Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1 inch pieces; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided; Salt and pepper to taste; ½ cup diced carrots; ½ cup diced celery; ½ cup diced onions; ¼ cup diced sundried tomatoes; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup flour; 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional); 6 cups chicken broth; 6 oz Italian small shell pasta; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; ½-1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese; 2 ½-3 cups fresh spinach

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 42 reviews

If you’re craving something cozy, satisfying, and just downright delicious, let me introduce you to my beloved Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe. This soup has become a staple in my kitchen when I want comfort with a little Italian flair. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and that perfect hint of sundried tomato goodness. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up—I’ll walk you through every step so you can get it just right.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The combination of Italian seasoning, sundried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese delivers layers of rich, savory taste without overwhelming your palate.
Creamy Texture: Using heavy cream and a touch of flour gives this soup that velvety, comforting mouthfeel I crave on chilly days.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks right in one pot or Dutch oven, making cleanup a breeze — a big win in my book!
Customizable Comfort: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs and still keep it deliciously satisfying.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, Tuscan chicken soup, Italian chicken soup, comforting chicken soup, easy creamy chicken soup - The dish is a creamy pasta with three main layers visible: the base layer of soft yellow pasta shells, the middle layer of thick orange creamy sauce mixed evenly with wilted dark green spinach leaves, and scattered pieces of red sun-dried tomatoes adding contrast throughout. The sauce looks smooth and rich, holding the pasta and vegetables together. The dish is served in a white bowl with a thin blue rim, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe is all about fresh, straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component has a role, from building flavor to creating the perfect creamy texture. Here’s why I choose each ingredient and what to look for when you’re grabbing them at the store.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, Tuscan chicken soup, Italian chicken soup, comforting chicken soup, easy creamy chicken soup - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a pile of fresh boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into chunks, a small white bowl filled with mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small mound of coarse sea salt, a small heap of black peppercorns, a simple white plate with diced bright orange carrots, diced pale green celery sticks, diced white onions, and diced deep red sundried tomatoes arranged neatly, three whole uncracked garlic cloves with clean white skins, a small white bowl containing fine white flour, a small white bowl with rich red tomato paste, a simple white bowl showing golden chicken broth, a small white dish heaped with uncooked Italian small shell pasta, a small white bowl of thick heavy whipping cream, a white plate sprinkled with grated parmesan reggiano cheese, and a handful of vibrant fresh green spinach leaves, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the chicken for that extra depth of flavor.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: I like thighs for juiciness, but breasts work well too—just dice into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs gives an authentic Tuscan vibe and layers of savory aroma.
Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing all those wonderful flavors.
Carrots, celery, and onions: Classic soup veggies that build a sweet, aromatic base.
Sundried tomatoes: They pack a punch of concentrated tomato flavor, making the soup taste even richer.
Garlic: Because everything’s better with garlic, right?
Flour: Helps thicken the soup gently, giving it that creamy consistency.
Tomato paste: Optional but I recommend it for extra color and depth.
Chicken broth: I prefer starting with 6 cups and adjusting as needed to get the right soup thickness.
Pasta (small shells): Tiny pasta pieces hold onto the soup nicely without overpowering it.
Heavy whipping cream: The secret weapon for luxurious creaminess.
Parmesan Reggiano cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick that pulls the soup together perfectly.
Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a fresh finish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite parts about this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often tweak the veggies or swap the pasta for gluten-free options depending on what I’ve got in the pantry. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Spice it up: I’ve added a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that warms everything up.
Veggie boost: Sometimes I sneak in mushrooms or kale instead of spinach for an earthy twist.
Dairy-free version: Swap the cream for coconut milk and omit the Parmesan to keep it creamy but suitable for dairy-free diets.
Pasta alternatives: Quinoa or rice work well if you prefer grain over pasta.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Perfectly

Heat olive oil in your soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced chicken with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Let it brown on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes. Don’t rush this — the golden color is packed with flavor, and it sets the stage for your soup. Once browned, you can scoop the chicken onto a plate and set it aside.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies turn translucent and fragrant—about 3 to 4 minutes. This mix forms the backbone of your soup’s flavor, so let those aromas marry beautifully before moving on.

