Tuscan chicken soup
Ingredients:
▢ 1 pound chicken breasts boneless, skinless, diced into cubes
▢ 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
▢ 1 teaspoon salt
▢ ½ teaspoon pepper
▢ 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
▢ ½ cup onion diced
▢ ½ cup carrot diced
▢ ½ cup celery diced
▢ 1 tablespoon garlic minced
▢ 1 teaspoon fresh thyme minced
▢ 4 cups chicken broth
▢ 15 ounces cannellini beans drained and rinsed, 1 can
▢ 1 cup heavy cream
▢ ½ cup dried sun-dried tomatoes chopped
▢ 2 cups baby spinach chopped
▢ ½ cup grated Parmesan Pecorino or asiago cheese, optional garnish
Instructions:
In a large dutch oven or soup pot, add two tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat.
4 tablespoons olive oil
Add the chicken and sprinkle with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and sauté for 3 minutes.
1 pound chicken breasts, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper
Then flip the chicken and cook it for another 3 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the pot and place a plate. (it will not be fully cooked)
To the same pot, add the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil and the diced onion, carrots and celery.
½ cup onion, ½ cup carrot, ½ cup celery
Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and vegetables start to get soft.
Then add in the the garlic and thyme and cook for another minute.
1 tablespoon garlic, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
Place the chicken back in the pot and add in the chicken broth. Stir and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to remove any bits of the the cooked veggies.
4 cups chicken broth
Next, add the drained beans, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes.
15 ounces cannellini beans, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup dried sun-dried tomatoes
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for approximately 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the pot from the heat and add in the spinach and stir for about one minute until the spinach has wilted.
2 cups baby spinach
Serve garnished with parmesan cheese if desired.
½ cup grated Parmesan.
You know, there's just something incredibly soul-satisfying about a warm bowl of homemade soup, isn't there? Especially when the weather turns cooler, a comforting dish like this creamy Tuscan chicken soup is exactly what I crave. It's more than just a meal; it's an experience that wraps you in warmth and brings a sense of coziness to your home, truly living up to that 'COMFORT FOOD' label. When I started making my own soups, I realized a few things that really elevate them from good to absolutely amazing. First off, the broth matters! A good quality chicken broth makes all the difference in this Tuscan chicken soup, providing a rich base for all those delicious flavors. Don't be afraid to taste and adjust your seasonings as you go. A little extra salt, pepper, or a pinch of Italian seasoning can totally transform the dish. I always find myself adding a bit more fresh thyme than the recipe calls for because I just love that earthy aroma. Another tip I've learned is to build layers of flavor. Sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery until they're tender and slightly caramelized before adding the garlic and thyme creates such a beautiful aromatic foundation. And those sun-dried tomatoes? They're little bursts of concentrated flavor that are absolutely essential for that authentic Tuscan taste. I also love watching the vibrant spinach wilt into the creamy broth right at the end; it adds a fresh, green touch and a burst of nutrients. And don't forget that sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese at the end – it's not just a garnish, it adds another layer of savory deliciousness! One of the best things about making a big batch of soup like this is the meal prep potential. This creamy Tuscan chicken soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. I often make a double batch and portion it out for lunches throughout the week. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you're planning to freeze it, I'd suggest letting it cool completely, then storing it in airtight containers. While it freezes well, sometimes adding fresh spinach or heavy cream when reheating can ensure the best texture if you're particular. And don't be afraid to get creative with your soup! While this recipe is perfect as is, you can always tweak it to your liking. Want extra veggies? Throw in some chopped zucchini or bell peppers when you're sautéing the mirepoix. If you're looking for extra protein or fiber, adding some small pasta (like ditalini or orzo) or brown rice during the last 15 minutes of simmering can turn it into an even heartier meal. For a vegetarian twist, you could swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and add cannellini beans or other white beans for protein, maybe even some hearty mushrooms. The beauty of homemade soup is its versatility. So go ahead, make this creamy Tuscan chicken soup your own, and enjoy the delicious warmth it brings!