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 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

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this soup comes together in just about 50 minutes.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of Italian seasonings, fresh vegetables, and creamy broth creates a delightful taste experience.
• Versatile Dish: Great for lunch or dinner, this soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread for a more filling meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Serving up to 10 cups makes it perfect for family gatherings or meal prep throughout the week.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from spinach and veggies, it’s both nourishing and delicious.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking process seamless, gather your essential tools before beginning. Having everything ready will help you enjoy the experience of making this delicious soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: This tool allows for even cooking and provides enough space for all the ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while ensuring all flavors meld beautifully.

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

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 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)

Thickening & Flavoring Agents

• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (Optional)
• 6-8 cups chicken broth (Start with 6 cups)
• 6 oz pasta (I used Italian small shells.)

Creaminess & Greens

• 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: Sauté the Chicken

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: Add the Vegetables

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

Step 3: Thicken the Soup Base

Sprinkle the flour throughout the mixture in the pot. Stir well to combine it evenly. If using tomato paste, add it now and stir thoroughly.

Step 4: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Make sure to deglaze the bottom of the pan using your spoon.

Step 5: Cook Pasta & Simmer

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Add in the pasta along with an additional teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and pasta is al dente. Alternatively, boil pasta separately and add at the end.

Step 6: Final Touches

Once cooked, stir in heavy cream, spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7: Taste & Adjust

Taste your soup before serving. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or spices if necessary.

This Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup will surely become a favorite in your kitchen! Enjoy every bowlful as you share it with loved ones!

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Serving Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is all about enhancing its rich flavors and making your dining experience even more enjoyable. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious soup.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• French Baguette: A warm, sliced baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Garlic Bread: Add a flavorful twist with garlic butter spread on toasted bread.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: Chopped fresh herbs not only add color but also enhance the soup’s aroma.
• Chives: Sprinkle chopped chives for a mild onion flavor that complements the dish.

Top with Cheese

• Extra Parmesan: Grate fresh Parmesan on top just before serving for added richness.
• Feta Cheese: Crumble feta for a tangy twist that pairs well with the soup’s creaminess.

Serve with a Salad

• Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing balance the soup’s texture.
• Mixed Greens: A light vinaigrette salad refreshes your palate between spoonfuls of soup.

How to Perfect Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

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

• bold Adjust Cooking Time: Simmering longer can help deepen flavors; just ensure chicken is fully cooked.
• bold Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs elevate the taste compared to dried options.
• bold Control Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream to achieve your desired thickness in the soup.
• bold Taste as You Go: Regularly tasting allows you to adjust seasoning and flavors throughout cooking.
• bold Prepare Ahead of Time: Make the soup in advance and refrigerate to let flavors meld together overnight.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Pairing side dishes with Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. bold Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots flavored with garlic make a delightful addition.
2. bold Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing contrast to the soup’s richness.
3. bold Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted to perfection provide added texture and nutrients.
4. bold Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a nutritious balance alongside the creamy soup.
5. bold Spinach Artichoke Dip: This creamy dip served with pita chips makes for a perfect appetizer before diving into your soup.
6. bold Crispy Potato Wedges: Seasoned wedges bring a crunchy element that complements the soft pasta in the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating the perfect Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup can be a delightful experience, but it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls.

• Bold seasoning: Under-seasoning your dish can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning throughout the cooking process.
• Overcooking chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry. Monitor the cooking time closely to ensure the chicken stays juicy and tender.
• Ignoring simmer time: Not allowing the soup to simmer adequately can result in unbalanced flavors. Be sure to let it simmer for at least 20 minutes after adding pasta.
• Neglecting cream incorporation: Adding cream too early can cause it to curdle. Stir in the heavy cream at the end of cooking for a rich, creamy texture.
• Skimping on veggies: Fewer vegetables mean less flavor and nutrition. Use the full amount of carrots, celery, and spinach to enhance both taste and health benefits.
• Rushing prep work: Skipping chopping or mismeasuring ingredients can throw off your recipe. Take your time to prepare everything before you start cooking for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
• Leave some space in containers as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about making Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup, read on!

Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes! You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts according to your preference. Both will work well in this recipe.

What if I want a vegetarian version?

For a vegetarian option of Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup, substitute chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.

How can I customize this soup?

Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini. You might also try different pasta shapes or add beans for extra protein.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day after flavors meld together. Just store it properly in the fridge or freezer as mentioned above.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as is or customize it with your favorite ingredients, it promises warmth and satisfaction in every bowl. Try this recipe today and bring a taste of Tuscany into your home!