Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (Diced into 1 inch pieces); 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning (Divided); Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup diced carrots; 1/2 cup diced celery; 1/2 cup diced onions; 1/4 cup diced sundried tomatoes; 3 garlic cloves (Minced); 1/4 cup flour; 2 tablespoons tomato paste (Optional); 6-8 cups chicken broth; 6 oz pasta (Italian small shells); 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2-1 cup grated parmesan reggiano cheese; 2 1/2-3 cups fresh spinach

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one cozy, soul-warming dish that captures the spirit of comfort food with a touch of Italian elegance, it’s Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup. Imagine a pot brimming with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, velvety cream, Parmesan, and ribbons of fresh spinach, all wrapped up in a rich, flavorful broth. With its balance of rustic charm and irresistible creaminess, this soup makes even an ordinary weeknight feel special. Best of all, it comes together in just one pot, with plenty of options for quick tweaks or make-ahead magic—perfect for busy days or a relaxed Sunday dinner with friends.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients is all it takes to unlock the savory goodness of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup. Each component brings a unique flavor and texture, transforming a simple pot of soup into a seriously crave-worthy meal.

Olive oil: The classic Italian starter, it adds gorgeous flavor and perfectly browns the chicken.
Chicken breasts or thighs: Go for thighs for extra tenderness or breasts for a leaner option—either shines when diced for quick cooking.
Italian seasoning: Aromatic herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme tie together the Tuscan vibe in every bite.
Salt and pepper: Simple essentials to bring out the flavors of every ingredient.
Carrots: Diced carrots add subtle sweetness and a pop of cheerful color to the soup.
Celery: This aromatic vegetable lends a gentle crunch and savory backbone to the broth.
Onions: A must-have for depth and a warming base note in your soup.
Sundried tomatoes: These tangy little gems create signature Tuscan complexity and richness.
Garlic: The classic flavor booster—don’t be shy with it!
Flour: Used as a quick roux, flour thickens the soup for that signature creamy body.
Tomato paste (optional): For a hint of extra tomato richness, it’s great, but feel free to skip it or adjust to taste.
Chicken broth: The flavor foundation—start with 6 cups and add more for your preferred consistency.
Pasta: Small shells or your favorite bite-sized pasta provide delightful texture.
Heavy whipping cream: This is what gives Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup its utterly luscious character.
Parmesan Reggiano: For authentic nutty-salty flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan if possible.
Fresh spinach: Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, tender spinach adds beautiful color and a nutrient boost.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in your favorite soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken along with half the Italian seasoning and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let the chicken sizzle until it’s beautifully browned on all sides—about 4 or 5 minutes. Those golden edges are flavor gold!

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Without skipping a beat, toss in the onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic right into the same pot with the chicken. Stir everything together and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the veggies soften and the whole kitchen smells simply incredible.

Step 3: Make It Creamy

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and chicken, stirring as you go to ensure it mixes smoothly—no clumps allowed! If you’d like a richer tomato flavor, add your tomato paste at this stage. Give everything a good stir to combine and cook out the raw flour taste.

Step 4: Add the Broth

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking or stirring constantly to keep the soup silky and lump-free. Scrape up those delicious browned bits from the bottom—they’re loaded with flavor that will infuse the broth.

Step 5: Simmer with Pasta

Bring the mixture to a lively boil, then add your pasta, the rest of the Italian seasoning, and another pinch of salt and pepper. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let things simmer away for about 20 minutes. By the end, your chicken should be tender and the pasta perfectly al dente. If you’re a fan of pasta with more bite, you can even cook it separately and stir it in at the end.

Step 6: Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Cheese

Lift the lid and stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and a generous handful of grated Parmesan. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes—just long enough for the spinach to wilt and for the flavors to meld dreamily. Taste and adjust your seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

All that’s left is tasting for seasoning. Add a bit more salt, pepper, or even a pinch more Italian seasoning if you like things herby. Then, ladle up your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup and get ready for compliments!

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Garnishes

A steaming bowl of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup begs for a few finishing touches! Try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a twist of cracked black pepper, and maybe a chiffonade of fresh basil or parsley. A drizzle of good olive oil just before serving is also brilliant for an added Italian touch.

Side Dishes

The soup is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, pair it with warm, crusty bread—the kind that begs to be dipped and soaked in every drop. A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette is a fresh, lively companion that balances all the creamy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special touch, serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup in individual bread bowls or ladle it into large mugs for a cozy dinner on the sofa. You can also set up a little “garnish bar” and let everyone top theirs as they wish—a fun way to make any meal feel festive and interactive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (lucky you!), simply let Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors get even richer as they mingle.

Freezing

This soup is freezer-friendly! Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the pasta and spinach, as they become mushy when thawed—simply stir them in fresh after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat. If it has thickened up in the fridge, add a little chicken broth to loosen to your preferred consistency. You can also reheat it in the microwave in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for canned coconut milk or your favorite plant-based cream alternative, and use a vegan Parmesan-style cheese. The soup will still have that signature lush texture and Tuscan flavor.

What’s the best pasta shape to use in this soup?

Small shells are delightful because they catch little pockets of broth, but ditalini, orzo, or even small elbows will work well. The key is choosing a pasta that doesn’t overwhelm each spoonful.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Definitely! Add shredded rotisserie chicken after sautéing the veggies, just before the broth. This makes Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup even quicker and the flavor still shines through.

Will the soup thicken as it sits?

Yes, the pasta will soak up more broth as the soup cools. If it becomes too thick when you’re ready to serve, just add a splash of extra chicken broth to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Is Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup suitable for meal prep?

This soup is a meal prep superstar. Prepare a batch on the weekend, and enjoy quick, hearty lunches or dinners throughout the week—the flavors only get better with time.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup as I am to share it! There’s nothing quite like the way it brings together bold flavors, creamy textures, and cozy comfort in one bowl. Give it a try—you’re just a pot and a little love away from your new favorite soup!

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 7 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A rich and comforting Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup recipe that features tender chicken, vegetables, pasta, and a creamy broth infused with Italian flavors. This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy night in.

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and 1 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning, salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Sprinkle the flour throughout and stir well to combine. Add the flour in stages to avoid excess drying. Add tomato paste if desired.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and stir repeatedly to avoid lumps. Deglaze the pan using your spoon.
Bring the mixture to a boil, add pasta and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and pasta is al dente.
Stir in the heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and spices if needed.

Notes

Adjust the consistency by adding more or less chicken broth depending on preference.
For a thicker soup, use less broth. For a thinner soup, add more broth.
If you prefer a thicker soup without flour, you can omit it or use a thickening agent of your choice.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian