Description
Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is a rich and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and pasta simmered in a creamy, cheesy broth with fresh spinach. This hearty soup is perfect for cozy dinners and offers a delicious blend of savory and creamy textures with a hint of sun-dried tomato and garlic.
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
Pantry & Seasonings
- 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 (start with 6 cups recommended)
- 6 oz pasta (Italian small shells recommended)
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2-1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook until vegetables become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Flour and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle flour evenly over the vegetables and stir well to combine, adding flour gradually to prevent drying out. If using tomato paste, add it now and stir to incorporate.
- Add Broth and Deglaze: Slowly whisk in chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze and release any browned bits.
- Simmer with Pasta: Bring mixture to a boil. Add pasta, remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and pasta is al dente. Alternatively, cook pasta separately and add later.
- Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let soup simmer an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors and wilt spinach.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and spices as desired before serving.
Notes
- Tomato paste is optional but adds depth of flavor; feel free to omit if preferred.
- Starting with 6 cups of chicken broth is recommended; add more for a thinner soup consistency.
- You may cook the pasta separately to control its texture before adding it to the soup at the end.
- Use Italian small shells or another small pasta shape that holds in the soup nicely.
- For a thicker soup, add flour gradually and cook to desired consistency before adding broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
