This Tuscan Chicken Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! It features tender chicken, veggies, and tasty Italian spices that come together for a cozy meal.
Soup season is my favorite, especially when it smells this good while cooking! I love serving it with crusty bread for dipping—just makes it even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: Using extra virgin olive oil brings a wonderful flavor. If you’re out, avocado oil or vegetable oil can work too. Some of my friends prefer a mix of olive oil and butter for richness!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect for this soup. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try turkey meat, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version!
White Beans: Cannellini beans offer a creamy texture, but you could swap them for great northern beans or chickpeas. If you’re low-carb, just skip the beans altogether!
Spinach/Kale: Fresh spinach is soft and delicious, while kale holds up well in soups. You could also use Swiss chard or any leafy green you enjoy.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a lovely umami flavor. If you can’t find it, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute. Nutritional yeast is a good vegan option, too!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor When Cooking Soup?
Cooking delicious soup is about layering flavors. Start by sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery until they are soft. This process, known as the mirepoix, creates a flavorful base for your soup. Don’t rush this step!
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat before adding veggies.
- Cook until they are soft and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic for that aromatic kick but only for a minute to avoid burning.
After you add the chicken broth and chicken, simmer until the chicken is cooked through to allow all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tuscan Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (15-ounce) can white beans (cannellini), drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled for garnish
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting Tuscan Chicken Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and approximately 30 minutes to cook. So, in just 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and hearty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook these veggies while stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until they are softened and the onion turns translucent. This step is key to building flavor!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, or it can taste bitter!
3. Bring in the Broth:
Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil — your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Once boiling, add the whole chicken breasts or thighs. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook until the chicken is fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Shred the Chicken:
After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. It should pull apart easily!
6. Mix It All Together:
Add the shredded chicken back into the pot along with the white beans, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to combine all those delightful flavors.
7. Add the Greens:
Next, stir in the chopped spinach or kale. Cook until it’s wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
8. Finish with Cheese:
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—perhaps a little more salt or pepper!
9. Serve It Up:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and top it with crumbled bacon, extra Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
10. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Tuscan Chicken Soup warm, with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
This hearty soup is perfect for a chilly day and is sure to keep you coming back for more. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the quick method of placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. Pat it dry before adding to the soup.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with extra white beans or chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space at the top of the container for the soup to expand as it freezes.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like diced potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the vegetable’s cooking requirements. Add heartier veggies earlier in the cooking process and quicker-cooking ones later on.