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 cups chicken broth (can use up to 8 cups if a thinner soup is preferred); 6 oz Italian small shell pasta; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; ½ to 1 cup grated parmesan reggiano cheese; 2 ½ to 3 cups fresh spinach

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 33 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, unbelievably tasty soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s packed with tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and just the right amount of creamy cheesy goodness that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds—no judgement). I’ve played around with this one enough times to know it’s a knock-out crowd-pleaser and surprisingly easy to pull together. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy year-round!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan create layers of flavor that marry beautifully in every bite.
Creamy Texture: The heavy cream and Parmesan melt into a luxuriously smooth broth that feels indulgent without being too heavy.
One-Pot Convenience: You cook everything in one pot, which means less mess and a faster cleanup – always a win in my book.
Versatile and Customizable: This soup adapts easily to what’s in your fridge, so it works for all seasons and taste preferences.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, Tuscan chicken recipes, easy chicken soup, comforting Italian 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

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe brings together ingredients that offer a lovely harmony of textures and flavors. Each component plays a role, from the tender chicken to the fresh spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, while the heavy cream and Parmesan give it its signature silky richness. When shopping, look for high-quality chicken broth and fresh Parmesan to elevate the final taste.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, Tuscan chicken recipes, easy chicken soup, comforting Italian 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

Chicken breasts or thighs: I prefer thighs for more flavor and tenderness, but breasts work great too; just dice them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Italian seasoning: This blend brings that classic Tuscan herby vibe; divide it as the recipe suggests to layer the seasoning perfectly.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These little flavor bombs pack tang and umami, adding depth beyond regular tomatoes.
Carrots, celery, and onions: The holy trinity for many soups, they soften up and provide a mild sweetness and foundation to the broth.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic wakes up all the other flavors—never skip it!
Flour: This thickens the soup just enough to give it that comforting creamy mouthfeel without needing heavy cream alone.
Tomato paste (optional): Adds a subtle richness and color boost; I use it when I want the soup a little deeper in flavor.
Chicken broth: I recommend starting with 6 cups and adding more if it feels too thick—homemade or good-quality store-bought works wonders here.
Pasta: I love using small shells, but feel free to swap with any small pasta you have on hand to save a trip to the store.
Heavy whipping cream: This is what makes the soup luscious and silky; don’t skip or substitute it with low-fat dairy if you want that true creaminess.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan elevates the soup’s flavor with a nutty, savory punch that pre-grated just can’t match.
Fresh spinach: Stirred in last to keep it bright and tender, it adds a lovely pop of green and a hit of nutrients.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to play around with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. Sometimes I boost the garlic for a stronger kick, or swap spinach for kale if I want a bit more texture. This soup really welcomes customization, so don’t be shy about making it your own.

Spicy Kick: I’ve added red pepper flakes when I want a little heat. It’s subtle but adds a nice warmth.
Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for cannellini beans and use vegetable broth for a hearty meat-free twist.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and pasta to make this soup safe for gluten sensitivities without losing any creaminess.
Extra Veggies: Adding mushrooms or bell peppers is a delicious way to stretch the soup and add more color.

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

Step 1: Brown the Chicken to Build Flavor

Start by heating your olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Toss in the diced chicken along with a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes until it’s golden and browned on all sides. This step is crucial because browning adds that deep, savory flavor base. Don’t rush it—give the pieces space so they sear properly instead of steaming.

Step 2: Soften the Veggies and Aromatics

Once the chicken is browned, add in the diced onions, carrots, celery, sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic right into the pot. Cook everything together for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant. This will amplify the soup’s depth of flavor and build that comforting aroma we all love.

Step 3: Thicken with Flour and Add Tomato Paste

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the veggies and stir gently to coat everything. I like to add the flour in a couple of batches so nothing clumps up. If you’re using the optional tomato paste (which I highly recommend), stir it in now. This will give your soup a gorgeous color and a richer body. Take your time here; this step sets the stage for that creamy consistency you’re craving.

Step 4: Gradually Add Broth and Bring to a Boil

Now comes the broth. Slowly pour in your chicken broth while whisking continuously. This helps prevent lumps and ensures that your soup base stays silky smooth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—that’s flavor gold waiting to be incorporated! Turn up the heat and bring everything to a hearty rolling boil.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta and Simmer

Once boiling, toss in your pasta and add the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover the pot with a lid, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for about 20 minutes. You want your chicken tender, and the pasta to be just al dente—chewy but not mushy. If you prefer, you can cook pasta separately and add it at the end to control texture.

Step 6: Stir in Cream, Spinach, and Parmesan

Finally, it’s time for the magic. Stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and your grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 minutes. This allows the spinach to wilt perfectly and the cheese to melt into the broth, creating that iconic creamy Tuscan chicken soup finish we’re all here for.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Before serving, give your soup a taste and tweak it with extra salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if it needs a little boost. Soup is all about layering flavors, so trust your palate here. And don’t forget to ladle yourself a big bowl—this soup is best enjoyed hot and fresh.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Brown the Chicken Well: Don’t overcrowd the pan—patience here really amps up the flavor.
Add Broth Slowly: Whisking while adding broth helps avoid lumps, giving you a silky soup base.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta texture; mushy pasta will weigh the soup down.
Fresh Parmesan Rocks: Using fresh cheese makes a night-and-day difference versus pre-grated stuff—totally worth it.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, Tuscan chicken recipes, easy chicken soup, comforting Italian 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 finishing this soup with a few grinds of fresh black pepper and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top—it just makes everything look and taste that much better. Sometimes, I’ll add a little drizzle of good olive oil or a handful of toasted pine nuts for a subtle crunch. Fresh chopped basil or parsley also adds a vibrant, fresh note that elevates the rustic flavors.

Side Dishes

For sides, crusty garlic bread or warm, buttered dinner rolls are my go-to companions. They’re perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. And if you want to keep it light, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving the soup in rustic bread bowls—that wow factor never gets old! You can hollow out a round loaf and ladle the soup inside, which is both beautiful and edible. Another fun twist is to top the soup with a swirl of basil pesto or crème fraîche to add an elegant touch and extra layers of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find letting it rest overnight actually makes the flavors meld even better, so it can be just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes well too! I recommend freezing it before adding the cream and spinach though, as dairy can sometimes separate when frozen. When you’re ready to eat, thaw and add fresh cream and spinach before warming through.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Add the fresh spinach and cream during reheating if you froze the base to keep things fresh and vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually my favorite here because they stay juicy and tender throughout cooking. Just dice them evenly so they cook through at the same time. Breasts work too if you prefer leaner meat.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute with finely diced roasted red peppers or omit them altogether. They add a nice tang and depth but the soup will still be delicious without them.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute instead of Parmesan. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be a bit different but still tasty.
Can I make the soup thicker or thinner?

Definitely. If you want it thicker, reduce the broth slightly or add more flour when thickening. For a thinner soup, add extra broth or some water until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe is one of those magic recipes that feels special but comes together without fuss. It’s comfort food with a touch of elegance, and I love how it brings everyone around the table. Whether you’re craving a weeknight dinner or a impressive dish for friends, I hope you find as much joy making and eating this soup as I do. Give it a go—I promise it’ll become a staple in your rotation!