and depth to the broth.
• Sundried Tomatoes: Tangy and slightly chewy, they contribute a pop of umami and color.
• Garlic: Sets the foundation with an irresistible aromatic punch.
• Flour: Helps thicken the soup to just the right creamy consistency.
• Tomato Paste (Optional): For tomato lovers, adds extra flavor and creaminess but totally optional if you prefer a whiter soup.
• Chicken Broth: The backbone of the soup—rich, savory, and ties all the flavors together.
• Pasta (Small Shells): Little pasta bites soak up flavor and make every bite hearty; cook separately if you want to avoid mushiness.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: The not-so-secret ingredient that gives the soup its dreamy, velvety texture.
• Parmesan Reggiano Cheese: Brings cheesy, umami depth and a lovely finish.
• Fresh Spinach: Brightens up the soup with vibrant color and freshness in the final step.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating your olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced chicken, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let the chicken sear until it’s browned on all sides and just cooked through—about 4 to 5 minutes. Browning the chicken first locks in those savory juices and builds a flavorful base that sets the whole soup up for success.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pot (don’t you dare wash away those delicious brown bits!), add the diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. Sauté until the veggies are just softened and translucent, typically 3 to 4 minutes. These aromatic vegetables build layered flavor and give Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup its signature taste and texture.

Step 3: Add the Flour and Tomato Paste

Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir well, making sure everything is nicely coated. If you’re a fan of savory tomato flavor, add the optional tomato paste now and stir through. Adding flour in stages prevents clumps and keeps the soup velvety instead of gritty, while the tomato paste adds depth if you want that extra punch.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Broth

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up anything stuck at the bottom of the pot (that’s pure flavor right there!). Stir until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. This not only brings all the flavors together—it also ensures your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup has a silky, rich consistency from the very start.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta and Simmer

Once your liquid is bubbling, toss in the pasta along with the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pop a lid on, turn the heat to low, and let your soup gently simmer for about 20 minutes. This lets the chicken become melt-in-your-mouth tender and the pasta cook to perfection. If you prefer, you can always cook the pasta separately and add it right before serving to avoid any risk of overcooked noodles.

Step 6: Add Cream, Cheese, and Spinach

Finally, stir in the heavy whipping cream, fresh spinach, and a generous handful of grated Parmesan. Give everything a good mix and let it all gently simmer for a final 5 minutes. The cream will create that dreamy, luscious texture while the spinach wilts into silky ribbons and the Parmesan creates a beautiful, glossy finish.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Before you serve, always give your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup a good taste. Add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of extra Italian herbs if you like. The soup should be creamy and well-balanced, with every ingredient shining through in harmony.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Garnishes

Finish your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup with a flourish! Try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a twist of cracked black pepper, fresh basil leaves, or a drizzle of good olive oil for a restaurant-worthy look and an extra pop of flavor.

Side Dishes

This soup is absolutely delicious alongside warm, crusty bread—think a classic baguette or homemade focaccia for dipping. For a lighter meal, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the creaminess beautifully. And let’s be honest, a glass of chilled white wine never goes amiss here either!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup really special, serve it in warmed bread bowls for a dramatic touch. Ladle it into small mugs for a cozy lunch or buffet station, or pour it over a scoop of cooked rice for an extra hearty twist—it’s surprisingly versatile and welcomes a little creativity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your soup cool to room temperature, then spoon leftovers into airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Remember, the pasta may continue to soften as it sits, so if you’re picky about texture, consider storing the cooked pasta separately and adding it to each bowl as you go.

Freezing

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup freezes beautifully! For the best results, leave out the pasta and spinach if you’re planning to freeze the soup—just add them fresh when you reheat. Allow the soup to cool completely, place in freezer-safe containers (leaving some room for expansion), and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop, stirring often. If it’s a bit too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. For single servings, the microwave works fine—just cover loosely and stir midway. If you’ve cooked the pasta separately, add it in just before serving to keep it perfectly al dente.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds incredible flavor and saves time. Just shred it and add during the final simmer with the cream and spinach, so it heats through without becoming dry.

How can I make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup gluten-free?

Swap out the flour for a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or a gluten-free blend, and use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be sure your broth and any seasonings are also gluten-free.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can use half and half, whole milk, or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version—just note these options will yield a slightly thinner soup. Cream cheese (softened and whisked in) is another fun way to achieve extra richness.

Is the tomato paste necessary?

No, it’s totally optional! The sundried tomatoes already bring lovely color and flavor, but adding tomato paste will give the soup a rosier hue and extra depth. If you prefer a purely creamy, white soup, just skip it.

Why does the pasta get mushy, and how can I prevent it?

Pasta continues to absorb liquid as it sits, especially in leftovers. To avoid mushiness, keep cooked pasta stored separately and combine with hot soup just before serving—this keeps everything perfectly textured.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing soup, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup might just become your new favorite. Its medley of creamy comfort and fresh, vibrant ingredients truly makes every bite memorable. Give it a try—you and your loved ones will be coming back for seconds!

Print