Tuscan Chicken Soup

$To make Tuscan Chicken Soup, you will need: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish If you don't have everything, don't worry! You can swap some items: - Chicken breasts can be replaced with thighs for more flavor. - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter soup. - Spinach can be swapped with kale or Swiss chard. - If you lack cannellini beans, use any white bean like navy beans. - Try fresh herbs if you have them, and use one tablespoon of each instead. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in taste. Fresh chicken and vegetables bring vibrant flavors. However, canned ingredients can save time and add convenience. For example: - Canned tomatoes add sweetness and acidity without extra work. - Canned beans are quick to use and provide protein. - Fresh spinach wilts down nicely, but you can use frozen if needed. Choose fresh when you can, but don't shy away from canned options. Both work well in this comforting soup! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add one pound of diced chicken. Cook the chicken for about five to seven minutes. You want it to be browned. After cooking, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate. In the same pot, add one chopped onion, two minced garlic cloves, two diced carrots, and two diced celery stalks. Sauté these vegetables for around five minutes. You want them to soften and smell great. Stir them often to avoid burning. Next, stir in one can of diced tomatoes with juices and four cups of chicken broth. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot. Bring this mixture to a simmer. Then, add one can of rinsed and drained cannellini beans, two cups of chopped fresh spinach, one teaspoon of dried oregano, one teaspoon of dried basil, and some salt and pepper to taste. Let it all simmer for another ten to fifteen minutes. This allows the flavors to blend into a warm, tasty soup. Don’t forget to taste it and adjust the seasonings if you want. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves on top. To boost flavors in Tuscan chicken soup, start with fresh herbs. Use basil and oregano for a bright taste. Fresh garlic adds a punch, while sautéing onions creates sweetness. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for some zing. If you like heat, toss in red pepper flakes. These small tweaks can change the soup from good to great! One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Cook it just until browned and tender. If you add spinach too early, it can lose its vibrant color. Also, don't skip tasting your soup. Adjust salt and pepper to fit your taste. Lastly, be careful with the broth. Use low-sodium broth, so you can control the saltiness. Serve your soup hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. This adds richness and flavor. Fresh basil leaves make a nice garnish and look pretty. Pair the soup with crusty bread for dipping. A simple side salad adds freshness and crunch. For a complete meal, enjoy it with a glass of white wine. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your soup. Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in for a creamier texture. Make It Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It often tastes even better the next day! Experiment with Proteins: Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey, or even add sausage for a different flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can easily make a tasty vegetarian version of Tuscan chicken soup. Start by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For protein, add chickpeas or lentils. Keep the diced tomatoes and vegetables like carrots and celery. You can also use kale or Swiss chard for a nice green touch. This soup remains hearty and full of flavor without meat. If you love heat, try adding some spice to your Tuscan chicken soup. Just include red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the onion and garlic. You can also add some hot Italian sausage for a kick. Adjust the amount to fit your taste. This variation warms you up and adds a new layer of flavor. Making this soup gluten-free is simple. Just check your broth and canned ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. Ditch any pasta you might add, as traditional pasta contains gluten. Instead, consider using rice or quinoa for texture. This way, you can enjoy a comforting bowl of Tuscan chicken soup without worry. After you enjoy your Tuscan chicken soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the soup cools down first. Place it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze your soup, follow these steps. First, let the soup cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for the soup to expand. Label each container with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat your frozen soup, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stove over medium heat. Stir it often to warm it evenly. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it is hot. Add fresh herbs or cheese to boost the flavor before serving. Tuscan Chicken Soup is a warm and hearty dish. It features chicken, beans, and vegetables. The broth is rich and flavorful. You get hints of oregano and basil in every bite. This soup warms me up on cold days. It’s like a hug in a bowl. Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Start by cooking the chicken and veggies on the stove. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add your broth, tomatoes, and beans. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. You will enjoy the same great flavors. To make the soup creamier, add some heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir it in just before serving. You can also blend a small portion of the soup and return it to the pot. This adds a nice, thick texture. Serve this soup with crusty bread or garlic bread. A fresh salad complements it well too. You can also pair it with a light pasta dish. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for added flavor. In this post, I covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips for Tuscan Chicken Soup. I shared tasty variations and storage info to keep your meal fresh. Remember to choose fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Avoid common mistakes to enhance your dish. This soup is versatile and easy to make. Whether you prefer vegetarian or spicy options, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy your cooking adventure with Tuscan Chicken Soup and satisfy your taste buds!$

A hearty and flavorful chicken soup with vegetables and beans, perfect for a comforting meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
to taste salt and pepper
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
as needed fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and the cooked chicken. Bring to a simmer.
Add the cannellini beans, spinach, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for garnish.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Keyword Chicken, comfort food, healthy, soup, Tuscan