Creamy Tuscan chicken soup

This creamy Tuscan chicken soup brings together classic Italian flavors in a cozy, comforting dish that is both quick and versatile enough for weeknights or feeding friends. The combination of tender chicken, sun—dried tomatoes, white beans, and fresh greens creates a rich but light broth with a velvety finish thanks to a swirl of sour cream and Parmesan cheese.

I first tested this soup during a chilly fall weekend, and now it’s a family favorite that my kids ask for as often as lasagna.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: for sautéing chicken and veggies adding richness from the start
• Onion: brings sweetness and depth as it cooks down slowly
• Garlic: for that classic Tuscan aroma and savory foundation
• Carrots: contribute color, subtle sweetness, and a bit of heartiness
• Celery: adds a mild savory flavor rounding out the soup base
• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: provide juicy protein—thighs stay moister but breasts are leaner
• Small pasta (shells or ditalini): absorb the flavorful broth making the soup more filling
• Fresh water or chicken broth: for the cooking liquid—broth deepens flavor if using chicken broth
• Sun—dried tomatoes: offer tangy concentrated tomato notes with a touch of sweetness
• Tomato paste: thickens the broth slightly and boosts umami richness
• Dried oregano: adds that earthy Italian herb essence
• Dried basil: lends warmth and a hint of sweetness balancing the herbs
• Chopped spinach or kale: adds vibrant green nutrients stirred in at the end to keep them bright
• Sour cream: whisked in creates a creamy, tangy finish making the broth silky smooth
• Salt and black pepper: for essential seasoning and flavor harmony
• Grated Parmesan: melts into the soup giving a savory, nutty lift
• Fresh parsley: sprinkled on top adds brightness and a fresh herbal finish

Instructions

Cook the Chicken:

Warm a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper and cook until they are nicely golden brown on all sides. This gently caramelizes the exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pot, add chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and start to turn golden especially around the edges. This step builds a flavorful base and adds sweetness to the soup. Stir in chopped sun—dried tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well to combine evenly.

Simmer the Soup:

Pour in fresh water or chicken broth and season with dried oregano and basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the broth to develop depth.

Cook the Pasta:

Add the small pasta directly into the simmering soup. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about six to seven minutes, until tender but still holding shape. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Finish the Soup:

Turn off the heat and stir in fresh chopped spinach so it stays bright green and tender. In a small bowl, whisk sour cream with a few spoonfuls of hot soup to temper and smooth it out, then pour it back into the pot. This creates the creamy, velvety texture without heaviness. Finally, stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into warm bowls and top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the contrasting creamy richness and vibrant green freshness in every comforting spoonful.

I adore sun—dried tomatoes in this soup. Their tangy concentrated flavor adds punch that lingers in every bite and balances the creamy Parmesan beautifully. One chilly evening, sharing this soup around the table with family sparked warm conversation and cozy contentment that always stays with me.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The pasta will absorb broth and thicken the soup, so add a little water or broth when reheating to loosen it back up. I recommend skipping the freezer for this soup if it contains pasta, since it can become mushy when thawed. However, if you freeze the broth and chicken separately, you can combine and add fresh pasta at serving time.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have sun—dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes make a bright, fresh alternative. Rotisserie chicken is a great time saver and can be stirred in near the end instead of cooking raw chicken. Swap spinach for kale, Swiss chard or frozen chopped greens depending on what’s on hand. For dairy free versions, use coconut cream or a plant based sour cream and cheese substitute.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is hearty and satisfying on its own but pairs perfectly with crusty bread or garlic bread for dunking. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness nicely. For a fun twist, try grated Parmesan crisps on top or a grilled cheese sandwich on the side for a classic combo.

This Tuscan chicken soup is comforting, easy, and adaptable—perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use different greens in this soup?

Yes, kale, Swiss chard, or frozen spinach all work well. Add them toward the end to keep their texture and color bright.

→ Is rotisserie chicken a good substitute?

Absolutely. Adding shredded rotisserie chicken during the final simmer saves prep time while enhancing flavor.

→ What pasta types suit this soup best?

Small shapes like shells, ditalini, or mini penne absorb the broth nicely and cook quickly within the soup.

→ How do sun-dried tomatoes affect the flavor?

They add a tangy, concentrated tomato sweetness that deepens the overall savory profile of the broth.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit sour cream and Parmesan or replace them with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cheese.

→ What are good side dishes to serve with this meal?

Crusty sourdough, garlic bread, fresh green salad, or Parmesan crisps complement the soup beautifully.