This hearty Tuscan Chicken Soup is bursting with flavor! It features tender chicken, tasty veggies, and beans swimming in a savory broth. Perfect for chilly nights!
I love how filling this soup is, plus it’s so easy to whip up in one pot! It’s basically a warm hug in a bowl—ideal for sharing with loved ones or cozying up solo.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this soup. If you prefer a more flavorful option, try using thighs instead. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time!
Chicken Broth: A flavorful broth is vital for a good soup. You can use homemade broth or store-bought. For a vegetarian version, substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
White Beans: Cannellini beans add creaminess and protein. If you can’t find them, great northern or navy beans are good substitutes. You can also use chickpeas for a different texture!
Fresh Spinach: Spinach is a great leafy green to add. Kale can be a heartier alternative; just cook it a little longer to soften it up. For other options, try Swiss chard.
How Do I Properly Sauté Vegetables for This Soup?
Sautéing veggies is a key step that sets the foundation for your soup’s flavor! Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onions and carrots, cooking until the onions are translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
- Don’t rush! This helps release the natural sweetness of the veggies.
- Next, add minced garlic for extra flavor and sauté for about a minute.
Taking your time during this step will make a big difference in the final taste of the soup!
How to Make Tuscan Chicken Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (such as cannellini), drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread (for serving)
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spiciness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Tuscan Chicken Soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 30 minutes to cook, making the total time around 40 minutes. It’s a quick and comforting meal, perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and diced carrots. Sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
2. Add Garlic and Seasonings:
Now it’s time to add the minced garlic! Sauté it for another minute until it’s fragrant. Then, sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together so the veggies are nicely seasoned.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Next, place the chicken breasts into the pot, followed by pouring in the chicken broth. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked all the way through.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. This makes it nice and tender for the soup. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot with the rest of the soup.
5. Add Beans and Spinach:
Now it’s time to add the white beans and fresh spinach. Stir them into the soup and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.
6. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This is a great time to make it just how you like!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Tuscan Chicken Soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Don’t forget to have some crusty bread on the side for dipping! Enjoy your comforting bowl of soup!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it first for even cooking. The best method is to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a couple of hours. Once thawed, you can proceed with the recipe as directed.
Can I Substitute the White Beans?
Yes, you can! While cannellini beans are traditional, feel free to use any white bean variety you prefer, such as great northern or navy beans. You could also use chickpeas or lentils for a different flavor and texture. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed based on your bean choice!
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, just add a splash of broth or water to maintain the soup’s consistency.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Soup?
Absolutely! This soup is very versatile. Feel free to add vegetables like diced zucchini, kale, or bell peppers. Just be mindful of cooking times; add quicker-cooking veggies, like spinach or zucchini, towards the end to keep them tender yet vibrant!
