Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1 inch pieces; 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning, divided; Salt and pepper to taste; ½ cup diced carrots; ½ cup diced celery; ½ cup diced onions; ¼ cup diced sundried tomatoes; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup flour; 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional); 6-8 cups chicken broth (recommend starting with 6 cups); 1 cup heavy whipping cream; ½-1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese; 6 oz pasta (Italian small shells recommended); 2 ½-3 cups fresh spinach

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 22 reviews

If you’re craving a soup that’s both comforting and luxurious, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl — rich, velvety, and packed with flavorful ingredients that make every spoonful unforgettable. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a go-to for cozy nights in or impressing guests with minimal effort. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The blend of Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan gives a harmonious, rich taste.
Creamy Yet Light: Heavy cream and broth create luscious texture without being overly heavy.
Hearty Ingredients: Tender chicken, fresh spinach, and pasta make this soup filling and nutritious.
Simple Techniques: Using basic steps like browning chicken and deglazing ensures maximum flavor without fuss.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, Tuscan Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, Italian chicken soup, comforting chicken soup - The dish is a creamy pasta with three main layers visible: the base layer of soft yellow pasta shells, the middle layer of thick orange creamy sauce mixed evenly with wilted dark green spinach leaves, and scattered pieces of red sun-dried tomatoes adding contrast throughout. The sauce looks smooth and rich, holding the pasta and vegetables together. The dish is served in a white bowl with a thin blue rim, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe has a purpose—from bringing depth to the broth to adding texture and freshness. I’ve learned through trial and error that choosing good quality chicken and fresh veggies sets your soup apart, so don’t rush your grocery run.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, Tuscan Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, Italian chicken soup, comforting chicken soup - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a pile of fresh boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into chunks, a small white bowl filled with mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small mound of coarse sea salt, a small heap of black peppercorns, a simple white plate with diced bright orange carrots, diced pale green celery sticks, diced white onions, and diced deep red sundried tomatoes arranged neatly, three whole uncracked garlic cloves with clean white skins, a small white bowl containing fine white flour, a small white bowl with rich red tomato paste, a simple white bowl showing golden chicken broth, a small white dish heaped with uncooked Italian small shell pasta, a small white bowl of thick heavy whipping cream, a white plate sprinkled with grated parmesan reggiano cheese, and a handful of vibrant fresh green spinach leaves, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Perfect for browning chicken and sautéing vegetables with a fruity note.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Chopped into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and tenderness.
Italian seasoning: Brings classic Tuscan herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that define the flavor profile.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning layers as you go.
Diced carrots, celery, and onions: The holy trinity of soups, they add natural sweetness and depth.
Diced sun-dried tomatoes: Introduce a concentrated tanginess that brightens up the soup.
Minced garlic: Adds warmth and a savory punch.
Flour: Used to gently thicken the broth into a creamy consistency without clumps.
Tomato paste (optional): Enhances umami and color—feel free to add to taste.
Chicken broth: The flavorful soup base; start with 6 cups and add more if you want it soupy.
Italian small pasta shells: Their shape helps scoop up broth and mix well with chicken bits.
Heavy whipping cream: Provides a luscious creaminess that makes this soup so comforting.
Grated Parmesan Reggiano: Brings nutty richness and depth to the final dish.
Fresh spinach: Adds a vibrant touch, mild bitterness, and a boost of greens.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What I love about this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want it lighter, vegan, or added extra veggies, you can customize it without losing that authentic Tuscan vibe.

Variation: I sometimes swap chicken breasts for thighs—they’re juicier and less prone to drying out. You might prefer that too!
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a luscious non-dairy version.
Gluten-Free: Try gluten-free pasta or replace flour with a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms or zucchini if you want to sneak in more veggies.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a teaspoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a big soup pot or Dutch oven. Toss your diced chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning plus salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pan and let it brown nicely on all sides for about 4-5 minutes — don’t rush it or you’ll miss that tasty crust. Once browned, remove the chicken and set aside. This step locks in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies and Aromatics

In the same pot, toss in the onions, carrots, celery, sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Stir around for about 3-4 minutes until everything gets soft and translucent; the aromas will fill your kitchen and make you excited for what’s coming. Don’t skip this—it’s the flavor backbone!

