If cosy had a flavour, this creamy Tuscan chicken soup would be it. Think of it as the soup version of your favourite romantic pasta dish, but made even more magical with tender chicken, hearty veggies, and a velvety broth that wraps you in comfort. It’s a one-pot chicken recipe that feels gourmet but couldn’t be easier to pull off—perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends.
And let’s be honest, this Mary Me soup earns its nickname. One spoonful and you’ll understand why.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
This soup is basically a love letter to creamy, dreamy comfort food. The sun-dried tomatoes add a hint of tang, the Parmesan melts right into the broth, and the fresh spinach gives it a pop of colour and nutrition. It’s rich but balanced, hearty without being heavy, and the kind of cosy dinner idea you’ll make again and again.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (5 ml)
- 1 to 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced (450–680 g)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided (4 g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup diced carrots (65 g)
- ½ cup diced celery (60 g)
- ½ cup diced onions (80 g)
- ¼ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes (30 g)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (9 g)
- ¼ cup flour (30 g)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional) (30 g)
- 6 to 8 cups chicken broth (1.4 to 1.9 liters)
- 6 oz small shell pasta (170 g)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (240 ml)
- ½ to 1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano (50–100 g)
- 2½ to 3 cups fresh spinach (75–90 g)
How to Make It:
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes until browned.
- Add diced carrots, celery, onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. Sauté 3–4 minutes until veggies soften.
- Sprinkle flour into the pot and stir to combine. Add tomato paste if using.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth, scraping the bottom to deglaze.
- Bring to a boil, stir in pasta and the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and simmer on low for 20 minutes, or until pasta is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Uncover and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and spinach. Simmer 5 minutes until cheese is melted and spinach is wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with crusty bread.
Olivia’s Tips for Next-Level Flavour
- Use thighs for extra juicy chicken, or breasts for a leaner option.
- Tomato paste isn’t required, but it gives a deeper flavour.
- Shell pasta is perfect, but feel free to sub in orzo, rotini, or ditalini.
- Want it thicker? Let it simmer uncovered a few more minutes.
How This Became a Favourite
I stumbled on this recipe during a particularly gray winter day, craving something warm and indulgent that didn’t take hours. What came out of that pot was so good, even my picky eaters asked for seconds. Now, it’s a regular in our dinner rotation. I call it “comfort in a ladle.” My husband calls it “Marry Me soup.” Either way, it disappears fast.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this creamy Tuscan chicken soup with a hunk of crusty bread or a slice of garlic toast. A simple side salad works too. And don’t forget a glass of white wine if it’s been that kind of day.
How to Store Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pasta may soak up a bit of the broth, so add a splash of cream or broth when reheating. For longer storage, freeze without the pasta, then add freshly cooked pasta when serving.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Just skip the initial sear and add it in after the veggies have softened.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and pasta. It’s just as comforting.
What if I don’t like spinach?
Kale or chopped zucchini work beautifully. Or leave it out entirely.
Is this a true one-pot chicken recipe?
Yes! Everything from browning the chicken to simmering the soup happens in one pot.
Fall in Love with Every Spoonful
Creamy Tuscan chicken soup is one of those meals that checks all the boxes: easy to make, full of flavour, and guaranteed to bring the cosy. Whether you’re feeding your family or just treating yourself to something extra special, this is the one-pot chicken recipe to keep on repeat. Just don’t be surprised when it becomes your new signature dish.
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Rich, Rustic, and Ready to Swoon Over: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This creamy Tuscan chicken soup is a rich, cozy one-pot wonder packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, shell pasta, and sun-dried tomatoes in a velvety Parmesan cream broth. With spinach stirred in at the end for a fresh pop of colour and nutrition, it’s the perfect comforting meal for chilly nights or weeknight dinners that feel like a warm embrace.
Ingredients
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1 teaspoon olive oil (5 ml)
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1 to 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced (450–680 g)
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2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided (4 g)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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½ cup diced carrots (65 g)
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½ cup diced celery (60 g)
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½ cup diced onions (80 g)
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¼ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes (30 g)
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3 garlic cloves, minced (9 g)
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¼ cup flour (30 g)
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2 tablespoons tomato paste, optional (30 g)
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6 to 8 cups chicken broth (1.4 to 1.9 liters)
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6 oz small shell pasta (170 g)
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1 cup heavy whipping cream (240 ml)
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½ to 1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano (50–100 g)
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2½ to 3 cups fresh spinach (75–90 g)
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high. Add diced chicken, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté until browned (4–5 mins).
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Add carrots, celery, onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. Sauté until softened (3–4 mins).
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Stir in flour and tomato paste, if using. Cook 1 minute.
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Slowly add chicken broth, deglazing the pot.
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Bring to a boil. Add pasta and remaining Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
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Cover and simmer on low for 20 minutes, until pasta is tender and chicken is cooked through.
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Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and spinach. Simmer 5 minutes until cheese melts and spinach wilts.
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Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm.
Notes
Chicken thighs offer more flavor, but breasts work well too.
Tomato paste adds depth, but it’s optional.
Swap shell pasta with orzo, rotini, or ditalini if preferred.
Soup will thicken—thin with cream or broth if reheating.
Freeze without pasta to avoid a mushy texture later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan-American
