Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup recipe! This comforting dish combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy sauce that’s sure to impress at any occasion. Whether you’re having a cozy family dinner or hosting friends, this rich and satisfying soup promises warmth and deliciousness in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This soup is packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the vegetables, making it perfect for a fulfilling meal.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward instructions, you can whip up this dish in just under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the vegetables or add your favorite pasta shapes to suit your taste!
• Flavorful Comfort Food: The creamy texture combined with Italian seasonings creates a delightful flavor profile that everyone will adore.
• Great for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

To make preparing this delicious soup easier, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: This is crucial for evenly cooking all ingredients and ensuring ample space for simmering.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are important for consistent results in flavor and texture.

Ingredients

To create your own bowl of Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup, gather the following ingredients:

For the Soup Base

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1-1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (Diced into 1 inch pieces; I used 1 1/2 pounds.)
• 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 garlic cloves (Minced)

For Thickening the Soup

• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (Optional See notes)

For Adding Flavor

• 6-8 cups chicken broth (Start with 6 cups.)
• 6 oz pasta (I used Italian small shells.)

For Creaminess

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2-1 cup grated parmesan reggiano cheese

For Freshness

• 2 1/2-3 cups fresh spinach

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until browned on all sides, about 4–5 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Thicken the Soup Base

Sprinkle flour throughout the mixture and stir well to combine. Add flour gradually to avoid clumping. If using tomato paste, mix it in at this stage.

Step 4: Add Broth

Gradually whisk in chicken broth while stirring repeatedly to ensure there are no lumps. Use a spoon to deglaze any browned bits at the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Add pasta along with remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for about 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and pasta is al dente. Alternatively, boil pasta separately if preferred.

Step 6: Stir in Cream & Spinach

Once cooked, open the pot and stir in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7: Final Touches

Taste your soup one last time! Adjust seasoning as necessary with more salt or spices according to preference.

Enjoy your creamy bowl of love!

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or as a comforting lunch, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Enjoy this soup with slices of warm, crusty bread. It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy goodness.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with fresh basil or parsley. This adds a burst of color and enhances the flavor profile of the soup.

Paired with a Simple Salad

• A light side salad made with mixed greens and a vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup beautifully.

Served in Bread Bowls

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for an impressive presentation and adds to the overall experience.

With Garlic Breadsticks

• Crunchy garlic breadsticks are a tasty side that pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture of the soup.

Accompanied by Cheese Platter

• A selection of cheese, such as gouda or mozzarella, adds extra creaminess and flavor when enjoyed alongside the soup.

How to Perfect Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

To ensure your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance flavor. Fresh spinach provides better texture and taste than frozen.

• Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. This keeps it creamy yet enjoyable.

• Control Seasoning: Taste frequently as you cook. Adjust salt and pepper levels according to your personal preference for maximum flavor.

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: If adding pasta directly into the soup, cook until al dente as it will continue to soften while simmering. This prevents mushiness.

• Allow Flavors to Meld: Letting the soup simmer allows all ingredients to combine beautifully. Enjoy amazing depth in flavor after simmering for at least 20 minutes.

• Experiment with Add-Ins: Consider including other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor variety.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup can enhance your meal significantly. Here are some delicious options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting side that complements the soup’s richness.

2. Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad offers a refreshing crunch that balances the creamy texture of the soup perfectly.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition, making them an excellent accompaniment.

4. Cheesy Grilled Polenta: Soft polenta topped with cheese creates a hearty side that pairs well with any creamy dish.

5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can be served alongside for an extra protein-packed option.

6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes and avocado provides a nutritious contrast to the rich soup.

7. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are great for sopping up every last drop of your delicious soup.

8. Veggie Spring Rolls: Light and fresh veggie spring rolls offer a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy soup’s smoothness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup, a few common mistakes can lead to an unsatisfactory result. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you cook.
• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Monitor the cooking time closely for tender, juicy pieces.
• Skipping the deglazing step: Not deglazing the pot can leave burnt bits that affect flavor. Always scrape the bottom of the pot after adding broth.
• Using too much flour: Adding too much flour can result in a gritty texture. Gradually sprinkle it in and stir well for a smooth consistency.
• Ignoring pasta cooking instructions: Cooking pasta directly in the soup may result in mushy noodles. Cook separately or keep an eye on cooking time for optimal texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup that might help you.

Can I make Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead. Just store it properly and reheat when ready to serve.

What type of pasta works best in this soup?

Small pasta shapes like shells or ditalini are ideal as they blend well with the soup’s creamy texture.

Can I customize the vegetables in Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! You can add or substitute your favorite vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers according to your preference.

How can I make this soup healthier?

You can use whole grain pasta, reduce cream, or add more vegetables to increase its nutritional value while keeping it delicious.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust seasonings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress family and friends!