Cozy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup: Your New Favorite One-Pot Dinner

Name: Cozy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 500g / 1 lb chicken thighs, skinless boneless; 30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 large celery stems, finely sliced; 4 1/2 cups chicken stock, low sodium; 3 cups water; 250g / 8 oz small pasta shells; 1 cup (tightly packed) parmesan, finely grated; 1 cup thickened/heavy cream; 2 packed cups baby spinach; 1/2 cup sun dried tomato strips; 2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water; 1/2 tsp each salt and black pepper

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This creamy Tuscan chicken soup recipe is a perfect one-pot meal that delivers a rich, flavorful dinner in under 45 minutes. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a velvety broth, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and guaranteed to be a new family favorite.

Creamy Tuscan chicken soup in a blue Dutch oven, with crusty bread for dipping — One-pot creamy Tuscan chicken soup

My friends, if there’s one recipe that feels like a warm, comforting hug, it’s this cozy creamy Tuscan chicken soup. This is my go-to recipe for a satisfying and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family loves, blending tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach into a rich, creamy broth that I’ve perfected over the years. I promise you, this isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

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Key Takeaways

This soup is a lifesaver on busy weeknights, coming together in just one pot with minimal fuss.
The flavor is incredible—a perfect balance of savory chicken, tangy tomatoes, and rich, creamy goodness.
It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some wholesome veggies, and it’s so delicious no one will even notice.
The leftovers are even better the next day, and I’ve got some great tips for storing it so it doesn’t get mushy. It’s honestly a game-changer!
If you’re a fan of creamy chicken pasta dishes, you’ll absolutely adore this soup.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

It’s a one-pot wonder, which means way less cleanup. Trust me, that’s a huge win on a busy Tuesday!
The creamy, silky texture is like a hug in a bowl, perfect for a chilly evening or when you’re feeling a bit under the weather.
The tender, juicy chicken thighs are browned to perfection, adding a rich depth of flavor that a simple simmer just can’t match.
This soup is packed with nutritious spinach, a great source of iron and vitamins, so you can feel good about what you’re serving your family.
The sun-dried tomatoes bring a little bit of sweet, savory sunshine to every spoonful, cutting through the richness beautifully.
You can easily customize it! Feel free to throw in some extra veggies or swap the pasta for rice to suit your mood.
It’s just as comforting and delicious as my go-to creamy smothered chicken and rice—another one-pot favorite!

Food or Cultural Background

The first time I tasted a version of Tuscan chicken was on a trip to Florence years ago. We were in a small, family-run trattoria, and the chef brought out this dish with the most incredible creamy sauce, studded with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.

It felt so authentic and special, and the flavors stayed with me long after I returned home. That memory inspired me to create this soup. I wanted to capture that warm, rustic feeling of Tuscany—the simple, honest flavors of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs—and turn it into a comforting soup.

It’s my American twist on a classic, perfect for sharing with family and friends around the dinner table, just like they do in Italy. If you love that Mediterranean feel, you should definitely check out my traditional bruschetta recipe for a great appetizer to serve on the side!

Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

Ingredient	Notes/Substitutes
Chicken Thighs (500g/1 lb)	Skinless, boneless. You can use chicken breast, but thighs stay more tender.
Unsalted Butter (30g/2 tbsp)	Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Onion, Garlic, Celery	This is your flavor base! You can substitute celery with carrots.
Chicken Stock (4 1/2 cups)	We’ll use low-sodium stock to deglaze the pot and form the broth.
Water (3 cups)
Small Pasta Shells (250g/8 oz)	Any small pasta will do. For a gluten-free soup, use rice or potatoes.
Parmesan (1 cup)	Finely grated works best for melting. Use a vegan parmesan for dairy-free.
Heavy Cream (1 cup)	This is key for the creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, use full-fat coconut milk (it will add a slight flavor, but it’s delicious!).
Baby Spinach (2 packed cups)	Chopped kale or Swiss chard also works well.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes (1/2 cup)	I use the ones in oil; they have the best flavor.
Cornstarch (2 tsp)	Used to thicken the soup. You can also use all-purpose flour.

Equipment Needed

Large pot or Dutch oven: A heavy-bottomed pot is best for even heat distribution.
Cutting board and sharp knife: For prepping all your veggies and chicken.
Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir everything without scratching your pot.
Measuring cups and spoons: The usual suspects!

