BEST TUSCAN CHICKEN SOUP

I remember shivering through a particularly harsh winter, craving something warm and comforting, when my neighbor, Maria, shared a pot of her family’s famous soup – a creamy, flavorful concoction that instantly warmed me from the inside out; that soup was Tuscan Chicken Soup. Now, I’m excited to share my version with you, a recipe perfected over the years to bring that same joy and warmth to your table, promising a bowl of pure, comforting deliciousness.

Tuscan Chicken Soup: Your New Go-To Comfort Food

Hey there, friend! Let’s face it, life can get hectic, and sometimes all you need is a big bowl of something delicious and comforting. That’s where this Tuscan Chicken Soup comes in. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out. I know that the name might sound intimidating, but trust me, this recipe is super approachable, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. We’re going to break down each step, so you can confidently whip up a restaurant-worthy soup in your own home.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

Okay, so why should you choose this particular Tuscan Chicken Soup recipe? Here’s the deal:

• It’s Flavor-Packed: We’re talking sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and a touch of cream – all working together to create a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.
• It’s Comforting: Seriously, one spoonful of this soup is like a warm hug on a cold day. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables are the perfect combination for ultimate comfort.
• It’s Easy to Make: Don’t let the fancy name fool you. This recipe is surprisingly simple and comes together in under an hour.
• It’s Versatile: Feel free to customize this soup to your liking. Add different vegetables, swap out the protein, or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.
• It’s a Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this soup is always a hit.

Gather Your Ingredients: The Tuscan Dream Team

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. You can also use leftover cooked chicken to save time. About 1.5 pounds.
• Olive Oil: This is the base for sautéing our vegetables and adds a lovely richness to the soup.
• Onion: Diced onion adds a savory depth of flavor. Yellow or white onions are perfect.
• Garlic: Lots of garlic! This is a key ingredient in Tuscan Chicken Soup. Mince it finely for the best flavor. I usually use about 4-5 cloves.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a burst of intense, slightly sweet flavor. Be sure to use the oil-packed kind, drained.
• Chicken Broth: Use a good quality chicken broth for the best flavor. Low-sodium is a good option so you can control the salt level.
• Heavy Cream: This is what makes the soup creamy and decadent. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option, but the texture won’t be quite as rich.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a healthy dose of vitamins and a pop of color.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs adds a classic Italian flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat (optional).
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!

Step-by-Step Guide: Let’s Make Some Soup!

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to making the most amazing Tuscan Chicken Soup you’ve ever tasted.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

If you’re using raw chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. This will help it cook quickly and evenly in the soup. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. It doesn’t need to be cooked all the way through at this point, as it will continue to cook in the soup.

Step 4: Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Broth

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Spinach

Stir in the heavy cream and spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream, as it can curdle.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Soup Perfection

Here are a few extra tips and tricks to help you achieve soup perfection:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and rubbery. Be sure to cook it just until it’s cooked through.
• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a much better flavor and texture than frozen spinach.
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the soup while it’s simmering.
• Make it Ahead: This Tuscan Chicken Soup is even better the next day! The flavors have time to meld together, creating an even more delicious soup.
• Freeze it for Later: This soup freezes beautifully! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Variations to Make it Your Own

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so versatile. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Add Pasta: Stir in some cooked pasta, such as penne or rotini, for a heartier soup.
• Add Beans: Cannellini beans or great northern beans would be a delicious addition.
• Swap the Protein: Use Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Add More Vegetables: Add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini.
• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier soup.
• Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version. You can also use chicken broth instead of some of the cream to cut down on calories.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

This Tuscan Chicken Soup is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to complete the meal:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Garlic Bread: Elevate your bread game with some homemade garlic bread.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement to the rich soup.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the soup for extra flavor.

Other Soups You Might Enjoy

If you’re a soup lover like me, here are a few other soup recipes you might enjoy:

• Greek Lemon Chicken Soup: A tangy and flavorful soup with chicken, rice, and a bright lemon broth.
• Creamy Chicken Pasta Soup: A comforting and hearty soup with chicken, pasta, and a creamy broth.
• Italian Soup With Ground Chicken: A simple and flavorful soup with ground chicken, vegetables, and pasta in a tomato broth.
• Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup: A spicy and flavorful soup with chicken, corn, beans, and enchilada sauce.
• Marry Me Chicken Soup: A creamy and decadent soup inspired by the popular “Marry Me Chicken” dish.

Troubleshooting: Common Soup Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even the most experienced cooks can make mistakes in the kitchen. Here are a few common soup mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Salty Soup: If your soup is too salty, add a potato or a splash of lemon juice to help absorb the excess salt.
• Bland Soup: If your soup is lacking flavor, add more herbs, spices, or a splash of vinegar to brighten it up.
• Thin Soup: If your soup is too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry or by pureeing a portion of the soup.
• Curdled Soup: If your cream-based soup curdles, it’s usually because it was boiled after adding the cream. To prevent this, add the cream at the end and don’t let the soup boil.

The Secret Ingredient: Love

Okay, this might sound cheesy, but the real secret ingredient to any great recipe is love! When you cook with love and passion, it shines through in the final dish. So, put on some music, relax, and enjoy the process of creating this delicious Tuscan Chicken Soup. I promise you, it will be worth it!

Final Thoughts: Soup’s On!

There you have it! Everything you need to make the most incredible Tuscan Chicken Soup. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Remember to have fun in the kitchen, experiment with different flavors, and don’t be afraid to make it your own. Happy cooking!

Best Tuscan Chicken Soup

This Tuscan Chicken Soup is a creamy and flavorful soup packed with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and tender chicken. It’s an easy-to-make comfort food that’s perfect for a chilly day and can be customized with various additions like pasta or beans.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 ounces fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large pot
• Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Stirring spoon

Method

 

1. If using raw chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. It doesn’t need to be cooked all the way through at this point, as it will continue to cook in the soup.
4. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream, as it can curdle.
6. Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For a thicker soup, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the soup while it’s simmering. This soup is even better the next day! The flavors have time to meld together, creating an even more delicious soup. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Variations: Add cooked pasta, cannellini beans, italian sausage instead of chicken, carrots, celery or zucchini, more red pepper flakes, half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.