Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup recipe! This comforting dish brings together tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful cream sauce that’s sure to win hearts at the dinner table. Perfect for cozy nights or weeknight dinners, this is a rich and satisfying meal that promises warmth and deliciousness in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a rich texture that makes each bite indulgent.
- Quick and Easy: With just 50 minutes of total time, you can whip up this delightful soup without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use any type of pasta you prefer, or substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its comforting flavors make it suitable for family dinners, gatherings, or even date nights.
Tools and Preparation
To create your own bowl of creamy goodness, gather a few essential tools. These will help you prepare the soup efficiently while ensuring it turns out just right.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups evenly and preventing splatters.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your pot’s surface.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accuracy in ingredient proportions for balanced flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– 1-1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (Diced into 1 inch pieces; I used 1 1/2 pounds.)
– 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning (Divided)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 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)
– 1/4 cup flour
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste (Optional See notes)
– 6-8 cups chicken broth (I recommend starting with 6 cups. See notes.)
– 6 oz pasta (I used Italian small shells.)
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 1/2-1 cup grated parmesan reggiano cheese
– 2 1/2-3 cups fresh spinach
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook until browned on all sides, which takes about 4–5 minutes.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are translucent; this should take around 3–4 minutes.
Step 3: Thicken the Soup
Sprinkle flour throughout the mixture and stir well to combine. It’s best to add flour gradually to avoid excess drying. If you want to include tomato paste, add it now as well.
Step 4: Incorporate Broth
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to ensure there are no lumps. Use your spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pan as you mix.
Step 5: Simmer with Pasta
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Add in your pasta along with another teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover the pot with a lid and lower the heat to let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is tender and pasta is cooked al dente. Alternatively, you could boil pasta separately and add it at the end.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once simmered, open the pot and stir in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let everything simmer for an additional five minutes.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning
Taste your creamy soup one last time! Adjust seasoning with salt and spices if needed before serving hot.
This delicious Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is perfect for any occasion! Enjoy every hearty spoonful that warms your soul.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
Serving Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup can elevate your dining experience. This rich and hearty soup pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes, making it perfect for any occasion.
With Crusty Bread
- Add a warm, crusty loaf of bread for dipping. Baguette or ciabatta works wonderfully to soak up the creamy broth.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish each bowl with fresh basil or parsley. This adds color and enhances the flavor of the soup.
With Grated Cheese
- Offer additional grated Parmesan cheese at the table. A sprinkle on top will delight cheese lovers.
Served with Salad
- Pair the soup with a light green salad. A simple vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup well.
In Bread Bowls
- For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for an eye-catching presentation and is great for entertaining.
How to Perfect Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
To ensure your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor and texture, making your soup more vibrant.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your preference.
- Cook Pasta Separately: If you prefer firmer pasta, cook it separately and add it just before serving to prevent overcooking.
- Simmer Gently: Allow the soup to simmer gently after adding cream to maintain its rich texture without curdling.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Experiment with Proteins: Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or even make it vegetarian by using mushrooms instead of meat.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful ideas:
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies offer a healthy and flavorful side that complements the soup well.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms bring an earthy element that pairs nicely with chicken flavors.
- Caprese Salad: Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil create a light yet satisfying side.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad adds texture and nutrition alongside the creamy soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges serve as a comforting addition to this hearty meal.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, and olives provides a variety of flavors that guests will love.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes that could affect the outcome. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Not seasoning properly: Overlooking seasoning can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as you go.
- Using low-quality chicken broth: A great broth enhances flavor. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought options for the best results.
- Skipping the sauté step: Failing to sauté vegetables can result in underdeveloped flavors. Take the time to cook them until they are translucent.
- Adding pasta too early: If you add pasta too soon, it can become mushy. Wait until the soup is nearly done before adding it for perfect texture.
- Neglecting to stir well: Not stirring after adding flour can cause lumps. Mix thoroughly to ensure a creamy consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers as soup may expand when frozen.
Reheating Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup:
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
Is there a vegetarian option for Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup?
Absolutely! Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking for an extra kick.
What should I serve with Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust the spices according to your taste. Give it a try and enjoy each heartwarming spoonful!
Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is a delightful blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a luxurious cream sauce that creates a heartwarming dish perfect for any occasion. This comforting soup is rich and flavorful, making it a favorite for family dinners or cozy weeknight meals. With the added goodness of pasta and spinach, every spoonful offers a satisfying experience that promises to win over even the toughest critics at your dinner table. Easy to prepare in just under an hour, this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate various ingredients you may have on hand. Whether served with crusty bread or garnished with fresh herbs, this creamy Tuscan soup is sure to become a go-to comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1–1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1 inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 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
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
- 6–8 cups chicken broth
- 6 oz pasta (Italian small shells)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2–1 cup grated parmesan reggiano cheese
- 2 1/2–3 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook until browned (4–5 minutes).
- Add onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic; sauté until vegetables are translucent (3–4 minutes).
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well; if using tomato paste, add it now.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Bring to a boil; add pasta and simmer covered for 20 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese; simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
