Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup recipe! This comforting dish combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce that will undoubtedly impress family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply seeking a cozy meal for yourself, this soup is perfect for any occasion. Its delightful flavors and heartwarming qualities make it a standout dish that everyone will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Comfort: Each bowl is packed with rich flavors from the cream, spices, and fresh ingredients.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, making this soup is a breeze.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings; it suits any occasion.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with vegetables and lean protein, it’s hearty yet healthy.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This soup is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.
Tools and Preparation
To create the best Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly in your kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups evenly without burning ingredients.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pots while mixing ingredients thoroughly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accuracy in ingredient portions for consistent results every time.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 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
– 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)
– 1/4 cup flour
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste (Optional See notes)
– 6-8 cups chicken broth (I recommend starting with 6 cups. See notes.)
– 6 oz pasta (I used Italian small shells.)
– 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: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook until browned on all sides, about 4–5 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook until they become translucent, approximately 3–4 minutes.
Step 3: Add Flour and Tomato Paste
Sprinkle the flour throughout the mixture in the pot. Stir well to combine. If using tomato paste, add it now and mix thoroughly. Be careful not to let the flour dry out too much by adding it gradually.
Step 4: Incorporate Broth
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Make sure to deglaze the bottom of the pan using your spoon.
Step 5: Add Pasta
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Then add in the pasta along with another teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover the pot with a lid and lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until both chicken and pasta are fully cooked.
Step 6: Stir in Cream and Spinach
Once cooked through, open the pot and stir in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 7: Final Touches
Taste your soup before serving; adjust seasoning with salt or spices if necessary. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup!
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
Serving your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this comforting dish.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough or Baguette: Serve slices of crusty sourdough or a fresh baguette for dipping. The bread soaks up the creamy broth beautifully.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Basil or Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds color and freshness. It enhances the soup’s flavor and makes it visually appealing.
With a Side Salad
- Mixed Greens: Pair the soup with a simple mixed greens salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing crunch that complements the rich soup.
In Bread Bowls
- Edible Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This not only looks great but also adds extra flavor as you eat.
With Cheese Toppings
- Shredded Cheese: Top each bowl with shredded mozzarella or more Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy experience that everyone will love.
How to Perfect Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
To achieve the best version of your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish is both delicious and inviting.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. This enhances the overall taste and nutritional value of the soup.
Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you cook and adjust seasoning gradually. This prevents over-salting and allows you to find the perfect balance.
Simmer for Flavor Depth: Letting the soup simmer longer allows flavors to meld beautifully. Don’t rush this step; enjoy the process.
Add Cream Last: Incorporate heavy cream at the end of cooking for a rich texture without curdling. This maintains its luscious creaminess.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup can enhance your meal further. Here are some wonderful options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread slathered in garlic butter complements the creamy soup perfectly.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides crispness and tang, balancing the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and color to your meal while being nutritious.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese provides a comforting side that matches well with the soup’s flavors.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms make for an elegant appetizer that pairs nicely with your hearty soup.
- Bruschetta: Tomato and basil bruschetta bring freshness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the dish.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs offer a satisfying crunch alongside your warm bowl of soup.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies adds a wholesome touch while being easy to prepare ahead of time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Using too much flour – Adding too much flour can thicken the soup excessively. Gradually sprinkle it in and mix well to reach your desired consistency.
- Overcooking the chicken – Cooking chicken for too long can make it tough. Ensure you check for doneness after 20 minutes of simmering.
- Not seasoning adequately – Under-seasoned soup can taste bland. Taste frequently and adjust with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as needed.
- Ignoring ingredient sizes – Cutting vegetables or chicken into uneven sizes affects cooking times. Dice everything uniformly for even cooking.
- Forgetting to deglaze – Skipping the deglazing step can cause burnt bits to affect the flavor. Use a spoon to scrape up the browned bits while adding broth.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in a baking dish covered with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power, stirring every minute until warmed through.
- Stovetop – Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup.
Can I use different kinds of pasta?
Yes! Feel free to use any small pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have sundried tomatoes?
You can substitute with fresh tomatoes or omit them entirely if you prefer a simpler flavor profile.
How can I make this soup healthier?
Consider using low-fat cream or substituting with coconut milk for a lighter version while maintaining creaminess.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! This soup freezes nicely, making it great for meal prep and future dinners.
Can I customize this recipe?
Definitely! Add your favorite vegetables or spices to tailor the soup to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is not only comforting but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can easily customize it with seasonal veggies or adjust the creaminess level. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the warmth it brings!
Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
Get ready to indulge in the comforting warmth of Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup. This delightful dish brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce that’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in. The flavors meld beautifully, making every spoonful a heartwarming experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately six people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (diced)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced onions
- ¼ cup diced sundried tomatoes
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
- 6 to 8 cups chicken broth
- 6 oz small pasta (like shells)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ to 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2.5 to 3 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for about 4–5 minutes.
- Add onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic; sauté until translucent (3–4 minutes).
- Sprinkle in the flour and mix well. If using tomato paste, add it now.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Bring to a boil and add pasta along with more seasoning; cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Stir in cream, spinach, and Parmesan cheese; simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 453
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 874mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 96mg
