Tuscan Chicken Soup
Nothing beats a comforting bowl of soup on a chilly evening, and Tuscan Chicken Soup is a delightful way to warm up your kitchen and your heart. This dish brings together tender chicken, hearty white beans, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy broth that’s simply irresistible. A go-to recipe for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends, it combines the rustic charm of Italian cuisine with the convenience of a quick meal. You’ll find yourself craving this nourishing bowl over and over again.
Discover Why You’ll Love This Dish
What sets this Tuscan Chicken Soup apart? For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make, which is a blessing on busy weeknights. With minimal prep time and a few pantry staples, you can serve a hearty meal that impresses the whole family. It’s budget-friendly too, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or even meal prep for the week ahead. The creamy, rich flavors combined with the fresh spinach give it a nourishing touch without compromising on taste.
"This soup is pure comfort! It’s creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make. My kids loved it!" – A satisfied home cook.
The Cooking Process Explained
Let’s break down how this savory soup comes together. It starts with a vibrant sauté of onions and garlic, followed by the seasoned chicken for that depth of flavor. Then the magic happens as you add the broth and let it simmer with beans and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a delightful base for the dish. Finally, you’ll introduce the heavy cream and fresh spinach, transforming it into the comforting bowl of soup everyone will love.
What You’ll Need
To create this hearty Tuscan Chicken Soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 can white beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Pro tip: If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken breasts with thighs for a more flavorful option or use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken altogether!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how you prepare this delicious soup:
- Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they are translucent.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add them to the pot and cook until they are slightly browned on all sides.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the white beans and sun-dried tomatoes, and let it cook until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot, shred it, and then return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Stir in the heavy cream and add the spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving warm.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
When it comes to serving Tuscan Chicken Soup, think about garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a swirl of pesto for an extra burst of flavor. Pair it with crusty artisan bread or a simple side salad to make a complete meal. It’s versatile enough for casual family dinners or to impress guests at a dinner party.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers never go to waste with this soup! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When reheating, do so on the stove for the best texture, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain creaminess.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Here are some extra tips to ensure your Tuscan Chicken Soup turns out perfectly:
- Opt for high-quality chicken broth, as this will enhance the soup’s flavor significantly.
- If you’re in a hurry, consider using rotisserie chicken—just add it in after simmering to keep things quick.
- Experiment with adding extra veggies, such as carrots or zucchini, for added nutrition and flavor.
Creative Twists
Want to mix things up? Consider these variations:
- Add a kick with some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy touch.
- Swap the spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green profile.
- For a lighter version, ditch the cream or substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
Total prep and cook time is approximately 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight meal!
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes! You can use half-and-half or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk if you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free option.
How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?
Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). It should also no longer be pink in the center.
Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful Tuscan Chicken Soup, and may it bring warmth and happiness to your table!
Tuscan Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 can white beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth Opt for high-quality broth for better flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- 2 cups spinach Can substitute with kale or Swiss chard.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking Used for sautéing.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they are translucent.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add them to the pot and cook until they are slightly browned on all sides.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the white beans and sun-dried tomatoes, and let it cook until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot, shred it, and then return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Stir in the heavy cream and add the spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving warm.
