There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s rich, hearty, and packed with wholesome ingredients. This Tuscan Chicken Soup is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Bursting with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a flavorful broth, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly evening, after a long day, or whenever you need something nourishing and satisfying.
Inspired by the rustic flavors of Tuscany, this soup brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both homey and elegant. The combination of garlic, tomatoes, herbs, and beans gives it a deep, robust flavor, while the chicken adds a hearty protein boost. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner without sacrificing taste or quality.
Whether you’re curled up on the couch with a steaming bowl or serving it as a starter for a family meal, this Tuscan Chicken Soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious and comforting dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty & Nutritious – Packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients to keep you full and satisfied.
- Rich & Flavorful – A combination of Italian herbs, tomatoes, and garlic creates a deep, comforting taste.
- Versatile – Can be customized with different vegetables or beans based on what you have on hand.
- Meal-Prep Friendly – Tastes even better the next day and is perfect for leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Tuscan Chicken Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until they begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This step is key—it builds the base flavor of the soup!
Step 2: Add the Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, then add the chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Beans
Stir in the shredded chicken and white beans, letting them warm up in the soup for another 5 minutes. This is where the soup starts to feel heartier, thanks to the protein-rich additions.
Step 4: Stir in the Greens
Add the chopped spinach or kale to the pot, stirring until wilted. This not only adds a lovely pop of color but also boosts the soup’s nutritional value. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread for an extra cozy meal.
Helpful Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken – For an even quicker version, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
- Make it Creamy – If you prefer a creamy texture, stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream at the end.
- Add More Veggies – Feel free to toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes.
- Spice it Up – If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Boost the Flavor – A splash of lemon juice at the end adds brightness and enhances the flavors.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: High-Protein
Notes
- Shredded Chicken Shortcut – If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken on hand, you can quickly cook two chicken breasts by simmering them in chicken broth for about 15 minutes, then shredding them with a fork.
- Adjusting Consistency – If you prefer a thinner soup, add an extra cup of broth. If you like it thicker, let it simmer longer or mash some of the beans.
- Make it Dairy-Free – Simply skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Low-Carb Option – This soup is naturally low in carbs, but if you want to make it even more keto-friendly, reduce the amount of beans or replace them with extra chicken and vegetables.
- Serving Ideas – This soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread, a side salad, or even a simple grilled cheese sandwich for a heartier meal.
- Double the Batch – This soup freezes well, so consider making a double batch and storing some for later!
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day!
Freezer: This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Reheating: Warm over low heat on the stovetop or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! You can use about 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes. If they’re not very juicy, you might need to add a little extra broth.
What can I use instead of white beans?
Chickpeas, kidney beans, or even lentils work well as substitutes.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add extra beans or tofu for protein.
How can I make this soup thicker?
If you like a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding them, or let the soup simmer longer to reduce the liquid.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Tuscan Chicken Soup, you might also enjoy these comforting dishes:
Conclusion
There’s nothing better than a big bowl of Tuscan Chicken Soup when you need something cozy, hearty, and satisfying. With its rich flavors, nutritious ingredients, and easy preparation, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe in your home. Plus, with its quick cook time and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for any night of the week.
So grab a spoon, curl up with a warm bowl, and enjoy every delicious bite! Let me know in the comments if you tried this recipe—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Happy cooking!
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Hearty Tuscan Chicken Soup – A Cozy, Flavorful Bowl in 30 Minutes
Description
There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s rich, hearty, and packed with wholesome ingredients. This Tuscan Chicken Soup is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Bursting with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a flavorful broth, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly evening, after a long day, or whenever you need something nourishing and satisfying.
Inspired by the rustic flavors of Tuscany, this soup brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both homey and elegant. The combination of garlic, tomatoes, herbs, and beans gives it a deep, robust flavor, while the chicken adds a hearty protein boost. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner without sacrificing taste or quality.
Whether you’re curled up on the couch with a steaming bowl or serving it as a starter for a family meal, this Tuscan Chicken Soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious and comforting dish!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until they begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This step is key—it builds the base flavor of the soup!
Step 2: Add the Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, then add the chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Beans
Stir in the shredded chicken and white beans, letting them warm up in the soup for another 5 minutes. This is where the soup starts to feel heartier, thanks to the protein-rich additions.
Step 4: Stir in the Greens
Add the chopped spinach or kale to the pot, stirring until wilted. This not only adds a lovely pop of color but also boosts the soup’s nutritional value. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread for an extra cozy meal.
Notes
- Shredded Chicken Shortcut – If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken on hand, you can quickly cook two chicken breasts by simmering them in chicken broth for about 15 minutes, then shredding them with a fork.
- Adjusting Consistency – If you prefer a thinner soup, add an extra cup of broth. If you like it thicker, let it simmer longer or mash some of the beans.
- Make it Dairy-Free – Simply skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Low-Carb Option – This soup is naturally low in carbs, but if you want to make it even more keto-friendly, reduce the amount of beans or replace them with extra chicken and vegetables.
- Serving Ideas – This soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread, a side salad, or even a simple grilled cheese sandwich for a heartier meal.
- Double the Batch – This soup freezes well, so consider making a double batch and storing some for later!