Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup (Print)

A hearty Italian-inspired soup combining tender chicken, sundried tomatoes, and spinach in a velvety parmesan cream broth.

# Ingredients:

→ Proteins

01 - 1-1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces

→ Aromatics & Vegetables

02 - ½ cup diced onions
03 - ½ cup diced carrots
04 - ½ cup diced celery
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - ¼ cup diced sundried tomatoes
07 - 2½-3 cups fresh spinach

→ Liquids & Dairy

08 - 1 teaspoon olive oil
09 - 6-8 cups chicken broth
10 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream
11 - ½-1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese

→ Dry Ingredients

12 - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
13 - ¼ cup all-purpose flour
14 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
15 - 170g (6 oz) small pasta shells
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, approximately 4-5 minutes.
02 - Add the onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic to the pot. Cook until vegetables are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
03 - Gradually sprinkle the flour throughout the mixture and stir well to combine. If using tomato paste, add it now and incorporate thoroughly.
04 - Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Use a wooden spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pot, releasing any browned bits.
05 - Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 20 minutes until chicken is tender and pasta is al dente.
06 - Stir in the heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until spinach is wilted and cheese is melted. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

# Notes:

01 - Begin with 6 cups of broth for a thicker consistency; additional broth can be added later if desired.
02 - Tomato paste adds depth but can be omitted for a purely creamy white soup.
03 - For pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, add it at the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.
04 - To avoid mushy pasta, consider cooking it separately according to package directions and adding just before serving.
05 - When reheating, add additional broth to maintain desired consistency.
06 - For a dairy alternative, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or 4 ounces of softened cream cheese.

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