Step 3: Thicken it Up with Flour and Tomato Paste

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the veggies and stir it in well. Do this gradually to avoid dry clumps. If you’re adding tomato paste, mix it in now for that beautiful rich color and umami layer. Cook for about a minute—just enough to get rid of that raw flour taste.

Step 4: Add Broth and Deglaze

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth—start with 6 cups—and keep stirring to smooth out any lumps. Use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck at the bottom; that’s pure flavor gold for your soup! Bring the whole pot to a rolling boil to wake everything up.

Step 5: Cook Pasta, Season, and Simmer

Add your pasta shells along with another teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover your pot and reduce to low heat. Let everything simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until your chicken is tender and pasta cooked through but still al dente. (If you prefer, you can cook pasta separately and add it later to avoid sogginess.)

Step 6: Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Cheese

Open the lid and stir in the heavy whipping cream, fresh spinach, and generous grating of Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes so the spinach wilts just perfectly and the cheese melts into creamy goodness. Taste-test and adjust salt or pepper if needed—you want this just right.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Brown chicken in batches if needed to ensure you get that perfect sear instead of steaming the meat.
Gradual Flour Addition: Adding flour in stages prevents clumping and keeps the soup silky.
Spinach Timing: Add spinach at the very end to retain its color and nutrients without overcooking.
Adjust Broth Quantity: Start with less broth; you can always add more later depending on how thick or soupy you want it.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, Tuscan Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, Italian chicken soup, comforting chicken soup - A white bowl with a blue rim contains creamy orange soup filled with tortellini pasta, green spinach leaves, red sun-dried tomatoes, and chunks of white meat. A slice of golden toasted bread stands resting inside the bowl, partially dipped into the soup. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side, slightly covered by the soup. The bowl sits on a wooden board with a white marbled surface background and a purple cloth visible at the top edge of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a bit more freshly grated Parmesan on top just before serving, along with a few cracks of black pepper and a drizzle of good olive oil. If you like some heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Sometimes, a few fresh basil leaves thrown in add a subtle herbaceous note that brightens every spoonful.

Side Dishes

This soup’s creaminess pairs beautifully with crunchy garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. When I have extra time, I bake a focaccia studded with rosemary—it’s a crowd-pleaser alongside this soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like serving the soup in rustic crocks topped with a petite grilled cheese crouton floating on top. It’s playful and adds texture. Another idea is to offer garnishes on the side—chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, or Parmesan shards—so guests can personalize their bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftover soup into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even better the next day, but be cautious with the pasta—it can absorb too much liquid and swell if left for too long, so sometimes I store pasta separately if I plan to keep leftovers longer.

Freezing

This soup freezes well if you skip adding spinach and cream initially. Freeze the base soup in freezer-safe containers, then when ready to eat, thaw, reheat, and stir in fresh spinach and cream to keep the flavors and textures vibrant.

Reheating

Gently reheat your soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water. Avoid microwaving for long periods as it can cause the cream to separate.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually my personal favorite for this recipe because they stay moist and tender even after simmering in the soup. Just make sure to cut them into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free or vegan?

For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute. To make it vegan, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms or chickpeas.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup is fantastic made ahead. Just be sure to add delicate ingredients like spinach and cream fresh when reheating to keep the flavors bright and the texture creamy. If freezing, omit these toppings until serving.
What pasta works best in the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe?

I prefer small pasta shapes like Italian shells because they hold the broth nicely and create a balanced bite. However, you can use orzo, ditalini, or even small elbow macaroni if that’s what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe holds a special place in my rotation because it’s the ultimate cozy meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple. I remember the first time I made it, the whole house smelled amazing, and my family was licking the bowls clean. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both comforting and impressive, give this one a try—you’ll thank me later!