Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
If you have been searching for a bowl of comfort that wraps you up with warmth and flavor, look no further than the Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup. This soup is a delightful blend of tender chicken, vibrant sundried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy broth all coming together into a soul-soothing dish. Every spoonful bursts with Italian-inspired goodness, making it an irresistible choice for cozy dinners or when you just want to treat yourself to something spectacularly delicious and heartwarming.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup starts with a handful of simple, yet vibrant ingredients that each play a vital role in the final dish. From aromatic vegetables to creamy cheese and fresh spinach, these essentials combine to create a symphony of taste, texture, and inviting color in your bowl.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: A healthy, flavorful base for sautéing that adds richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 to 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Provides tender, protein-rich chunks that soak up all the delicious flavors.
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning (divided): Infuses the soup with classic herbaceous notes essential to the Tuscan profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and balances the flavors throughout the cooking process.
- 1/2 cup diced carrots: Adds natural sweetness and subtle crunch that warms up the texture.
- 1/2 cup diced celery: Brings fresh, aromatic undertones and positive crunch to every bite.
- 1/2 cup diced onions: Builds the savory backbone of the soup with deep, mellow flavor.
- 1/4 cup diced sundried tomatoes: Elevates the dish with bursts of tangy and slightly sweet tomato intensity.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Essential for that unmistakable savory warmth and aromatic complexity.
- 1/4 cup flour: Used to gently thicken the broth, making the soup irresistibly creamy.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional): Adds concentrated tomato richness and a subtle tang to deepen the taste.
- 6-8 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that carries all the ingredients in perfect harmony.
- 6 ounces pasta (Italian small shells recommended): Adds bite-sized texture that absorbs the broth beautifully.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Delivers the signature creamy smoothness everyone craves in this soup.
- 1/2 to 1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese: Introduces nutty, salty notes that enrich every spoonful.
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups fresh spinach: Beefs up the nutrition and brings vibrant green color and a gentle earthiness.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced chicken along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until it’s beautifully browned on all sides. This step locks in the chicken’s juices and creates that flavor foundation that makes the Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup so irresistible.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Remove the chicken momentarily, and in the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they become translucent and tender, releasing incredible savory aromas that will fill your kitchen and soon your spoon.
Step 3: Add Flour and Tomato Paste
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables, stirring well to combine it gradually. This trick prevents clumping and begins to thicken your soup. If you’re using tomato paste, now’s the moment to stir it in, giving the broth a rich tomato depth that’s simply irresistible.
Step 4: Incorporate Broth and Deglaze
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth a little at a time, making sure no lumps form. Use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot — these bits are pure gold for flavor that layers into your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup.
Step 5: Simmer with Pasta and Spices
Bring the pot to a rolling boil before adding your pasta, the reserved 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste. Cover and reduce the heat to low for about 20 minutes. This gentle simmer lets the chicken cook through, tenderizes the pasta to al dente perfection, and melds all the flavors together like a beautiful Italian love story in a pot.
Step 6: Final Touches with Cream and Cheese
Remove the lid and stir in the heavy whipping cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes to let everything marry harmoniously. The spinach wilts just right while the cheese melts into waves of irresistible richness, completing your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup dream.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
This is your moment to shine as a kitchen maestro — taste your creation and add any extra salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning. Every good soup loves a personal, finishing touch before hitting the table.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
Garnishes
Freshly chopped basil or parsley makes a perfect green flourish on top, adding a burst of freshness and color. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil can elevate the soup’s creaminess and add a lovely sheen just before serving.
Side Dishes
A crusty loaf of garlic bread or warm, buttery dinner rolls pair wonderfully with this soup. Their crunchy texture contrasts beautifully with the lush creaminess, making each spoonful even more delightful. You could also consider a small mixed greens salad with lemon dressing to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for a rustic, show-stopping presentation that guests will rave about. Or ladle it over a steaming bed of polenta to transform the experience into a hearty meal that captures all the comforting qualities of Tuscany.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Its flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier, perfect for busy days when you crave a quick, satisfying meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind the pasta may become a bit softer upon thawing. For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta or spinach and add those fresh when reheating. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags for up to 2 months of delicious enjoyment.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent curdling or burning. If the soup seems too thick after cooling, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up and revive that silky texture that makes the Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup so comforting.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more richness and tend to stay tender and juicy, which works wonderfully in the Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter soup, but the texture won’t be quite as creamy. Coconut cream is a tasty dairy-free alternative if you want to keep things rich.
What type of pasta works best?
Small pasta shapes like shells, ditalini, or orzo are perfect because they cook evenly and hold the creamy broth beautifully without overpowering the soup.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or white beans to keep it filling and flavorful.
How spicy is the soup?
The Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is mild and comforting, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup truly feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, blending fresh, hearty ingredients into a creamy, soul-warming bowl. Give this recipe a try and prepare to fall in love with its comforting flavors and luxurious texture — it might just become your new favorite meal to share with family and friends.
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Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, spinach, and pasta in a rich, creamy broth enhanced with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it combines Italian herbs and sundried tomatoes for a delicious twist on a classic chicken soup.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1–1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (diced into 1 inch pieces; 1 1/2 pounds recommended)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 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)
Thickening and Flavoring
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
Soup Base and Pasta
- 6–8 cups chicken broth (start with 6 cups recommended)
- 6 oz pasta (Italian small shells recommended)
Finishing Touches
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2–1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
- 2 1/2–3 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook the mixture until the vegetables turn translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Flour and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetable mixture and stir well to combine, adding the flour gradually to avoid over-drying. If using tomato paste, add it now and stir until fully incorporated.
- Add Chicken Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Use your spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pot, loosening any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Simmer with Pasta: Bring the soup to a rolling boil. Add the pasta, the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, tender, and the pasta is al dente. You may also cook the pasta separately and add it later if preferred.
- Finish the Soup: Remove the lid and stir in the heavy whipping cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the flavors to meld.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed before serving warm.
Notes
- Tomato paste is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor and richness to the soup.
- Start with 6 cups of chicken broth; you can add more later if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- You can substitute small shell pasta with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo.
- For a lower-fat option, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream.
- The soup can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Tuscan chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, Italian chicken soup, Tuscan soup, chicken pasta soup, Parmesan chicken soup
