Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Tuscan
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 needed); 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· 4.6 from 12 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and soul-warming meal, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe. I first made it on a chilly evening when I needed something hearty but not complicated, and it turned out to be an absolute crowd-pleaser. The creamy broth, tender chicken, fresh spinach, and those sun-dried tomatoes create a symphony of flavors that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Ready to get cozy with a bowl? Let’s dive in!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning delivers a savory depth without overpowering the soup.
Creamy Texture: Heavy cream and a touch of flour create that luscious, velvety base that feels indulgent but still light enough.
Flexible Ingredients: With simple pantry staples and fresh spinach, it’s easy to customize and prepare any night of the week.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and step-by-step layering of flavors make this soup a no-fuss winner every time.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, Tuscan chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, hearty Tuscan soup, flavorful 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

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe uses ingredients that not only bring wonderful tastes but also work beautifully together to build layers of texture and flavor. Choosing good quality chicken broth and fresh spinach really elevates the dish, so don’t hesitate to splurge a little here.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, Tuscan chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, hearty Tuscan soup, flavorful 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 sautéing the chicken and veggies without overpowering the flavors.
Chicken breasts or thighs: Both work, but thighs stay juicier and tender, especially when simmered gently.
Italian seasoning: Adds classic Tuscan herbs like oregano and basil, essential for that authentic flavor.
Carrots, celery, onions: The holy trinity of soups, these create a wholesome base and add texture.
Sun-dried tomatoes: They pack a sweet and tangy punch that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess.
Garlic: A must for depth and warmth in any comfort recipe.
Flour: Helps thicken the soup naturally while keeping it silky.
Tomato paste (optional): Adds a subtle richness and vibrant color if you choose to include it.
Chicken broth: The soul of the soup—starting with 6 cups ensures a flavorful but not watered-down base.
Pasta (small shells): Adds body and makes the soup even more filling.
Heavy whipping cream: Brings that rich, creamy mouthfeel we all love without needing heavy cream soup cans.
Parmesan Reggiano cheese: Freshly grated for authentic, nutty, salty flavor that melts into the broth.
Fresh spinach: Tossed in at the end for freshness, color, and a vitamin boost.

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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

One of the things I love most about this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tweak it depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. You can switch up the pasta shape, add more greens, or even swap the cream for a lighter option if you want.

Variation: When friends come over, I sometimes toss in a handful of sun-dried tomato pesto instead of plain tomato paste — it gives the soup a wonderful herby punch!
Dietary modification: For a dairy-free version, you can swap the heavy cream for canned coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Seasonal tweak: Feel free to add chopped kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a different green and texture.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken Until Golden

Start by heating a teaspoon of olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken with one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken until it’s browned on all sides, around 4-5 minutes. Don’t rush this; that golden crust locks in flavor and juiciness that’s hard to beat.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base with Veggies

In the same pot, toss in your diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Stir and cook over medium heat until the veggies soften and turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes. These veggies add those comforting, classic soup notes while the sun-dried tomatoes bring that slight tanginess I adore.

Step 3: Thickening the Soup Base

Sprinkle the flour throughout the mixture in stages and stir well to avoid it clumping or drying out. If you’ve chosen to use tomato paste, add it here and stir until it’s fully combined with the veggies and chicken juices. This step is key for that creamy body we’re shooting for in this soup.

Step 4: Add Broth and Pasta, Then Simmer

Slowly whisk in your chicken broth while stirring continuously. This helps prevent lumps and deglazes the pan’s browned bits, adding more flavor to the soup. Bring everything to a rolling boil, season with the remaining Italian seasoning and salt/pepper, then add your pasta. Cover with the lid and reduce heat to low, letting the soup simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is tender and the pasta cooked just right. If you prefer, you can cook the pasta separately and add it at the end to prevent overcooking.

Step 5: The Finishing Touches

Once your soup has simmered and the pasta is done, stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, blending everything into a beautiful creamy gorge. Give it a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Skip Browning: Taking the time to brown your chicken adds incredible depth to the soup’s flavor, so don’t rush this step!
Add Pasta Wisely: Cooking pasta directly in the soup is super convenient, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking and mushy noodles.
Fresh Parmesan is Key: Grating your own Parmesan makes all the difference—pre-grated cheese just doesn’t melt the same way.
Adjust Cream Last: Adding cream too early can curdle it, so always stir it in near the end once the soup has cooled just slightly.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, Tuscan chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, hearty Tuscan soup, flavorful 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

When I serve this soup, I love sprinkling extra freshly grated Parmesan and a crack of black pepper on top. Sometimes, a few torn basil leaves or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds a nice aromatic finish. If I’m feeling indulgent, a little handful of toasted pine nuts adds a surprising crunch!

Side Dishes

Pairing this soup with a crusty loaf of garlic bread or warm focaccia makes the meal complete in my book. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully for those who want a little freshness alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like serving the soup in individual mini Dutch ovens or rustic bread bowls—it’s such a charming touch that invites everyone to dive right in. Adding a sprinkle of chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a small basil leaf on top gives it that extra pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I always let the soup cool completely before refrigerating, and then I gently reheat it on the stove with a splash of extra chicken broth or water to loosen it back up, since the pasta tends to soak up the liquid overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup a couple of times with good results. For best texture, I recommend freezing the soup without the pasta and adding freshly cooked pasta when reheating. Freeze in portioned, freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat, warm the soup slowly over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If it feels too thick, add a little broth or water until you reach that perfect creamy consistency again. Avoid microwaving too long at once since the cream can separate.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this cream Tuscan chicken soup recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful even after simmering, which makes them a great choice. Just dice them into roughly 1-inch pieces and cook as you would the breasts.
Is it better to cook the pasta in the soup or separately?

Cooking the pasta directly in the soup infuses it with flavor and saves time, but it can sometimes get mushy if overcooked or if you’re storing leftovers. If you plan to eat it over a couple of days, cooking pasta separately and adding it at the end is often best.
Can I make this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative. The soup will still be creamy and delicious!
How do I store leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If freezing, remove the pasta before freezing and add fresh pasta when reheating for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe quickly became one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but comes together with everyday ingredients and makes you feel like you’ve put in so much more effort than you actually have. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself craving something warm and hearty, I promise this soup won’t disappoint. So grab your pot, freshen up your spice rack, and let’s make some memories one creamy, savory spoonful at a time.