Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms both the heart and the belly, you’ve come to the right place! This Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is not just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl. Every spoonful is filled with tender chicken, hearty veggies, and a creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re having a busy weeknight or gathering with family, this comforting meal will surely be a hit at your dinner table. Trust me, once you try this soup, you might just want to make it every week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: With its delicious flavors and creamy texture, even the pickiest eaters will love it!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: It’s great for meal prep; you can easily store leftovers or make it ahead of time.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein and veggies, this soup will leave everyone feeling full and happy.
• Versatile: You can customize it with your favorite ingredients or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that this Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup uses simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to come by. Let’s gather everything we need to create this delightful dish!

For the Soup

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1-1 1/2 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 sundried tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
• 6-8 cups chicken broth (start with 6 cups)
• 6 oz. pasta (small shells work well)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2-1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
• 2 1/2-3 cups fresh spinach

Variations

This soup is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some zucchini, bell peppers, or kale for extra nutrition.
• Change the pasta: Any small pasta shape works great; try orzo or penne!
• Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat.

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Adding the chicken along with one teaspoon of Italian seasoning gives it a wonderful flavor as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cook until browned on all sides—about 4-5 minutes. This step locks in juices and flavor!

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pot, add your diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cooking these until they are translucent—about 3-4 minutes—allows their natural sweetness to shine through. It also creates a delicious base for your soup.

Step 3: Add Flour and Tomato Paste

Sprinkle flour throughout the mixture and stir well to combine. Adding flour helps thicken your soup later on. If you’re using tomato paste for an extra depth of flavor, stir it in at this stage.

Step 4: Whisk in Chicken Broth

Gradually whisk in your chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. It’s important to deglaze the bottom of the pan using your spoon; this adds even more flavor! Bring everything to a rolling boil.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Once boiling, add in your pasta along with another teaspoon of Italian seasoning—season again with salt and pepper as needed. Cover the pot and lower the heat to let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender while ensuring that the pasta is al dente.

Step 6: Stir in Cream and Spinach

After simmering away, open up that pot and stir in your heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes; this step brings all those luscious flavors together while adding creaminess!

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Before serving, give your soup one last taste test! Adjust any seasoning as needed—this ensures every bowl is perfectly seasoned just for you!

Now you’re ready to serve up some love with this Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup! Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Making this soup is a breeze, but a few tips can take it from great to absolutely unforgettable!

• Choose the right chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs adds extra moisture and flavor compared to breasts, making your soup even richer.
• Don’t skip the deglazing: Scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot while adding the broth gives your soup an incredible depth of flavor.
• Adjust creaminess to your taste: You can control how rich your soup is by varying the amount of heavy cream or Parmesan cheese. Start with less and add more until you reach your desired creaminess!
• Fresh herbs elevate flavor: If you have fresh basil or parsley on hand, toss in a handful at the end for a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the soup beautifully.
• Make it ahead: This soup keeps well in the fridge and flavors deepen over time. Make a big batch for meal prep, and enjoy it throughout the week!

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Serving this creamy delight is just as important as making it! Here are some ideas to impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle on top adds an extra layer of flavor and looks beautiful.
• Chopped fresh herbs: Adding a handful of chopped basil or parsley brightens up each bowl with color and freshness.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup, garlic bread is an easy-to-make side that everyone loves.
• Mixed green salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Roasted vegetables: Oven-roasted seasonal veggies add texture and nutrition; try carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for a colorful side.
• Crusty baguette: Slicing up some crusty baguette not only pairs well but also gives you something delicious to soak up every last drop of that creamy goodness!

This Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is sure to warm hearts and fill bellies. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! It stores well, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure to label your containers with the date for easy tracking!

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top as the soup will expand when frozen.
• Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Consider portioning it out for easy reheating later.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• To reheat, pour the soup into a pot over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• If the soup is too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.

FAQs

Got questions about this comforting dish? Here are some answers!

Can I use different types of pasta in my Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! You can substitute with your favorite pasta shapes. Just make sure to adjust cooking times according to the type you choose.

How long will my Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this soup can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, making it great for meal prep!

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to incorporate any vegetables you have on hand such as bell peppers or zucchini. Just be mindful of their cooking times so they remain tender yet firm.

Is there a dairy-free option for this soup?

You can replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Adjust seasonings as needed since these alternatives may alter flavor slightly.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Certainly! You can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. Add extra beans or lentils for protein and texture!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup! It’s a dish that warms both your heart and your home—perfect for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients. Happy cooking!