Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup - Best Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 to 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 sun-dried tomatoes; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional); 6 to 8 cups chicken broth; 6 ounces small pasta, such as Italian small shells; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2 to 1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese

Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Have you ever craved a dish so rich, so comforting, and so utterly delicious that it feels like a warm hug in a bowl? That’s precisely what this incredible soup delivers. It’s no wonder the internet has fallen head over heels for this Tuscan-inspired masterpiece. The magic lies in its velvety texture, derived from a generous swirl of cream and the perfect balance of sun-dried tomatoes, tender chicken, and fragrant spinach. This isn’t just another chicken soup; it’s elevated, sophisticated, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors that will transport you straight to a trattoria in Florence. Get ready to fall in love with every spoonful of this Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup, a truly unforgettable culinary delight that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 to 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 sun-dried tomatoes
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
6 to 8 cups chicken broth
6 ounces small pasta (such as Italian small shells)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 to 1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese

Searing the Chicken and Building the Flavor Base

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Begin extract by ensuring your chicken is fully thawed if it was previously frozen. Dice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into uniform 1-inch pieces. This size ensures they cook evenly and become tender within the soup. Season the chicken generously on all sides with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot. Overcrowding will steam the chicken rather than sear it, and we want that beautiful golden-brown crust for added flavor. Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side until it’s nicely browned. Don’t worry about cooking it through at this stage; it will finish cooking in the soup. Remove the seared chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced carrots, celery, and onions. If the pot seems a little dry, you can add another tiny drizzle of olive oil. Sauté these vegetables over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, untilgin extractey begin to soften and the onions become translucent. This process, known as building the flavor base, is crucial for a delicious soup. Next, add the minced garlic and the diced sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste to your soup. The sun-dried tomatoes will rehydrate slightly and release their intense, sweet-tart flavor into the pot.

Creating the Creamy Tuscan Base

Step 3: Thicken the Soup with Flour and Tomato Paste

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to coat everything and cook for about 1-2 minutes. This step helps to cook out the raw flour taste and creates a roux, which will thicken the soup beautifully. If you’re using the tomato paste, add it now and stir it into the flour and vegetable mixture. Cook for another minute, allowing the tomato paste to deepen in color and release its rich, concentrated tomato flavor. This will add a wonderful depth and a slight tang to the soup.

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer the Broth

Gradually pour in about 1 cup of the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits that have stuck to the bottom. These browned bits are packed with flavor and will significantly enhance your soup. Once you’ve deglazed the pot, slowly whisk in the remaining chicken broth. I recommend starting with 6 cups of broth. You can always add more later if you prefer a thinner consistency. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This simmering time allows the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld together.

Finishing Touches for a Rich and Satisfying Soup

Step 5: Add Chicken, Pasta, and Cream

Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot. Add the uncooked pasta and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together. Increase the heat slightly to bring the soup back to a simmer, and cook according to the pasta package directions, typically 8-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente (tender but still firm to the bite). Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy whipping cream. Allow the soup to heat through gently for a couple of minutesgin extractut avoid bringing it to a rolling boil after adding the cream, as this can cause it to curdle. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese, starting with 1/2 cup and adding more to your preference. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a luxuriously creamy texture. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick for your liking, stir in more chicken broth, about 1/2 cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your very own pot of delicious Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup! We’ve walked through each step, from browning the chicken to achieving that perfect, velvety broth infused with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and fragrant herbs. This soup is a true testament to comfort and flavor, proving that a little bit of love and the right ingredients can create something truly spectacular. It’s hearty enough for a chilly evening but also elegant enough to impress guests. I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring every spoonful of this delightful Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup as much as I do!

For serving, I love to pair this Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup with crusty bread for dipping, a simple side salad to add some freshness, or even some fluffy rice to make it an even heartier meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You could swap out the chicken for Italian sausage for a different flavor profile, add in other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, or even make it a vegetarian delight by using white beans or chickpeas instead of chicken. The possibilities are endless!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors often meld and deepen beautifully when made a day in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash more broth or cream if needed to reach your desired consistency.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes? Can I substitute something else in Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup?

While sun-dried tomatoes are a key component of the Tuscan flavor, you can achieve a similar savory depth with a few other ingredients. You could try using roasted red peppers (jarred is fine, just drain them well) or even a tablespoon of tomato paste simmered with a little extra garlic and herbs to replicate some of that concentrated tomato flavor.

My Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is too thick. What can I do?

No problem! If your soup has become thicker than you prefer, you can easily thin it out. Simply stir in a little more chicken broth or a splash of heavy cream (or half-and-half) until it reaches your desired consistency. Always add liquids gradually to avoid making it too thin.