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; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; ½-1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese; 6 oz Italian small shell pasta; 2 ½ – 3 cups fresh spinach

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 60 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, soul-satisfying meal that’s a perfect blend of rich flavors and comforting textures, you absolutely have to try this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to dinners, especially on those chilly evenings when you want something warm, hearty, and absolutely delicious. Let me walk you through everything you need to know so you nail it perfectly the first time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfectly Balanced Creaminess: The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a luscious broth that’s rich without being overpowering.
Layered Flavors: Italian seasoning, sundried tomatoes, and tomato paste build deep, savory notes that keep your taste buds happy.
Hearty yet Fresh: Tender chicken, fresh spinach, and pasta combine for a well-rounded texture that’s both filling and nourishing.
Flexible & approachable: This recipe adapts easily to what you’ve got in your kitchen, making it great for home cooks of all skill levels.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe plays a special role—from flavor to texture to that cozy factor. Plus, I’ve included some tips so your shopping list is both smart and effective.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, Tuscan chicken soup, easy creamy chicken soup, hearty comfort food recipes, Italian-inspired 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: This is your flavor base for sautéing; use good quality extra virgin if you can—it makes a subtle difference.
Chicken breasts or thighs: I love thighs for juicy, tender bites, but breasts work too—just be sure to dice them evenly.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings Tuscan vibes and a fragrant aroma to the soup.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout, so your soup tastes balanced at every step.
Carrots, celery, and onions: The classic mirepoix trio builds a natural sweetness and depth in the broth.
Sundried tomatoes: Adds a tangy, umami punch that lifts the soup beyond basic flavors.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here—mince it finely for that perfect hit.
Flour: Helps thicken the soup just right, giving you that creamy consistency without heaviness.
Tomato paste (optional): I use it for an extra layer of richness, but you can skip if you prefer a lighter soup.
Chicken broth: Start with 6 cups and add more if you want it soupier—homemade broth is best but store-bought works great too.
Pasta (small shells): These nestle into the soup perfectly, but feel free to swap for other small shapes.
Heavy whipping cream: Creates that iconic creamy finish we all crave in a Tuscan soup.
Parmesan Reggiano cheese: Freshly grated is ideal—it melts beautifully and adds savory complexity.
Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and freshness, finishing the soup with a delicate green touch.

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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 love making this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe my own by mixing up the veggies or switching up the pasta shape. The beauty is, you can really tailor it, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Vegetable Swap: Sometimes I swap spinach for kale or add mushrooms for an earthy note—both work wonderfully!
Protein Variation: If I’m short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver without sacrificing flavor.
Low Carb Twist: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini to lighten things up but keep the comfort factor.
Heat It Up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a nice warm kick, which I often do when sharing with friends who love spice.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat your olive oil over medium-high in a large pot or Dutch oven. Toss in your diced chicken with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The goal here is to get a nice golden brown crust on all sides—this only takes about 4-5 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. This step locks in the chicken juices and develops flavor that’ll carry through the entire soup.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base with Veggies

Using the same pot with all those lovely browned bits, add diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This combo creates a natural sweetness and complexity that balances the creamy broth perfectly. Stir often to avoid burning the garlic—nobody wants bitter bites!

Step 3: Thicken and Enrich

Sprinkle your flour evenly over the veggie and chicken mixture, stirring well to combine and cook out the raw taste—adding a little at a time helps prevent clumping. If you’re using tomato paste (which I recommend for that extra rich, umami dimension), add it now and stir thoroughly. This step sets the stage for the creamy, velvety texture we’re after.

Step 4: Pour in Broth & Let the Magic Begin

Gradually whisk in your chicken broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to incorporate every bit of flavor—this is called deglazing, and it’s a game changer. Bring everything to a rolling boil, then add in your pasta, the remaining Italian seasoning, and season again with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, tender, and the pasta is perfectly al dente.

Step 5: Finish with Cream, Cheese & Greens

Remove the lid, stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes so the cheese melts and spinach softens just right. Give it a final taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Don’t Rush Searing: Taking time to brown the chicken properly adds so much flavor—skip this at your own risk!
Add Broth Gradually: Whisking broth in slowly prevents lumps and promotes a silky, smooth soup base.
Pasta Timing Matters: Adding pasta directly to the soup cooks it in the broth flavor, but if you prefer firmer pasta, cook separately and add just before serving.
Spinach Last Minute: Add spinach at the end so it stays vibrant and doesn’t turn mushy.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, Tuscan chicken soup, easy creamy chicken soup, hearty comfort food recipes, Italian-inspired 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

I’m a sucker for a little freshly cracked black pepper and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan just before serving—it adds a gourmet touch without effort. Sometimes, I even drizzle a tiny bit of good-quality olive oil on top. Fresh basil leaves also make a pretty and fragrant garnish if you have some on hand.

Side Dishes

Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette are absolute musts to scoop up every last drop. A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette pairs beautifully if you want to balance out the richness. Roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts are lovely alongside too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family dinner or casual gathering, I love serving this soup in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of chili flakes and basil on top, surrounded by a spread of antipasti. For a special occasion, try serving in shallow soup plates and pairing with wine for a real Tuscan vibe. It’s surprisingly elegant yet homey!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After this meal, you’ll probably have leftovers (lucky you!). Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that leaving the pasta in the soup can make it soak up liquid and get mushy over time, so I usually scoop out the pasta into a separate container if possible.

Freezing

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup freezes well if you exclude the pasta. Freeze the soup in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding freshly cooked pasta at serving time to keep the texture perfect.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly over low to medium heat stirring often. This prevents the cream and cheese from breaking or curdling. If the soup thickens too much while reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it back up.

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a creamy nut milk, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. The soup will still have that rich, comforting feel with a slightly different twist.
What’s the best pasta to use in this soup?

I love using small shells as they capture the broth nicely, but other small shapes like ditalini, orzo, or small elbow macaroni work just as well. The key is choosing pasta that cooks quickly and won’t overwhelm the soup.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! For the slow cooker, brown the chicken first, then add all ingredients (except cream, cheese, and spinach), cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in cream, cheese, and spinach at the end. For Instant Pot, use the sauté function for browning, pressure cook for about 10 minutes, and finish with the creamy additions.
How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?

To thicken, add a bit more flour during the sauté step or let the soup simmer uncovered to reduce. For a thinner soup, simply add more chicken broth or water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it strikes that perfect balance of hearty and comforting with a touch of elegance. It’s the kind of dish I make when I want to impress guests but keep things easy and nourishing at home. Give it a try—it’s truly one of those recipes that makes you feel cared for with every spoonful. I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do!