This Easy Cozy Tuscan Chicken Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with tender chicken, tasty veggies, and pasta to fill you up.
I love how quick it is to make, so I can enjoy a comforting meal without any fuss. Perfect for chilly nights when all you want is some cozy goodness! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I always use boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier bite, but breasts work just as well! If you’re looking for a healthier option, shredded rotisserie chicken can save time.
Beans: Cannellini beans add creaminess and protein. If you can’t find them, great alternatives are chickpeas or white kidney beans. They’ll still bring a nice texture!
Pasta: I prefer ditalini for its small size, but feel free to swap it out for orzo, small shells, or any other pasta you like. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter soup, you can substitute half-and-half or even coconut milk. Almond or cashew milk can also work, but it may alter the flavor a bit.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup Stays Creamy and Delicious?
The secret to a creamy soup lies in the right timing for adding your cream and cheese. Here’s how to nail it:
- After the pasta is cooked, lower the heat before adding heavy cream. If it boils, the cream can separate.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese gradually for a smooth texture. It should melt into the soup without clumps.
By following these steps, your soup will maintain its luscious richness, perfect for warming up on a chilly day!
Easy Cozy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or small shells)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of soup in about 30 minutes! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 20 minutes cooking everything together. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until it’s lightly browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes until they’re nice and soft.
3. Add Flavor:
Now, stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together for another minute until it smells delightful!
4. Make the Soup Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. This will create a savory base for your soup!
5. Add Beans and Chicken:
Add the drained cannellini beans and the cooked chicken back into the pot. It’s all coming together!
6. Cook the Pasta:
Stir in the small pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
7. Wilt in the Spinach:
Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, lower the heat to medium-low. Now add the fresh spinach leaves and stir until they wilt into the soup.
8. Make it Creamy:
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the soup becomes wonderfully creamy.
9. Final Taste Check:
Take a moment to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley and extra red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat. Serve it warm and enjoy your cozy meal!
This comforting Tuscan chicken soup is rich with tender chicken, cannellini beans, and hearty vegetables, all swimming in a creamy, flavorful broth. You’ll love how simple it is to make and how delightful it tastes.
FAQ for Easy Cozy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for quicker results. This ensures even cooking and prevents the sauce from getting watery!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or mushrooms for protein and texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the heavy cream or substitute it with coconut milk or a plant-based cream for a creamy finish!
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Be aware that the pasta may absorb some broth, so you might want to add a bit of water or broth while reheating!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! This soup is very versatile. You can add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans. Just chop them into small pieces and sauté them with the onion, carrots, and celery for added flavor and nutrition.
