Heavenly Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, rich flavors, and comforting ingredients. It’s a hearty and satisfying soup that can warm you up on a chilly day. With creamy broth, pasta, and vibrant spinach, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the delicious world of this comforting soup!

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to love Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup. First, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Second, the combination of chicken, pasta, and spinach creates a well-balanced meal that is both filling and nutritious. Finally, the rich flavors from the garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes create an irresistible taste that will have you going back for seconds.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Making this creamy and flavorful soup is simple. Here’s how you can do it at home.

Ingredients:

500 g / 1 lb chicken thighs, skinless boneless (Note 1 for breast)
1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 large celery stems, finely sliced (or substitute with 2 carrots)
1/2 cup chardonnay (or other dry white wine, optional (Note 2))
4 cups chicken stock/broth, low sodium
3 cups water
1 tsp cooking/kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
250g / 8 oz small pasta shells (or other small pasta, rice, potato, etc. – see Note 3)
1 cup (tightly packed) parmesan, finely grated or store bought pre-grated (sandy type) (Note 4)
1 cup thickened/heavy cream (Note 5 for milk substitute)
2 packed cups baby spinach, chopped kale or similar
1/2 cup sun-dried tomato strips, chopped into 1cm pieces, plus a bit of oil drizzling (Note 6)
2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water

Directions:

Cook the Chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper on each side of the chicken. In a large pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. When the butter is foamy, add the chicken. Cook for 3 minutes on one side until it’s lightly golden, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. It’s okay if it’s still raw inside; it will cook more later. Remove the chicken and place it on a plate.
Make the Soup Base: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add chopped garlic, onion, and celery to the same pot. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onion is softened.
Deglaze the Pot: Increase the heat to high and add the wine. Stir and let it simmer until the wine reduces by half.
Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the chicken stock, water, salt, and pepper. Bring this to a boil and then add the small pasta. Cook according to the pasta packet directions (about 10 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finish Cooking the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, chop the cooked chicken into small pieces. Add the chicken back into the pot to finish cooking.
Complete the Soup: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the parmesan cheese until it’s melted. Then, mix in the cornflour-water mixture, cream, and spinach. Stir for about a minute until the spinach wilts and the soup thickens slightly.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with sun-dried tomato strips and a drizzle of oil for presentation. Enjoy!
Storing: If you have leftovers, separate the pasta from the soup. Store both in the fridge. Use a slotted spoon to scoop out soup when you’re ready to eat.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

You can serve this soup warm in bowls. Garnish with sun-dried tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired, for an extra touch. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple side salad to complete the meal.

How to Store Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

To store leftovers, it’s best to separate the pasta from the soup to prevent the pasta from bloating. Place both components in airtight containers in the fridge. Keep them for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the soup and add freshly cooked pasta if needed.

Tips to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

For richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock.
Adjust the thickness by adding more or less cream, depending on your preference.
If you enjoy a bit of spice, feel free to add red pepper flakes to the soup.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by incorporating other vegetables such as carrots or zucchini. If you want a lighter option, substitute the heavy cream with low-fat milk or omit it altogether.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used. Just remember it may cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Is the wine necessary for the recipe?
The wine adds depth to the flavor, but it can be omitted if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. Simply replace it with more chicken stock.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can skip them or use fresh tomatoes for a different flavor profile.

Enjoy making and savoring your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup!