Name: Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 large carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 ½ lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut in chunks; 20 oz pasta (shells or other small pasta); 6 cups fresh water or chicken broth; 8 sun dried tomatoes, diced; 1 ½ tsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp dried basil; 2 cups chopped spinach or kale; ½ cup sour cream; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Introduction

Tuscan Chicken Soup is a comforting and hearty dish packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs. This creamy, savory soup is perfect for cozy evenings and easy to make with pantry staples. Enjoy the bright, fresh finish of spinach and Parmesan in every spoonful.

Three white bowls of creamy soup sit on a white marbled surface, each filled with a rich orange broth. The soup has three main layers: at the bottom, small shell pasta and pieces of cooked sausage in pale beige; in the middle, wilted dark green spinach leaves; and on top, a sprinkling of finely chopped bright green parsley and a small mound of shredded white cheese. Each bowl has a silver spoon resting inside. Around the bowls, there are scattered pasta shells and spinach leaves, with a cream-colored cloth partly visible at the side. The image is bright and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 large carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 ½ lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut in chunks
20 oz pasta (shells or other small pasta)
6 cups fresh water or chicken broth
8 sun dried tomatoes, diced
1 ½ tsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
2 cups chopped spinach or kale
½ cup sour cream
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Warm a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables soften and develop a golden edge.
Step 3: Stir in the diced sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well, then pour in the fresh water or chicken broth. Add the dried oregano and basil, and bring the soup to a boil.
Step 4: Reduce the heat and simmer the soup for 20 to 25 minutes to develop the flavors.
Step 5: Add the pasta directly to the pot and cook according to the package directions, usually about 6 to 7 minutes.
Step 6: Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped spinach or kale to keep it bright and fresh.
Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk the sour cream with a few spoonfuls of hot soup until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the pot to create a creamy finish.
Step 8: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
Step 9: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
Substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach to vary the greens.
For added warmth, sprinkle red pepper flakes before serving.
If you prefer a thicker soup, add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste or a handful of cooked rice instead of pasta.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent curdling of the sour cream. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl with light gray circular patterns is filled with a rich, orange-colored soup. The soup has three main layers: a top layer of bright green leafy vegetables scattered around, a middle layer with pale cream pasta shells and small pieces of orange carrots, and a bottom layer with chunks of light brown meat and some red tomato bits in a creamy broth. A silver spoon is lifting some pasta shells and soup near the front of the bowl. The bowl is sitting on a white marbled surface, and blurred white bowls with similar soup are seen in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this soup?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and safety.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the sour cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit the Parmesan for a delicious dairy-free version.