Tuscan Chicken Soup

Imagine a pot simmering with aromatic herbs, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables, filling your kitchen with the warmth of Italian countryside.

Tuscan Chicken Soup is an easy, comforting dish perfect for any day when you crave something cozy yet simple.

As the ingredients meld into a rich, flavorful broth, the transformation from raw to heartwarming begins.

Let’s bring this delightful soup to life and enjoy a taste of Tuscany at home.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 cutting board
• 1 chef’s knife
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 ladle

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups spinach, fresh

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Tuscan Chicken Soup, you can follow this timeline:

Timeline for Tuscan Chicken Soup

Reading & Preparation (10 minutes)

• 0:00 – 5:00: Read the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
• 5:00 – 10:00: Gather all the ingredients and equipment listed.

Prep Work (15 minutes)

• 10:00 – 25:00:
• Dice the chicken breast.
• Chop the onion, mince the garlic, slice the carrots, and slice the celery.

Cooking (30 minutes)

• 25:00 – 30:00:
• Heat olive oil in the large pot over medium heat.
• Add diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
• 30:00 – 35:00:
• Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
• In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
• Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• 35:00 – 50:00:
• Return the chicken to the pot.
• Pour in the chicken broth, cannellini beans, and diced tomatoes.
• Stir in thyme, basil, black pepper, and salt.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
• 50:00 – 55:00:
• Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
• 55:00 – 60:00:
• Add fresh spinach and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Resting & Serving (5 minutes)

• 60:00 – 65:00:
• Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.

Remove chicken from pot and set aside.

In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Return the chicken to the pot.

Pour in the chicken broth, cannellini beans, and diced tomatoes.

Stir in thyme, basil, black pepper, and salt.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

Cover and cook for 15 minutes.

Add fresh spinach and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Italian Bread: A perfect accompaniment to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for an extra savory touch.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing complements the soup’s hearty flavors.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Add a garlicky crunch that pairs well with the soup’s Italian essence.
• Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese enhances the Italian dining experience.

Storage

Store Tuscan Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

Reheat gently before serving.

Freezing

To freeze Tuscan Chicken Soup, allow it to cool completely.

Then transfer to airtight containers.

Label with the date.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat Tuscan Chicken Soup, gently warm it on the stove over medium-low heat.

Stir occasionally.

Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, covering to prevent splatters, until heated through.

Final Thoughts

Tuscan Chicken Soup is a comforting and delicious dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your table.

With its hearty ingredients and rich broth, it’s perfect for a cozy meal.

The combination of tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and savory herbs creates a satisfying experience.

For best results, allow the soup to rest for a few minutes before serving.

This enhances the flavors and guarantees a delightful taste with every spoonful.

Whether you enjoy it as a standalone meal or with a side of crusty bread, Tuscan Chicken Soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breast?

You can definitely use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. Thighs add richness and moisture, enhancing the soup’s flavor profile. Make certain you adjust cooking time slightly since thighs take a bit longer to cook thoroughly. Enjoy the depth!

How Can I Make the Soup Vegetarian?

Swap chicken with chickpeas for protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Enhance flavors with additional herbs like rosemary or oregano. Consider adding mushrooms for depth, and make sure all ingredients are fresh for peak taste.

What Can I Substitute for Cannellini Beans?

You can substitute cannellini beans with great northern beans or navy beans. They offer a similar creamy texture and mild flavor. If you want a twist, try using chickpeas for a nutty, heartier option.

Is It Possible to Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Sauté the chicken and vegetables first for depth, then transfer everything to the cooker. Set on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

How Can I Add More Spice to the Soup?

You can amp up the spice by including red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne. For a bolder flavor, sauté crushed chili peppers with garlic. Taste and adjust as needed to match your spice preference.

Tuscan Chicken Soup

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Chef's knife
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 Ladle

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breast diced
• 1 large onion chopped
• 2 clove garlic minced
• 2 carrot sliced
• 2 stalk celery sliced
• 6 cup chicken broth
• 1 can cannellini beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cup spinach fresh

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
• Remove chicken from pot and set aside.
• In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Return the chicken to the pot.
• Pour in the chicken broth, cannellini beans, and diced tomatoes.
• Stir in thyme, basil, black pepper, and salt.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
• Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
• Add fresh spinach and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
• Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For added depth of flavor, consider using bone-in chicken pieces and remove them before serving. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick. Serve the soup with a crusty loaf of Italian bread for a complete meal. If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.