Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

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If you are searching for a soul-warming meal that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, look no further than this delicious Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup. This recipe delivers tender chicken pieces simmered alongside vibrant veggies, tender pasta, and fresh spinach all enveloped in a luscious, creamy broth that’s perfectly balanced with parmesan and Italian seasoning. Every spoonful bursts with rich flavors and comforting textures that will make you want to keep coming back for more. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual weeknight dinner, Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is the kind of dish that feels like a homemade treasure worth savoring.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup lies in its wonderfully simple, fresh ingredients. Each component plays an essential role— from the savory chicken and aromatic vegetables to the creamy cheese and hearty pasta, the combination makes every bite vibrant and satisfying.

• Olive oil: Provides a subtle, fruity base for sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Diced into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and tender bites.
• Italian seasoning: Divided use enhances the soup’s bright and herbaceous flavor notes.
• Salt and pepper: Balanced seasoning that brings out the natural flavors in every ingredient.
• Carrots, celery, and onions: The classic mirepoix trio adds sweetness, earthiness, and texture.
• Sundried tomatoes: Introduce a rich, tangy depth that elevates the soup’s complexity.
• Garlic cloves: Minced for an aromatic punch and subtle warmth.
• Flour: Used gradually to create the soup’s creamy, velvety base without clumping.
• Tomato paste (optional): Adds an extra layer of umami and color if desired.
• Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid backbone, vital for depth and richness.
• Pasta (small shells preferred): Offers comforting bite-sized morsels that absorb the broth perfectly.
• Heavy whipping cream: Instantly transforms the broth into a silky, indulgent finish.
• Grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese: Melted in to add nuttiness and creamy texture.
• Fresh spinach: Adds bright color and a nutritious burst of freshness at the end.

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Toss in the diced chicken with a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is beautifully browned on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step locks in flavor and builds a savory foundation that your soup will thank you for.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook until translucent and aromatic, roughly 3 to 4 minutes. The vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness, creating a vibrant flavor base that starts to smell incredible.

Step 3: Create the Roux

Sprinkle flour evenly over the vegetable and chicken mixture, stirring well to combine. Add the flour gradually to prevent dry clumps from forming. If you’re using tomato paste, stir it in now to deepen the soup’s flavors and enrich the color.

Step 4: Add the Chicken Broth

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Use your spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up any tasty browned bits left from cooking the chicken and vegetables. This step intensifies the soup’s depth and guarantees a smooth, flavorful stock.

Step 5: Simmer with Pasta

Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then add the pasta, remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let everything simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through fully, the pasta to become tender yet firm, and all the flavors to meld beautifully together.

Step 6: Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Cheese

Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer for just another 5 minutes to melt the cheese and soften the spinach, turning the broth into a rich, luscious masterpiece that feels like a warm embrace.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Finally, taste your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup and add any extra salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed. Adjusting this final layer of seasoning ensures every spoonful delivers the perfect balance and depth of flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a bright herbal note and stunning green contrast to the creamy soup. For an extra indulgent touch, grate a little more Parmesan cheese on top right before serving. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes also works wonders if you enjoy a gentle kick.

Side Dishes

Serve this soup alongside crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia to soak up every last drop of that velvety broth. A simple mixed greens salad with a lemony vinaigrette complements the richness beautifully and refreshes the palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, ladle the Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup into rustic bowls and nestle a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary on top. You can also garnish with a few toasted pine nuts for added texture and nutty flavor. If you’re hosting, consider serving it with mini grilled cheese sandwiches for a playful and delicious pairing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its fresh flavors and creamy texture. Before reheating, give it a good stir as the ingredients may settle or thicken.

Freezing

You can freeze Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the pasta and spinach might change texture slightly after freezing. For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta and spinach, then add fresh pasta and spinach when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens too much. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for even warming and best texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and richness to the soup, and they work beautifully for this recipe. Just dice them similarly to ensure even cooking.

Is it okay to substitute other types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or even macaroni. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the pasta texture.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, swap the heavy cream with a coconut milk cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sundried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or a handful of cherry tomatoes can add a similar pop of sweetness and color, though the flavor will be a bit different.

Can this soup be made in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables first, then combine all ingredients except cream, spinach, and cheese into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in the cream, spinach, and cheese towards the end.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is a gorgeous blend of comforting textures, vibrant colors, and rich flavors that make it a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe invites you to experience a hearty, homemade soup with a touch of indulgence that feels like a warm kitchen hug. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to soups throughout the year.

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