Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Tuscan
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 (recommended starting amount); 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· 4.8 from 28 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and hearty soup that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, you’re in the right place. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe is one of my all-time favorites to make when I want something cozy but also packed with fresh flavor. It’s that perfect balance between luscious creaminess, savory chicken, tender pasta, and vibrant spinach—all crowned with nutty Parmesan. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll keep coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Yet Flavorful: The Italian seasoning, sundried tomatoes, and fresh spinach create layers of taste without complicated steps.
Creamy Comfort: Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese bring a luscious texture that elevates the soup into a satisfying meal.
Versatile & Easy: You can use chicken breasts or thighs, adjust pasta types, and tweak seasoning to make it your own.
Balanced Nutrition: Protein-rich chicken, fresh veggies, and spinach make this not just delicious but nourishing too.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, Tuscan chicken recipe, hearty chicken soup, easy comfort 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

Each ingredient plays its role, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that make this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe truly special. When shopping, look for fresh, vibrant veggies and good quality chicken and cheese for the best results.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, Tuscan chicken recipe, hearty chicken soup, easy comfort 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 richness and helps brown the chicken for flavor and texture.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Chicken thighs add extra juiciness, but breasts work great too.
Italian seasoning: Brings classic Tuscan herbs that make the soup unmistakably Italian in taste.
Carrots, celery, and onions: The classic mirepoix combo lays the savory veggie base.
Sundried tomatoes: I love the tart, concentrated flavor they add—they elevate the soup beautifully.
Garlic cloves: Essential aromatic for depth of flavor.
Flour: Helps thicken the soup to that perfect creamy consistency.
Tomato paste (optional): Adds a subtle tang and richer color—but it’s totally optional if you want a lighter version.
Chicken broth: Use low sodium if you want better control of salt, and starting with 6 cups keeps it nicely balanced.
Italian small pasta shells: These tiny shapes cook evenly and scoop up the soup perfectly.
Heavy whipping cream: For that signature creamy, indulgent texture.
Grated parmesan reggiano cheese: Nutty, salty, and melts beautifully—don’t skip it!
Fresh spinach: Adds a pop of color and freshness, balancing the richness.

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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

I love making this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe my own, depending on what’s in the fridge or my mood. Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or make it a little lighter or heartier—it’s super forgiving!

Variation: Sometimes I toss in some roasted red peppers or swap spinach for kale for extra bite.
Low-carb option: I’ve replaced pasta with riced cauliflower for a lightened-up but still satisfying meal.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika adds a subtle heat I really enjoy.
Vegetarian twist: Use mushrooms and veggie broth instead of chicken for a hearty veggie-packed soup.

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

Step 1: Brown the Chicken to Build Flavor

Heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced chicken (1 to 1 ½ pounds) seasoned with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides—about 4-5 minutes. Don’t rush this step; the browning adds a savory depth that makes all the difference.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Aromatics

Left in the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies turn translucent and tender, about 3-4 minutes. This base creates that wonderful layered flavor you’ll notice from the very first spoonful.

Step 3: Thicken with Flour and Tomato Paste

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the veggies and stir well to incorporate without lumps—adding it gradually helps avoid dry clumps. If you’re using tomato paste, stir it in here too. This combo thickens the soup and brings that signature Tuscan richness and slight tang.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer with Pasta

Gradually whisk in 6 to 8 cups of chicken broth. Keep stirring to prevent lumps, and scrape up the browned bits stuck to the pot—they pack a ton of flavor. Let the mixture come to a rolling boil before adding the pasta, the last teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and seasoning with salt and pepper. Cover, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes until the chicken is tender and the pasta is perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream, Spinach & Parmesan

Open up the pot and pour in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese (between ½ to 1 cup, depending on your love for cheese). Stir gently and let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup thickens beautifully. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Brown the Chicken Well: Taking the time to nicely brown your chicken builds layers of flavor that make the soup richer.
Add Broth Gradually: Whisk slowly as you pour broth in to avoid lumps and ensure smoothness.
Check Pasta Early: Pasta cooks at different rates—start checking a few minutes before time’s up so it’s not mushy.
Don’t Skip Fresh Spinach: It might look like a lot, but it wilts down to a bright, welcoming green that balances richness perfectly.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, Tuscan chicken recipe, hearty chicken soup, easy comfort 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 often finish my bowls with an extra sprinkle of fresh grated Parmesan and a few cracks of black pepper. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few fresh basil leaves for a bright, herbal pop. These little touches elevate each serving into something special.

Side Dishes

Since the soup is rich and filling, I like to keep sides simple: crusty garlic bread, a light green salad with lemon vinaigrette, or even some roasted veggies. The key is to balance that velvety texture of the soup with something crisp and fresh on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls—kids and adults alike loved dipping and scooping. Another fun idea is layering in clear glass cups as mini soups at a gathering, which looks elegant and makes portioning a breeze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, ideally within two hours of cooking. This soup keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, and flavors actually deepen with time, making reheats even tastier.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup successfully, but I recommend slightly undercooking the pasta initially or adding it fresh when reheating to avoid mushiness. Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy future meals.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to prevent the cream from breaking. If you hold onto any extra pasta-free soup, stir in freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to eat—it tastes just as good as fresh made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more richness and tend to stay juicy and tender, which works perfectly in this soup. Just dice them similarly so they cook evenly.
Is sundried tomato necessary, or can I leave it out?

You can leave sundried tomatoes out if you don’t have any handy. However, they add a wonderful concentrated sweetness and tang that really lifts the soup’s flavor, so I recommend trying it if possible.
What if I don’t have heavy cream—are there substitutes?

You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but the soup won’t be quite as thick and creamy. Another option is coconut cream for a dairy-free twist, but it will add a different flavor profile.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Brown the chicken and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add broth, seasoning, and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add pasta during the last 30 minutes, and stir in cream, spinach, and cheese near the end.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe has become my go-to when I want a fuss-free dish that feels luxurious and tastes like I spent all day on it. There’s just something about the creamy broth, savory chicken, and bright greens that hits all the right notes. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—trust me, once you do, it’ll probably make its way onto your favorites list too!