Step 3: Thicken and Enrich

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the veggies and stir well to combine. Don’t add it all at once—doing it in stages helps avoid clumps or excess dryness. If you’re going for tomato paste, stir it in now to deepen your soup’s body and give it a lovely reddish hue.

Step 4: Add Broth & Pasta

Gradually pour in your chicken broth while whisking constantly. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth mix. Use your spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the pan—that’s pure gold flavor! Bring everything to a rolling boil, then add the pasta along with the remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover and reduce the heat to low, letting it simmer gently for about 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the pasta just tender.

Step 5: Cream It Up and Finish Strong

Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes so the spinach wilts perfectly and the cheese melts into that scrumptious creamy base. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. This final step is where all the magic happens — the soup thickens slightly and turns irresistibly luscious.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Brown the Chicken Well: Taking the time to brown your chicken adds depth and a meaty richness that simple boiling can’t match.
Add Flour Gradually: This avoids clumping and ensures your soup’s texture stays silky, never grainy.
Simmer Slowly: Low and slow is key for tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta without mushiness.
Fresh Spinach Last: Add leafy greens at the very end so they keep their vibrant color and a slight bite.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, Tuscan chicken soup, Italian chicken soup, comforting chicken soup, easy creamy chicken soup - A white bowl with a blue rim contains creamy orange soup filled with tortellini pasta, green spinach leaves, red sun-dried tomatoes, and chunks of white meat. A slice of golden toasted bread stands resting inside the bowl, partially dipped into the soup. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side, slightly covered by the soup. The bowl sits on a wooden board with a white marbled surface background and a purple cloth visible at the top edge of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing this soup with a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper and a bit of extra shredded Parmesan for an indulgent cheesy lift. Sometimes, I toss on a few torn basil leaves to add a fresh herbal punch that brightens the richness.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread, especially a warm garlic baguette, is my go-to side. The bread soaks up every last drop of this creamy goodness, and honestly, it rounds out the whole meal perfectly. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully if you want a light contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or special dinners, I like to ladle this soup into rustic bowls or hollowed-out bread bowls – it feels warm and inviting. Topping with a few toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of chili oil can add a surprising but delightful texture and flavor kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually leave out adding the spinach and Parmesan when storing and add fresh when reheating so everything stays bright and fresh.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but I recommend skipping the pasta before freezing, as it can get mushy. Freeze the soup base in portions and add cooked pasta fresh when you thaw and reheat.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. Add the spinach and Parmesan cheese during reheating so they stay fresh and flavorful. If the soup thickens too much, thin it with a splash of broth or cream.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually my favorite choice because they stay juicy and tender, plus they bring a bit more flavor compared to breasts. Just dice them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Is it okay to use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Parmesan Reggiano has a unique salty, nutty flavor that really elevates this soup, but you can substitute Pecorino Romano or a mild Asiago if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind the salt levels and adjust accordingly.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, and omit the Parmesan cheese. You’ll still get a lovely creamy texture though the flavor will shift slightly – still delicious!
Do I have to cook the pasta in the soup?

You don’t have to. Cooking the pasta separately and adding it just before serving prevents it from overcooking and getting mushy, especially if you plan to have leftovers.
How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?

If your soup thickens too much while simmering, just stir in a little extra chicken broth or water until you reach the desired consistency. It’s easier to add liquid than take it away.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe has honestly become one of my go-to comfort dishes because it’s flavorful, hearty, and super easy to make. I love how the creamy broth wraps around tender chicken and pasta, with fresh spinach adding that perfect pop of green. If you try it, I bet you’ll come back to this soup again and again—just like I keep doing. So gather your ingredients, cozy up in the kitchen, and enjoy every rich, warming spoonful!