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Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Rich and creamy Tuscan-inspired chicken soup with pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan in a flavorful broth that's perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Italian, Tuscan
Calories: 425

Ingredients
  

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs diced into 1-inch pieces
  • 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 sun-dried tomatoes oil-packed, drained
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste optional
  • 6 to 8 cups chicken broth start with 6 cups, add more if needed
  • 6 ounces small pasta shells or elbows
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 to 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated preferred
  • 2.5 to 3 cups fresh spinach

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. 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, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides.
  2. Add the onions, carrots, celery, sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables become translucent.
  3. Sprinkle the flour gradually over the vegetables while stirring constantly to coat everything and prevent clumping. Once incorporated, add the tomato paste if using and stir well. Cook for about 1 minute.
  4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
  5. Add the pasta, remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Check pasta after 15 minutes. The chicken should reach 165°F internal temperature and pasta should be al dente.
  6. Remove the lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Add extra broth if soup is too thick. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

Soup will thicken when stored - add broth or water when reheating. For freezing, omit cream and add when reheating. Cook pasta separately if freezing. Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for best flavor. Different pasta brands cook at varying speeds, so check early to avoid overcooking. Chicken should reach 165°F internal temperature.
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