Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

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creamy tuscan chicken soup

There’s a quiet joy in knowing that a single recipe can turn an ordinary evening into a memory worth keeping. The first time I made this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup, it was a chilly autumn day when the sky couldn’t decide between rain and fog. As the sundried tomatoes and herbs simmered gently, their fragrance wrapped around my kitchen like a warm embrace, and I finally understood why my grandmother called soup the heart’s remedy.

This recipe was shared with me by a close friend who promised it was her family’s secret cure for both cold nights and long, tiring days. What began as a humble chicken soup has since become one of my most cherished comfort dishes. It’s simple, wholesome, and full of love and truly, that’s what makes it so perfect.

Now, let’s head to the stove and craft a bowl of comfort your whole family will remember.

Table talk 

 with Michelle!

On chilly evenings when comfort is all you crave, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug. I’ve made it countless times, and it never disappoints rich, flavorful, and loved by everyone at the table. Even the pickiest eaters end up asking for seconds. Cozy, satisfying, and always a hit!

Michelle

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

First, this soup is incredibly forgiving you can make it even if you’re still learning your way around the kitchen. The ingredients work together like old friends, creating layers of flavor that taste like you’ve been simmering it all day.

Second, it’s a complete meal in one pot. Between the tender shredded chicken, nutritious kale, and creamy navy beans, you’re getting protein, vegetables, and comfort all in one spoonful. Most importantly, it’s the kind of recipe that brings families together around the dinner table.

Third, this healthy chicken soup freezes beautifully, which means you can double the batch and have homemade comfort waiting in your freezer for those nights when life gets overwhelming.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this Tuscan Chicken Soup so special each ingredient has its own story to tell:

  • Oil : Just a tablespoon to get everything started. I usually reach for olive oil because it adds a subtle richness.
  • Sweet onion : The foundation of flavor. Sweet onions become beautifully caramelized and mellow as they cook.
  • Sundried tomatoes : These little gems pack incredible umami flavor. Don’t skip them they’re what makes this soup extraordinary.
  • Seasonings blend : Salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning create a symphony of herbs.
  • Flour : This helps thicken our broth naturally without any fuss.
  • Chicken stock : I prefer sodium-reduced so I can control the salt level. Good stock makes all the difference.
  • Chicken breasts : They’ll cook gently in the broth and shred beautifully.
  • Frozen kale : So convenient and nutritious. Fresh works too, but frozen saves time.
  • Heavy cream : This transforms our soup into something luxurious and comforting.
  • Navy beans : They add heartiness and make this soup incredibly satisfying.
  • Sundried tomato pesto : The secret ingredient that ties everything together with rich, concentrated flavor.
  • Parmesan cheese : For garnishing, because every good soup deserves a beautiful finish.

Let’s Make Tuscan Chicken Soup Together

Cook with feeling, not just timing that’s my motto. Here’s how we’ll create this beautiful soup:

  1. Start with the aromatics. Heat your oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and let them cook until they start turning translucent, about 5 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen starts smelling like home.
  2. Add the sundried tomatoes and cook for another minute. Watch how they release their concentrated flavor into the oil it’s beautiful.
  3. Create your flavor base. Add all your spices and flour, stirring constantly for 30 seconds. This step is crucial you’re blooming the spices and creating a roux that’ll thicken your soup perfectly.
  4. Build the broth slowly. Pour in the chicken stock gradually, stirring constantly so the flour doesn’t clump. Add the water and bring everything to a gentle boil. Carefully lower in your whole chicken breasts, making sure they’re covered with liquid.
  5. Let it simmer gently. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F. Don’t rush this step gentle cooking keeps the chicken tender.
  6. Shred and return. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred it with two forks. This is where the magic happens return that beautiful shredded chicken to your pot.
  7. Finish with love. Increase heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream, kale, beans, and pesto. Simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together.

Serving Suggestions

This Tuscan Chicken Soup is wonderful on its own, but here are some of my favorite ways to serve it. A thick slice of buttered crusty bread is absolutely perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy broth. I also love serving it with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette the brightness cuts through the richness beautifully.

For special occasions, try serving it in bread bowls or alongside homemade biscuits. The creamy texture and rich flavors make it elegant enough for company, yet comforting enough for weeknight dinners.

Make It Your Own

This Tuscan Chicken Soup is wonderfully adaptable to your family’s preferences:

  • Dairy-free version: Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for an equally rich result.
  • Vegetarian twist: Use vegetable broth and substitute the chicken with extra beans or diced firm tofu.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onions.
  • Different greens: Spinach or Swiss chard work beautifully in place of kale.

Tuscan Chicken Soup : Kitchen Tips & Tricks

Don’t worry if your flour clumps a little when adding the broth just whisk vigorously and it’ll smooth out. I’ve learned this from experience! Also, taste as you go and adjust the seasonings. Every batch of stock is different, so trust your palate.

The key to perfect chicken soup is not overcooking the chicken. Once it reaches 165°F, remove it immediately. Overcooked chicken becomes tough and stringy, and nobody wants that in their comfort food.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This Tuscan Chicken Soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in airtight containers and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it’s thickened too much.

For freezing, cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. The cream might separate slightly when thawed, but a good stir while reheating brings it right back together.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved the Tuscan Chicken Soup check out these comforting fall dishes:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs will give you even more flavor and stay incredibly tender. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.

What if I can’t find sundried tomato pesto?

You can make your own by blending sundried tomatoes with a little olive oil and garlic, or substitute with regular basil pesto.

Is this soup healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with protein, vegetables, and nutrients. The cream adds richness, but you can use less if you prefer a lighter version.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown the onions and sundried tomatoes first, then transfer everything except the cream and kale to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours, then stir in the cream and kale for the last 30 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup has become more than just a recipe in my kitchen it’s a reminder that the simplest ingredients can create the most extraordinary comfort. Every time I make it, I’m transported back to that first gray afternoon when I discovered how soup can be both nourishment and love.

I hope this recipe finds its way into your family’s rotation of favorites. Don’t be afraid to make it your own add extra herbs, swap vegetables, or adjust the creaminess to your liking. The best recipes are the ones that evolve with your family’s tastes.

Thanks for being in my kitchen today. I can’t wait to hear how this soup brings warmth to your table.

Before You Dig In!

If you give Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out!
Please take a moment to leave a rating and a quick review—it really helps us keep sharing free, delicious recipes you can trust.

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creamy tuscan chicken soup

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

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  • Author: Michelle
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tuscan

Description

A rich and hearty creamy Tuscan chicken soup filled with tender chicken, sundried tomatoes, kale, beans, and a touch of pesto for comforting flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 small sweet onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped sundried tomatoes
  • 1 tsp each salt and pepper, dried oregano, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 L sodium-reduced chicken stock
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 2 cups frozen kale
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup navy beans
  • 1 tbsp sundried tomato pesto
  • Garnish: grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions and cook until they start to turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add sundried tomatoes and cook another minute.
  3. Add in spices/seasonings and flour, stirring constantly for 30 seconds, or until seasoning is evenly dispersed.
  4. Slowly pour in chicken broth, constantly stirring so flour does not clump. Add in water. Bring mixture to a boil. Gently lower in whole chicken breasts, ensuring there is enough liquid to cover. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and a meat thermometer reads 165F.
  5. Remove chicken breasts to a cutting board. Using two forks, gently shred the chicken. Return chicken to pot.
  6. Increase heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream, kale, beans and pesto. Simmer another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Serve hot with buttered crusty bread or a side salad, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Best served with crusty bread for dipping or a light side salad.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl

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