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.
Tuscan chicken soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting bowl that embodies the rustic flavors of Italy. This hearty dish combines lean protein with a variety of vegetables, making it both nutritious and satisfying. The use of cannellini beans adds creaminess and enhances the soup’s texture. Spinach is not only a great source of vitamins and minerals but also adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. For those who want to elevate the flavor profile, consider incorporating fresh herbs such as basil or parsley during the cooking process. This will enhance the aroma and make the soup even more delightful. Additionally, while serving, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add a wonderful umami touch to your bowl. Experiment with ingredient variations; for instance, substitutions like kale for spinach or using different types of beans can provide a new twist on this classic recipe. Another great aspect of this Tuscan chicken soup is its versatility in meal prepping. You can easily make a larger batch and store portions in the refrigerator or freezer for a quick weekday meal. Just reheat and enjoy that comforting flavor again! This recipe is perfect for cozy nights or when you're in need of a warm hug in a bowl. It’s a meal that brings family and friends together, fostering warmth and good memories around the dinner table.
