Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup (Print-Friendly Version)
A luxurious Italian-inspired soup with tender chicken, vegetables, and a velvety parmesan cream sauce that warms the soul.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Base
01 -
1 teaspoon olive oil
02 -
1-1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 2.5 cm pieces
03 -
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
04 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Vegetables
05 -
½ cup diced carrots
06 -
½ cup diced celery
07 -
½ cup diced onions
08 -
¼ cup diced sundried tomatoes
09 -
3 garlic cloves, minced
10 -
2½-3 cups fresh spinach
→ Thickeners & Liquids
11 -
¼ cup all-purpose flour
12 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
13 -
6-8 cups chicken broth
14 -
1 cup heavy whipping cream
→ Pasta & Cheese
15 -
170g (6 oz) small shell pasta
16 -
½-1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
# How to Make It:
01 -
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, approximately 4-5 minutes.
02 -
Add onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic to the pot. Cook until vegetables are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
03 -
Gradually sprinkle flour throughout, stirring well to combine. If using tomato paste, add it now and mix thoroughly to integrate with other ingredients.
04 -
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Use your spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits.
05 -
Bring mixture to a rolling boil. Add pasta and remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes or until chicken is tender and pasta is al dente. Alternatively, cook pasta separately and add at the end.
06 -
Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until spinach wilts and flavors meld together.
07 -
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and spices if needed before serving.
# Tips and Suggestions:
01 -
Start with 6 cups of broth and add more if you prefer a thinner consistency
02 -
Tomato paste deepens the flavor but can be omitted if unavailable
03 -
For make-ahead preparation, cook pasta separately and add when reheating to prevent it from becoming soggy