Description
A rich and creamy Tuscan-style chicken soup with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, sundried tomatoes, spinach, and pasta in a flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy nights or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1–1.5 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 ounces small pasta (e.g., small shells, ditalini, or macaroni)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2–1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
- 2.5–3 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Add the onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to combine. If using tomato paste, add it now and stir.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Deglaze the bottom of the pan with a spoon to incorporate all the flavorful bits.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Add the pasta, remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Stir in the heavy cream, spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and spices if needed. Serve warm.
Notes
To keep the soup creamy, start with 6 cups of broth and add more if needed. To avoid mushy pasta, cook it separately and add it just before serving. For additional flavor, consider adding cooked bacon, Cajun seasoning, or a splash of dry apple cider vinegar. If freezing, leave out the heavy cream until reheating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American, Tuscan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
Keywords: chicken soup, Tuscan, creamy, pasta, cozy dinner