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If you’re looking for a soul-soothing bowl of goodness that feels like a warm hug, the Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This soup blends tender chunks of seasoned chicken, fresh veggies, and vibrant sundried tomatoes all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy broth that sings with Parmesan and spinach. It’s a deliciously rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch in both flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of this soup’s irresistible character.
- Olive oil: Provides a subtle fruity richness and the perfect base for sautéing.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Tender, protein-packed, and the hearty core of the soup.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with Mediterranean aroma and warmth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Carrots: Add a delicate sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
- Celery: Brings a mild, crisp freshness to the savory mix.
- Onions: Deepen the flavor base with their caramelized sweetness.
- Sundried tomatoes: Deliver intense tangy notes and vibrant red bursts of flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Provide a fragrant punch that complements every bite.
- Flour: Acts as a thickening agent to create that signature creaminess.
- Tomato paste (optional): Boosts the soup’s richness and subtle tanginess.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid foundation that carries all ingredients together.
- Pasta (Italian small shells): Adds a comforting chew and makes the soup wonderfully filling.
- Heavy whipping cream: Brings luxurious creaminess and a velvety texture.
- Parmesan Reggiano cheese: Offers salty depth and that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, leafy bite to brighten the dish.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Take your diced chicken, generously season it with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then add it to the pot. Cook until the edges turn a lovely golden brown—this not only locks in moisture but builds a robust base flavor for the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, stir in the diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic right into the pot with the chicken. Let these cook together until the veggies soften and become translucent, letting out those sweet and savory aromas that tempt your appetite.
Step 3: Thicken the Base
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the pot’s contents and stir well to combine. This simple step helps thicken the soup beautifully. If you want a little extra depth, go ahead and blend in the tomato paste now—its rich tanginess elevates the flavor profile wonderfully.
Step 4: Add the Broth
Gradually whisk in your chicken broth, starting with about six cups to prevent lumps. This is where the magic begins as the broth melds with the browned bits and flour to form a silky smooth soup base.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta and Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil and toss in the pasta shells along with a bit more Italian seasoning to make sure every spoonful is packed with herby goodness. Then, reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer gently until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the pasta is tender but not mushy.
Step 6: Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Cheese
Finally, stir in the heavy cream along with fresh spinach leaves and a generous handful of grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese. Let the soup simmer for an additional five minutes to allow the flavors to marry and the cheese to melt perfectly, creating that iconic creamy finish.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten each bowl and add texture, sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper or some additional Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. A few torn basil leaves or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can elevate the presentation and flavor to restaurant-worthy levels.
Side Dishes
This soup shines beautifully on its own but pairing it with a crisp Caesar salad or warm, crusty garlic bread makes for a truly satisfying meal. The bread is perfect for soaking up that luscious broth, while the salad adds a refreshing counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for an impressive yet cozy touch that’s fun and edible. Alternatively, ladle the soup into individual bowls garnished with a swirl of cream, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for those who like a touch of spice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe, store any leftovers in airtight containers and keep them refrigerated. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next-day leftovers taste just as good, if not better.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Keep in mind that the pasta may become softer after freezing, so you can freeze the soup without pasta if you prefer a firmer texture upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. You can add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the texture. Avoid high heat to keep the cream from curdling and enjoy the soup as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, and they hold up wonderfully well during simmering, making them a great choice for this soup.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking to lighten up the soup, full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half can work as alternatives, though the texture will be slightly different. For a dairy-free version, coconut milk is your best bet.
Is it okay to use different pasta shapes?
Definitely! Small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or even elbow macaroni work perfectly. Just adjust cooking times to ensure the pasta is tender but not overcooked.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, swap the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup will still be rich and flavorful but with a plant-based twist.
How do I prevent the spinach from getting too mushy?
Add the fresh spinach at the very end of cooking and let it wilt gently for just a few minutes. Overcooking will cause it to lose its vibrant color and texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying the Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe enough; it’s a cozy, flavorful masterpiece that brightens any day and warms any soul. Once you make it, I’m certain it will become a treasured staple in your recipe collection. So grab your pot and dive into this creamy, comforting delight—you deserve every spoonful!
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Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan / Italian
Description
This Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, pasta, and a rich creamy broth infused with Italian seasonings and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this soup combines rustic Tuscan flavors with a creamy texture that will satisfy your cravings in about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 – 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1 inch pieces
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup diced sundried tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 1/2–3 cups fresh spinach
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2–1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
Pantry
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
- 6–8 cups chicken broth (recommend starting with 6 cups)
- 6 oz Italian small shells pasta
Instructions
- Prepare and Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic to the pot with the chicken. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Create Roux and Add Tomato Paste: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Optionally, stir in the tomato paste at this stage for added depth of flavor.
- Add Chicken Broth: Gradually whisk in 6 cups of chicken broth to avoid lumps. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Simmer with Pasta and Seasoning: Bring the soup to a boil, then add the pasta and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered until the chicken is fully cooked and the pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Cheese: Stir in the heavy whipping cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the soup to simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the cheese has melted into a creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Start with 6 cups of chicken broth and add more if you prefer a thinner soup.
- Using chicken thighs will result in a more tender and flavorful soup, but chicken breasts work well too.
- Italian small shells are recommended, but any small pasta shape can be substituted.
- If you want a thicker soup, add a bit more flour or reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly.
- The tomato paste is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor and color.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
