Ingredients
– 500 g (1 lb) skinless boneless chicken thighs or thinly sliced chicken breast
– 1/2 tsp salt for seasoning the chicken
– 1/2 tsp pepper for seasoning the chicken
– 30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
– 1 finely chopped onion
– 2 minced garlic cloves
– 2 large celery stems, finely sliced (carrots or zucchini can be substituted)
– 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
– 4 cups low sodium chicken stock
– 3 cups water
– 1 tsp cooking or kosher salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 250 g (8 oz) small pasta shells or similar small pasta types
– 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
– 2 tsp cornflour (cornstarch)
– 2 tsp water for the slurry
– 1 cup thickened/heavy cream (or substitute with milk)
– 2 packed cups of baby spinach (or chopped kale or similar greens)
– 1/2 cup chopped sun dried tomato strips for garnish
– Sun dried tomato oil for drizzling, amount as needed for flavor
Instructions
1- Getting this creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup just right is simpler than you might think, and weβll walk you through each step with clear instructions. Start by seasoning 500 g of chicken thighs with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper for that perfect flavor base. This recipe builds on classic chicken soup techniques while adding a Tuscan twist with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
2- First, melt 30 g of unsalted butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken for about 3 minutes on one side and 2 minutes on the other until itβs lightly golden, then set it aside to rest. Next, in the same pot over medium-low heat, cook 1 finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 finely sliced celery stems (or substitutes like carrots) for 3 minutes until they soften and release their aroma.
3- Increase the heat to high and add 1/2 cup of dry white wine if youβre using it, simmering until itβs reduced by half to deglaze the pot and enhance the flavors. Then, pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken stock, 3 cups of water, 1 tsp of kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; bring everything to a boil for that rich broth.
4-Adding Pasta and Finishing Touches: Stir in 250 g of small pasta shells and let them cook according to the package directions, about 10 minutes, while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Halfway through, chop the seared chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it back to the pot to finish cooking in the broth, absorbing all those delicious flavors.
5- Once the pasta is tender, lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of finely grated parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the soup. Mix 2 tsp of cornstarch with 2 tsp of water to make a slurry, then stir it in to thicken things up a bit. Finally, add 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 packed cups of baby spinach, cooking just until the greens wilt and the soup thickens slightly for that creamy texture.
6- Serve it up in bowls, garnished with 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomato strips and a drizzle of sun-dried tomato oil for extra color and taste. This step-by-step approach makes the process fun and straightforward, turning out a hearty meal in no time.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
π Use chicken thighs for juicier texture or substitute with chicken breast if preferred.
π± Swap celery with carrots or zucchini for variation.
π₯ Stir in the cornstarch slurry gradually to avoid over-thickening.
π
Drizzle sun-dried tomato oil at serving for vibrant flavor and color.
π Prepare fresh pasta close to serving time to keep texture perfect.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
