On chilly nights when you’re craving something comforting yet crave-worthy, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is your answer. This hearty chicken soup blends tender bites of chicken, savory sundried tomatoes, pasta, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy broth. It’s like your favorite Mary Me Chicken Soup and a classic one-pot dinner had a deliciously cozy baby.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
This soup is the definition of comfort food, with a gourmet twist. It’s a one-pot dinner that’s simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough to serve to guests. You get rich tomato and Parmesan notes, pops of spinach, and a silky, savory base that clings to every spoonful. It’s the kind of soup that tastes even better the next day (if you manage to save any).
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup (60 g) diced carrots
- ½ cup (60 g) diced celery
- ½ cup (75 g) diced onions
- ¼ cup (35 g) diced sundried tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (30 g) flour
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
- 6–8 cups (1.4–1.9 liters) chicken broth
- 6 oz (170 g) pasta (Italian small shells or similar)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
- ½–1 cup (50–100 g) grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
- 2½–3 cups (75–90 g) fresh spinach
How to Make Hearty Chicken Soup in One Pot
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high. Add chicken, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Brown the chicken for about 4–5 minutes.
- Sauté veggies: Add onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add flour and tomato paste: Sprinkle in the flour slowly while stirring to avoid clumps. Stir in tomato paste if using.
- Add broth: Gradually whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits to deglaze the pan. Start with 6 cups and add more later if needed.
- Boil and simmer: Bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta, remaining 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and additional salt and pepper. Reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until pasta is al dente and chicken is tender.
- Finish with cream, cheese, and spinach: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and fresh spinach. Simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or cheese to your liking. Serve warm.
Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- For a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—it continues to soften in the broth.
- Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
How This Soup Stole My Heart
I made this soup on a whim during a gloomy Sunday, using what I had in the fridge. By the time it simmered to creamy perfection, my family had circled the kitchen, spoon in hand. My husband dubbed it “marriage material soup” after the first bite. Needless to say, it’s become a staple in our house ever since.
What to Serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or even a warm baguette for dipping. Want to keep things light? Serve with roasted veggies or a simple cucumber salad.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The pasta may soak up liquid over time, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating. To freeze, omit the pasta and spinach and add fresh when reheating for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Add it during the simmer step to keep it tender.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and pasta. It works beautifully.
Can I use kale instead of spinach?
Definitely! Just simmer it a little longer to soften.
Is this soup spicy?
Not as written, but add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne if you like heat.
One Pot Dinner, Infinite Comfort
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is everything you want in a bowl—comforting, rich, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup: The Cozy One-Pot Dinner Everyone Loves
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is a rich, flavorful one-pot meal filled with tender chicken, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a savory Parmesan cream broth. It’s the ultimate comfort food—perfect for cold nights or easy weeknight dinners that feel indulgent yet satisfying.
Ingredients
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1 tsp olive oil
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1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
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2 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
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½ cup (60 g) diced carrots
-
½ cup (60 g) diced celery
-
½ cup (75 g) diced onions
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¼ cup (35 g) diced sundried tomatoes
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
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2 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
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6–8 cups (1.4–1.9 liters) chicken broth
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6 oz (170 g) pasta (small shells or similar)
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1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
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½–1 cup (50–100 g) grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
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2½–3 cups (75–90 g) fresh spinach
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until browned.
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Add onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes.
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Stir in flour and optional tomato paste until well combined.
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Gradually add chicken broth, scraping up brown bits. Start with 6 cups.
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Bring to a boil. Add pasta, remaining seasoning, and more salt and pepper if needed. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
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Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and spinach. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
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Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Freshly grated Parmesan melts and tastes better than pre-shredded.
Soup thickens as it sits; add extra broth if reheating.
Don’t overcook pasta—it continues softening after cooking.
Omit pasta/spinach before freezing; add fresh during reheating for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American