TUSCAN CHICKEN SOUP

How to Make Tuscan Chicken Soup

1. Sauté the Vegetables

• Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
• Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
• If using, add the red bell pepper and zucchini at this stage and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes.

2. Add the Broth and Tomatoes

• Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes so the flavors can meld together. The vegetables should be tender at this point.

3. Add the Chicken, Beans, and Seasonings

• Add the shredded cooked chicken and white beans to the pot.
• Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken and beans to heat through and the flavors to blend.

4. Add the Greens and Cream

• Stir in the fresh spinach or kale. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. The cream adds a luxurious richness to the soup, making it creamy and smooth. Let the soup simmer for another 2 minutes to allow the cream to fully incorporate.

5. Taste and Adjust

• Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for heat. If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Serve and Garnish

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
• Serve with crusty bread or toasted baguette slices on the side for dipping.

7. Enjoy!

• Enjoy the soup while it’s still warm, savoring each bite of creamy, hearty goodness.

Tips for the Best Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. It adds rich flavor and saves time. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup.
• Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap out the veggies in this soup based on what you have on hand. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, or green beans would also work beautifully in this soup.
• Make it Even Creamier: If you want a richer, creamier soup, you can use half-and-half or whole milk in place of heavy cream, but the cream adds the best texture and flavor.
• Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to kick up the heat and balance the creaminess.
• Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme, oregano, or basil on hand, feel free to use them in place of the dried Italian seasoning. They’ll add a fresh, vibrant flavor to the soup.
• Make It Ahead: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and the flavors only get better as it sits. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just be sure to leave out the cream if you plan to freeze it, and stir it in after reheating.

Variations of Tuscan Chicken Soup

While the base of this Tuscan chicken soup recipe is rich and delicious on its own, you can easily make some tweaks to customize it to your taste.

1. Tuscan Chicken Soup with Potatoes

• Add cubed potatoes to the soup for a heartier version. The potatoes absorb the flavors of the broth and add a comforting texture.

2. Creamy Tomato Tuscan Chicken Soup

• For a more tomato-forward soup, add an extra can of diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. The addition of cream makes the soup extra creamy, and it pairs wonderfully with the chicken and beans.

3. Low-Carb or Keto Tuscan Chicken Soup

• For a low-carb version, skip the beans and use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles (zoodles) in place of regular pasta for a keto-friendly twist.

4. Tuscan Chicken Soup with Pesto

• Stir in a spoonful of basil pesto at the end of cooking for an extra burst of fresh, herby flavor. The pesto adds another layer of depth to the soup and makes it even more Italian-inspired.

5. Tuscan Chicken Soup with Beans and Bacon

• Add crispy bacon to the soup for a smoky, savory flavor that complements the chicken and beans. This is a great option if you want to make the soup even more indulgent.

Why You’ll Love Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of garlic, Italian herbs, and creamy broth creates a deliciously comforting soup that’s packed with flavor in every spoonful.
• Nutritious: With lean chicken, fiber-rich beans, and lots of fresh veggies, this soup is a well-rounded, nutritious meal that will keep you satisfied.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt this soup to your liking by adding extra veggies, adjusting the level of creaminess, or making it spicy.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, this soup is easy to prepare and can be made in just under an hour.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: It stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it a great option for meal prep and leftovers.

Conclusion

Tuscan Chicken Soup is a comforting, flavorful, and filling meal that brings the best of Italian flavors to your table. With its combination of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, creamy broth, and savory herbs, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner, a nutritious lunch, or a dish to impress your guests, Tuscan chicken soup checks all the boxes.

So grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and enjoy the comforting, creamy