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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 128 reviews

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup combines tender chicken thighs, small pasta shells, and vibrant baby spinach in a rich, flavorful broth enriched with parmesan and heavy cream. Infused with hints of garlic, onion, celery, and optional white wine, this comforting stovetop soup delivers a perfect balance of creamy texture and hearty ingredients, finished with tangy sun-dried tomato strips for an extra burst of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 500 g / 1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs (can substitute with chicken breast)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Soup Base

  • 30 g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 large celery stems, finely sliced (can substitute 2 carrots)
  • 1/2 cup chardonnay or other dry white wine (optional)
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken stock/broth
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 tsp cooking/kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Pasta and Cheese

  • 250 g / 8 oz small pasta shells (or other small pasta, rice, or potatoes)
  • 1 cup tightly packed finely grated parmesan cheese (or store-bought pre-grated sandy type)

Finishing Ingredients

  • 1 cup thickened/heavy cream (can substitute milk as noted)
  • 2 packed cups baby spinach (or chopped kale or similar greens)
  • 1/2 cup sun dried tomato strips, chopped into 1 cm pieces, plus some oil for drizzling
  • 2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water

Instructions

  1. Cook Outside of Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once foamy, place the chicken in and cook the first side for 3 minutes until light golden, then flip and cook the other side for 2 minutes. The chicken’s inside can still be raw as it will cook fully later. Remove chicken onto a plate.
  2. Soup Flavour Base: Reduce heat to medium-low. Using the same pot, add garlic, onion, and celery. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onion softens, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Deglaze: Turn heat back to high and add the wine. Stir and allow it to simmer until the wine reduces by half, infusing the base with flavor.
  4. Broth & Pasta: Add the chicken stock, water, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then add the small pasta shells. Cook according to the pasta package directions (approximately 10 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Add Chicken Partway: While the pasta cooks, chop the partially cooked chicken into 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) pieces and add them back into the pot. Continue cooking until the chicken finishes cooking and pasta is tender.
  6. Finish Soup: Once pasta is cooked, reduce heat to low. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted. Add the cornflour-water mixture, heavy cream, and baby spinach. Stir continuously for about a minute until the spinach wilts and the soup thickens slightly.
  7. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with sun-dried tomato strips and drizzle a little of their oil on top for a beautiful and tasty finish. Serve hot immediately.
  8. Storing: To store leftovers, separate the pasta from the soup to prevent it from swelling or becoming mushy. Refrigerate both parts separately. When reheating, scoop the soup with a slotted spoon over the pasta.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast if preferred.
  • The wine is optional but adds a nice flavor depth; dry white wines like chardonnay work best.
  • You may swap small pasta shells for other small pasta varieties, rice, or potatoes for different textures.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan or store-bought sandy type for best melting and flavor.
  • If you prefer a lighter soup, substitute heavy cream with milk, though the soup won’t be as thick.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy punch; use the oil they’re packed in for drizzling on top.
  • Separating pasta before refrigerating prevents it from becoming bloated and mushy on reheating.

Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, Chicken Soup, Creamy Chicken Soup, Tuscan Soup, Italian Soup, Comfort Food, Chicken and Pasta Soup

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-soup-recipe/