Tuscan Chicken Soup is a warm and comforting dish, packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and hearty beans. It’s like a hug in a bowl! 🌟
This soup is perfect for chilly days. I love making a big pot, so I can enjoy leftovers. A little garlic and spinach make it even yummier! You won’t want to miss out! 🥄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing because it adds flavor. You can swap it with avocado oil or vegetable oil if you prefer.
Onion: A small yellow or white onion is perfect here. If you don’t have any, shallots offer a milder taste, or skip it entirely if needed.
Chicken Broth: I like using low-sodium broth for better control over salt levels. Vegetable broth can work too if you want a lighter taste.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: These add a lovely tang. If fresh tomatoes are on hand, feel free to use about 2 cups of chopped fresh ones instead.
Cannellini Beans: They give a creamy texture, but you can use any white beans like great northern or navy beans if you prefer.
Pasta: Small shapes like ditalini or tortellini work well. Or, if you’re gluten-free, try quinoa or rice instead!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you could use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
How Can I Make Sure My Soup Has Depth of Flavor?
The trick to a flavorful soup lies in building layers of taste from the start. Start by sautéing your veggies like onions, celery, and carrots until they soften—that’s where it all begins!
- Use medium heat to avoid burning and keep things cooking evenly. A few minutes is all it takes.
- Add garlic after your veggies are soft. This prevents it from burning and keeps it fragrant.
- Don’t rush when adding the chicken broth; letting it come to a boil incorporates all those sautéed flavors.
Remember to taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs to make sure every spoonful is delicious! Happy cooking!
Tuscan Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup small pasta (such as tortellini or ditalini)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Crusty bread slices for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tuscan Chicken Soup takes about 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick, hearty meal any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté these until they’re softened, which should take about 5 minutes. This step builds the foundation of flavor!
2. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Add the Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour in the chicken broth along with the canned diced tomatoes, juice and all. Bring this mixture to a boil, and enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen.
4. Cook the Pasta:
Add the pasta to the boiling mixture and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 7 to 10 minutes. Make sure it’s al dente for the best texture in the soup!
5. Mix in the Chicken and Beans:
When the pasta is nearly done, stir in the shredded chicken, cannellini beans, chopped spinach, and dried Italian herbs. You’ll love the colors coming together!
6. Add Cream and Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low, then gently stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to blend all those wonderful flavors.
7. Season to Taste:
Give your soup a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. This step is key to making it just right for your palate!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and serve alongside your favorite crusty bread slices. Enjoy your comforting, hearty Tuscan Chicken Soup!
Bon appétit! 🌿🥣
Can I Use Leftover Roast Chicken for This Soup?
Absolutely! Leftover roast chicken works perfectly in this recipe, making it a great way to use up what’s in your fridge. Just shred or chop it before adding it to the soup.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more beans or additional vegetables to make it heartier!
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
How Can I Make This Soup Creamier?
If you want a creamier texture, you can add more heavy cream! Additionally, blending a portion of the soup before mixing it back in can create a lovely, rich consistency.