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Step-by-Step

Step-by-step instructions for making Tuscan chicken soup

Sear the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Melt butter in your pot over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for 3 minutes on the first side and 2 minutes on the other. It doesn’t need to be cooked through—we just want that beautiful golden color. Remove the chicken to a plate.
Sauté the veggies: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic to the same pot. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and fragrant.
Deglaze the pot: Turn the heat up to high and pour in 1/2 cup of the chicken stock. Use your spoon to scrape up all those delicious brown bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
Simmer the broth: Add the remaining chicken stock, water, and more salt and pepper. Bring it all to a boil, then add the pasta shells. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, which is usually about 10 minutes. Stir it now and then so the shells don’t stick.
Add the chicken: While the pasta cooks, chop the seared chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them into the pot to finish cooking. This is a great tip for making sure your chicken stays juicy!
Thicken and finish: Once the pasta is tender, turn the heat to low. Stir in the finely grated parmesan until it’s fully melted. Then, mix in your cornstarch slurry and the heavy cream. Stir for a minute or so until the soup thickens slightly.
Wilt the spinach: Finally, stir in the baby spinach and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another minute, or until the spinach has wilted completely.
Serve and enjoy! Ladle your beautiful, cozy soup into bowls. A little drizzle of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes on top looks and tastes amazing. It’s truly a perfect, comforting meal.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

Don’t skip searing the chicken! That initial browning, or “Maillard reaction,” is where all the deep, rich flavor starts. It’s a game-changer for this creamy Tuscan chicken soup.
Use full-fat heavy cream. Yes, you can use milk, but it won’t give you that luxurious, rich creaminess you’re after. For the best flavor and texture, heavy cream is the way to go.
Add your cornstarch slurry at the end. Adding the slurry when the soup is simmering on low heat prevents lumps. Just stir it in until it thickens slightly.
Don’t overcook the pasta! Cooking the pasta directly in the soup means it will continue to absorb liquid even after you turn off the heat.¹ Keep an eye on it to prevent it from getting too soft.
Taste and adjust as you go. This is my number one tip for any recipe. Taste your broth before adding the pasta, and again at the very end. You might need a little extra salt or pepper to make the flavors pop. It’s a great practice to master, just like knowing what is the best thickener for rhubarb pie.

A close-up shot of a bowl of creamy Tuscan chicken soup on a marble counter, garnished with sun-dried tomatoes — The best homemade creamy Tuscan chicken soup recipe

What to Serve With Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

A crusty loaf of bread for dipping. You can’t go wrong with a nice, warm baguette or sourdough.
A light, fresh side salad with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks. Let’s be real, you can never have enough garlic!
This soup is so hearty and flavorful, it’s a meal on its own, but if you want to add an appetizer on the side you can check out my easy garlic butter meatballs. They are to die for!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you know you’ll have leftovers, a pro tip is to cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl. This prevents the pasta from soaking up all the liquid and getting mushy.
Store the soup (without the pasta if possible) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat. If it’s too thick, just add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.

Nutrition Facts

Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods.

Amount Per Serving (1 bowl, approx.)

Calories: 600 kcal

Total Fat: 36g

Saturated Fat: 21g

Cholesterol: 145mg

Sodium: 1250mg

Total Carbohydrates: 32g

Dietary Fiber: 3g

Total Sugars: 4g

Protein: 38g

FAQs About Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

What’s the difference between Tuscan chicken and Marry Me chicken?

While both are delicious creamy chicken dishes, the key difference lies in the ingredients. Marry Me chicken typically features sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and basil, while a classic Tuscan chicken soup also includes spinach and a rich broth, giving it a distinct, earthy flavor profile.

What makes a soup thick and creamy?

The creaminess in this soup comes from a few key ingredients: heavy cream, which adds richness and body, and finely grated parmesan cheese, which melts and helps thicken the liquid.² We also use a cornstarch slurry to ensure a perfect, smooth consistency for this creamy Tuscan chicken soup.

What ethnicity is Tuscan chicken?

Tuscan chicken is a popular American dish inspired by the flavors of the Tuscany region of Italy, which is known for simple, fresh ingredients like garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and leafy greens. It’s a delicious nod to Italian cooking!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this creamy Tuscan chicken soup a try. It’s a recipe that’s been a staple in my kitchen for a long time, and it always brings a smile to my family’s faces. There’s just something so special about a cozy, one-pot meal that tastes this good. I can’t wait to see your photos! Be sure to share your thoughts and photos with me and tag karenflavor on social media! And if you’re looking for another comforting meal, you can’t go wrong with my ground beef zucchini casserole—it’s pure comfort food!

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