Tuscan Chicken Soup is a warm and cozy dish filled with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and hearty beans. It’s like a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days!
This soup is so easy to make, you can whip it up on a busy weeknight. I love slurping it with some crusty bread for dipping—yum! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A must for sautéing the vegetables! Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely flavor. If you’re out, vegetable oil or even butter can work in a pinch.
Chicken Broth: This sets the soup’s base flavor. Use homemade broth if you have it; otherwise, low-sodium store-bought works well. For a vegetarian option, substitute with vegetable broth.
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is great for convenience. You can also use leftover roast chicken or even turkey. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, skip the chicken or add hearty beans instead!
Pasta: Small pasta like shells are perfect here, but you can use ditalini, orzo, or broken spaghetti as alternatives. Gluten-free pasta is another option for those who need it.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a vibrant color and nutrition. If you don’t have it, kale or frozen spinach can be used. Just make sure to chop the kale into smaller pieces!
How Do I Ensure the Vegetables are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the vegetables properly sets the foundation for the soup’s flavor. Start with medium heat to soften them slowly without burning. Here’s how:
- Heat oil first, add onion, carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes.
- Once they’re softened and the onion is translucent, add garlic for just a minute to release its aroma.
- This technique enhances the flavors in the soup and gives a great base!
How Can I Make My Soup Creamy?
The secret to a creamy texture lies in the Parmesan cheese! Here’s how to get that rich creaminess:
- Stir the grated Parmesan into the soup just before serving. It melts quickly and adds a nice thickness.
- For extra creaminess, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or milk after the cheese!
Enjoy making your Tuscan Chicken Soup, and feel free to tweak it to match your taste preferences!
Tuscan Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup small pasta shells (or similar small pasta)
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Fresh basil or Italian parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Crusty bread slices, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tuscan Chicken Soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 20 minutes to cook, totaling around 35 minutes. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Cook while stirring occasionally until the vegetables start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen!
2. Add Garlic:
Once the veggies are looking good, toss in the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn. It should smell amazing now!
3. Combine the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes (don’t forget to include all the juices!). Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Raise the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil.
4. Cook the Pasta:
When the soup starts boiling, add the small pasta shells. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Give it a stir occasionally!
5. Add Chicken and Spinach:
Next, stir in the cooked chicken pieces and the fresh spinach leaves. Continue to simmer until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
6. Season to Taste:
Now it’s time to season the soup! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Taste it to see if it needs more flavor.
7. Add Creaminess:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends into the broth. This adds a lovely creaminess that makes the soup wonderfully rich!
8. Serve It Up:
Ladle the warm Tuscan chicken soup into bowls. Feel free to garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil or Italian parsley if you like. It adds a nice touch!
9. Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot alongside slices of crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy the comforting flavors of your homemade Tuscan Chicken Soup!
Dig in and savor this delightful dish that’s packed with flavors and nutrients—perfect for any day of the week!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken in This Soup?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect time-saver. Just shred or chop the meat and add it directly to the soup, following the instructions starting from step 5.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Spinach?
If fresh spinach isn’t available, you can use kale or even frozen spinach. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the soup.
Can I Prepare This Soup in Advance?
Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some broth, so you can add a bit more broth or water when reheating to restore the soup’s consistency.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 days. To reheat, just warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
