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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 56 reviews

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with aromatic vegetables, pasta, and a luscious blend of parmesan and cream. Enhanced with baby spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, this soup offers rich flavors with a smooth, creamy texture perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Seasoning

  • 500 g (1 lb) skinless boneless chicken thighs (can substitute with chicken breast)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Soup Base

  • 30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 large celery stems, finely sliced (or 2 carrots as alternative)
  • 1/2 cup chardonnay or other dry white wine (optional)
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken stock/broth
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 tsp cooking/kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Carbohydrates & Cheese

  • 250 g (8 oz) small pasta shells (or other small pasta, rice, or potato as alternatives)
  • 1 cup tightly packed parmesan, finely grated or pre-grated sandy type

Dairy & Vegetables

  • 1 cup thickened/heavy cream (milk can be used as a substitute)
  • 2 packed cups baby spinach (can substitute chopped kale or similar greens)
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomato strips, chopped into 1 cm pieces plus a bit of oil for drizzling

Thickening Agent

  • 2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water

Instructions

  1. Cook Outside of Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat until foamy. Place the chicken in the pot and cook the first side for 3 minutes, or until it turns light golden, then cook the other side for 2 minutes. It’s okay if the inside is still raw, as it will cook later. Remove the chicken onto a plate.
  2. Prepare Soup Flavor Base: Lower the stove temperature to medium-low. Add the minced garlic, finely chopped onion, and sliced celery to the same pot. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
  3. Deglaze the Pot: Increase the heat to high and pour in the white wine. Stir the mixture and allow it to simmer until the wine reduces by half, concentrating the flavors.
  4. Add Broth and Pasta: Add the chicken stock, water, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions, approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Add Chicken Partway Through Cooking: While the pasta cooks, chop the partially cooked chicken into 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) pieces. Add these pieces into the pot to finish cooking along with the pasta.
  6. Finish the Soup: Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts completely. Add the cornflour-water mixture, heavy cream, and chopped baby spinach. Stir continuously for about one minute until the spinach wilts and the soup thickens slightly.
  7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with sun-dried tomato strips and drizzle a little of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes for an appealing finish.
  8. Store Leftovers: To prevent the pasta from becoming soggy, store the pasta and soup separately in the refrigerator. When reheating, scoop out the soup using a slotted spoon to keep the pasta intact.

Notes

  • Note 1: Chicken breast can be used instead of thighs for a leaner option.
  • Note 2: The wine is optional; you can omit it or substitute with extra stock if preferred.
  • Note 3: Substitute the pasta shells with rice, potatoes, or other small pasta varieties as desired.
  • Note 4: Use finely grated parmesan for better melting and texture; pre-grated sandy cheeses work well too.
  • Note 5: Heavy cream provides richness, but milk can be used for a lighter version.
  • Note 6: Use sun-dried tomato oil for drizzling at the end, enhancing flavor and presentation.

Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, Tuscan chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, Italian chicken soup, chicken pasta soup, easy creamy soup recipe

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-soup-recipe/