Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup recipe! This comforting dish brings together tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful cream sauce that’s sure to win hearts at the dinner table. Perfect for cozy nights or weeknight dinners, this is a rich and satisfying meal that promises warmth and deliciousness in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 50 minutes, you can whip up this delicious soup on even the busiest evenings.
• Flavorful & Comforting: The combination of Italian seasoning, chicken, and cream creates a robust flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the vegetables and pasta to suit your taste or what you have on hand, making it perfect for using up leftovers.
• Feeding a Crowd: This recipe yields about 10 cups, making it great for family meals or gatherings.
• Nutritious & Hearty: Packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from fresh veggies and spinach, this soup is a wholesome option.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make cooking smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Essential for evenly cooking the chicken and vegetables while providing enough space for simmering the soup.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface and helps in deglazing effectively.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1-1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (Diced into 1 inch pieces; I used 1 1/2 pounds.)
• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning (Divided)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 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)

For Thickening & Flavor

• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (Optional See notes)
• 6-8 cups chicken broth (I recommend starting with 6 cups. See notes.)

For Creaminess & Finish

• 6 oz pasta (I used Italian small shells.)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2-1 cup grated parmesan reggiano cheese
• 2 1/2-3 cups fresh spinach

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. Cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Flour & Tomato Paste

Sprinkle the flour throughout the mixture and stir well to combine. Add the flour gradually to avoid excess drying. If using tomato paste, add it here and stir until incorporated.

Step 4: Incorporate Chicken Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth while stirring repeatedly to ensure there are no lumps. Use your spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pan as needed.

Step 5: Boil & Simmer

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Add in the pasta along with remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover with a lid and lower heat to let it simmer for about 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and pasta is al dente. Alternatively, boil pasta separately if preferred.

Step 6: Add Cream & Spinach

Open the pot and stir in heavy cream, spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Taste your soup and adjust seasoning with salt and spices if needed.

Enjoy your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Serving the Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup can elevate your dining experience. This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but adding a few sides can create a well-rounded meal that will impress everyone at the table.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup. The texture complements the soup’s richness beautifully.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing each bowl with fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and enhances the flavor profile of the dish.

Serve with Salad

• A light side salad can balance out the richness of the soup. Consider a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing for freshness.

Add Cheese Croutons

• Toasted bread topped with melted cheese makes for a delicious topping. It adds crunch and flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy soup.

Offer Lemon Wedges

• A squeeze of lemon juice over the soup just before serving can brighten its flavors and add a refreshing twist.

How to Perfect Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

To ensure your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Utilizing fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the overall flavor and quality of your soup.
• Control Your Simmer: Keep an eye on your simmering time; overcooking can lead to mushy pasta or tough chicken. Aim for tender chicken and al dente pasta.
• Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more broth to achieve your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken.
• Taste as You Go: Regularly taste your soup during cooking to adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or additional Italian seasoning according to your preference.
• Experiment with Greens: While spinach is great, don’t hesitate to try kale or Swiss chard for variety in texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Pairing side dishes with Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup can transform your meal into an extraordinary feast. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted slices slathered in garlic butter make an irresistible addition that pairs well with any soup.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing provides crunch and contrasts nicely with the warm soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add color and nutrients to your meal.
4. Quinoa Salad: A cold quinoa salad mixed with fresh herbs and lemon dressing gives a refreshing complement to the warm soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice or grains offer a hearty side that aligns well with the flavors of Tuscan cuisine.
6. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes are versatile; top them with sour cream or cheese for added richness alongside your creamy soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup, there are a few common pitfalls to be aware of. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the perfect soup.

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can lead to a dry texture. Make sure to monitor cooking times closely to ensure tenderness.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoning can result in a bland soup. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go to enhance flavors.
• Skipping the Deglazing Step: Failing to deglaze can leave lumps in your soup. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot after adding broth for a smooth consistency.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold cream or broth can shock your soup and affect texture. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
• Not Allowing Time for Flavors to Develop: Rushing the simmering process may prevent flavors from melding together. Allow ample time for simmering so each ingredient shines through.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

• You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.

Reheating Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat on low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries answered.

Can I make Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup is great for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

What can I substitute if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use coconut milk or a mixture of milk and cornstarch as a lighter alternative while still achieving creaminess.

How do I make this soup gluten-free?

Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I add more vegetables to my Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add zucchini, bell peppers, or any favorite veggies for added nutrition and flavor.

Is Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish keeps well and is perfect for making larger batches for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Give this comforting recipe a try; it may just become your new family favorite!