Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozying up on a snowy day. Combining tender chicken thighs with an aromatic blend of garlic, Italian herbs, and hearty vegetables, this dish is both nourishing and satisfying.

The addition of sun-dried tomatoes and creamy cheese elevates the soup’s richness, while cannellini beans and fresh spinach add delightful texture and nutrition.

Topped with grated Parmesan, each spoonful offers a warm and indulgent experience that will make you feel right at home. Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring it solo, this soup is sure to be a favorite winter treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Comforting and Warming: On a cold, snowy day, this soup provides a cozy and comforting experience that warms the soul. Its creamy texture and rich flavors are perfect for enjoying by the fireside.

Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of garlic, Italian herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a savory and aromatic base that tantalizes the taste buds. Each ingredient complements the others, resulting in a harmonious and flavorful dish.

Hearty and Nutritious: Packed with protein-rich chicken thighs and cannellini beans, this soup is both filling and nourishing. The addition of vegetables like carrots, celery, zucchini, and spinach enhances its nutritional profile, making it a wholesome meal.

Creamy Indulgence: The cream cheese adds a luscious creaminess without being overly heavy, creating a luxurious mouthfeel that feels indulgent yet balanced.

Versatile and Accessible: With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe is accessible to cooks of all skill levels. It can be easily adapted to suit personal tastes or dietary preferences, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Topped with Parmesan: The finishing touch of grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth and a hint of sophistication, elevating the overall dining experience.

Key Ingredients:

Chicken Thighs: Known for their rich flavor and tender texture, chicken thighs provide a hearty and satisfying protein base for the soup.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These tomatoes infuse the soup with a robust, tangy sweetness, adding depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

Cannellini Beans: Creamy and mild, cannellini beans contribute additional protein and fiber, making the soup both nutritious and filling.

Cream Cheese: This ingredient adds a smooth and creamy texture, balancing the flavors and creating a luxurious mouthfeel.

Spinach: Fresh spinach leaves introduce a vibrant color and a burst of nutrients, enhancing the soup’s health benefits.

Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, Italian seasoning brings an aromatic and savory dimension to the dish.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is perfect for warming up on a snowy day. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy broth. Below is a detailed recipe based on your description:

Ingredients:

3 lbs. chicken thighs, diced

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

1 carrot, diced

1 celery stalk, diced

1/2 onion, diced

1 can mushrooms (or fresh if available)

1 jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained

5 garlic cloves, finely minced

2 cans cannellini beans, drained

4 tbsp tomato paste

8 cups chicken broth

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 zucchini, quartered and diced

1 bag spinach

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

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Prepare the Chicken:

Season the diced chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables:

In the same pot, add the diced carrot, celery, onion, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.

Combine Ingredients:

Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the drained cannellini beans, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

Add the cream cheese, stirring until it is fully incorporated into the broth.

Simmer the Soup:

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Add Zucchini and Spinach:

Add the quartered and diced zucchini and the bag of spinach to the pot. Stir until the spinach wilts and the zucchini is cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Serve warm with crusty bread or your favorite sides.

Enjoy this creamy, comforting soup as you watch the snow fall outside. It’s sure to become a favorite winter meal!

Notes:

Chicken Selection: While chicken thighs are used for their rich flavor, you can substitute them with chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option. Just be mindful of cooking times, as chicken breast can dry out more quickly.

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetable content based on your preferences or what’s available. For example, fresh mushrooms can be used instead of canned, or you can add bell peppers for extra color and flavor.

Cream Cheese Alternative: If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt to maintain creaminess without added calories.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a slightly different flavor profile, you can experiment with roasted red peppers as an alternative to sun-dried tomatoes.

Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added just before serving to enhance the soup’s freshness and aroma.

Serving Suggestions: This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It also tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.

Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth if necessary to maintain the desired consistency.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1 cup

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

The flavors often deepen and improve after a day.

When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop and add a little extra chicken broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.

Can I use a different type of bean instead of cannellini beans?

Absolutely! While cannellini beans are traditional in this recipe for their creamy texture, you can substitute them with other white beans like great northern beans or navy beans.

Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture but will work well in the soup.

Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?

To make the soup dairy-free, you can replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative or use coconut milk for creaminess.

Be aware that coconut milk will slightly alter the flavor profile, adding a hint of sweetness.

Can I freeze this soup for later use?

Yes, you can freeze this soup. However, the texture of the cream cheese may change slightly upon freezing and thawing.

To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I serve with this soup to make it a complete meal?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic bread, which can be used to soak up the flavorful broth.

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can also complement the richness of the soup nicely, providing a balanced and satisfying meal.