Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tuscan
Ingredients: 500 g chicken thighs, skinless boneless; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 large celery stems, finely sliced; 1/2 cup Chardonnay or dry white wine, optional; 4 cups low sodium chicken stock; 3 cups water; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 8 oz small pasta shells; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 packed cups baby spinach, chopped; 1/2 cup sun dried tomato strips, chopped into 1 cm pieces, plus bit of oil for drizzling; 2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch; 2 tsp water

Looking for a comforting and flavorful soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl? This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe brings together tender chicken, creamy broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach for a delicious meal you’ll want on repeat. Let me walk you through the easy steps to make this nourishing soup your next favorite.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken - A white pot filled with creamy soup that has a thick texture, showing visible pieces of pasta, small bits of browned meat, and green leafy herbs. The soup has swirls of orange oil on the surface and a ladle lifting a scoop of the soup that clearly shows the pasta, meat, and herbs mixed together in the creamy broth. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe has saved dinner when I needed something quick but special. It’s like restaurant-quality comfort food without the effort, making it a total winner for busy weeknights or cozy weekend lunches.

Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of cream and parmesan makes the soup satisfyingly smooth and luscious, without being heavy.
Bright, Fresh Flavors: Sun-dried tomatoes and spinach add that fresh, slightly tangy kick to balance the richness.
Simple Ingredients, Big Taste: You’ll find everyday ingredients coming together effortlessly, giving you a gourmet feel at home.
Flexible and Customizable: Whether you swap chicken thighs for breast or switch up the pasta, this soup adapts easily to what you have on hand.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken - The image shows a white ceramic pot filled with creamy soup containing three main visible layers: the base is a thick, off-white creamy broth mixed with small white pasta shells and chunks of light-colored meat; scattered throughout are dark green spinach leaves adding contrast; on top, there are pieces of rich dark red sun-dried tomatoes and a bright orange oil drizzle spreading across the surface with a light dusting of grated cheese in the center. A silver spoon rests inside the soup, and pieces of white flatbread are placed next to the pot on a white marbled surface with dark blue cloth partially visible in the background. A few loose fresh spinach leaves are also scattered nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe has a purpose and plays nicely together to create a balanced, hearty soup. Picking fresh produce and good quality broth really lifts the flavors, so let’s talk through the must-haves.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken - Flat lay of skinless boneless chicken thighs with smooth pale pink flesh, bright white chopped onion pieces, vibrant green celery stalks sliced thinly, fresh dark green baby spinach leaves with delicate veins, deep red sun dried tomato strips with wrinkled texture, a small mound of finely grated pale yellow parmesan cheese with sandy texture, two plump garlic cloves with papery white skin, and a handful of small ivory-colored pasta shells, all beautifully arranged with natural spacing and gentle shadows, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Chicken thighs: I love thighs because they stay juicy and flavorful, but if you prefer breast, just slice it thin so it cooks quickly without drying out.
Unsalted butter: Gives a nice richness at the start for sautéing, without overpowering the soup.
Onion and garlic: Classic aromatics that build a savory, comforting base.
Celery (or carrots): Adds subtle sweetness and texture—celery for that traditional Tuscan flavor, carrots if you want a slightly sweeter touch.
White wine (optional): I always add a splash to deepen the broth flavor—don’t worry, most of the alcohol cooks off.
Chicken stock and water: Using a mix helps control saltiness and keeps the broth light yet flavorful.
Small pasta shells: Perfect for spooning and snuggling up in the creamy soup—feel free to swap with gluten-free pasta or rice.
Parmesan cheese: The sandy pre-grated kind works great here, melting perfectly to thicken and flavor the soup.
Heavy cream: For that irresistible creaminess; you can substitute with full-fat milk but reduce water slightly (I share the exact swap below).
Baby spinach: Adds freshness and a vibrant pop of green right before serving.
Sun-dried tomato strips: My secret finishing touch—adds a burst of umami and color with a drizzle of their flavorful oil.
Cornflour slurry: Helps thicken the soup just right, especially if you make gluten-free substitutions.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I often tweak it depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood—don’t be afraid to do the same!

Variation: I once swapped the chicken thighs with turkey breast leftovers—worked beautifully and stretched the recipe a bit for a bigger crowd.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and double the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Add mushrooms for extra meaty texture.
Low Calorie Swap: Use milk instead of cream with slightly less water; add a small knob of butter for richness without overwhelming calories.
Pasta Swap: In a pinch, or for gluten-free, try small rice grains or gluten-free shell pasta—just be mindful to thicken soup with a little extra cornflour.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken Perfectly

Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat until foamy. Lay the thighs skinless side down and sear for about 3 minutes until they get a lovely golden crust. Flip and cook the other side for 2 minutes. Don’t worry if they aren’t fully cooked inside yet; they'll finish cooking with the soup. Once browned, remove and set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

Turn the heat down to medium-low. In the same pot, add your chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced celery. Let those cook gently for about 3 minutes until the onion softens—this step wakes up all those lovely flavors stuck to the pot from the chicken.

Step 3: Deglaze with a Touch of Wine

Turn the heat back up to high and pour in your white wine (if using). Stir well, scraping all the browned bits off the bottom of the pot—they hold so much flavor! Let the wine simmer until it reduces to about half. This step is a game-changer for depth without extra effort.

Step 4: Soup Time! Add Broth, Water & Pasta

Pour in the chicken stock and water, then season with salt and pepper. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then add your pasta shells. Stir occasionally to keep everything from sticking. Cook according to your pasta’s package directions—about 10 minutes is usual. Meanwhile, chop the seared chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5cm chunks.

Step 5: Add the Chicken Back & Finish Your Soup

When the pasta is halfway done, toss the chopped chicken into the pot to finish cooking in the broth—this keeps the meat tender and juicy. Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir in the parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the soup, then add your cornflour slurry, cream, and chopped spinach. Stir for about a minute until the spinach wilts and the soup thickens slightly—the perfect velvety texture you’re after.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and finish each with a sprinkle of those gorgeous sun-dried tomato strips along with a drizzle of their red, flavorful oil. Trust me, this little touch makes the flavor pop and adds a fun color contrast that’s so inviting.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe, I’ve learned that small details really elevate the final result. Don’t rush the searing step, and take your time letting the wine reduce—it’s what layers the soup with that truly authentic Tuscan flavor.

Perfect Sear: Make sure your pan is hot before adding chicken and don’t overcrowd—it helps get that golden crust essential for flavor.
Wine Reduction: Letting the wine reduce until about half evaporates brings a subtle acidity balancing the soup’s richness.
Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper at multiple stages to build depth without over-salting.
Separate Pasta for Storage: If you’re saving leftovers, keep pasta separate from broth to avoid mushiness—trust me, it makes after-dinner enjoyment way better.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top this soup with sun-dried tomato strips and a little drizzle of their oil because it adds a wonderful tang and colorful contrast that brightens the creamy base. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or even a handful of toasted pine nuts can be a nice twist too.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to go alongside this soup are crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette. The bread is perfect for dunking, and the salad brings a crisp freshness to balance the creamy soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving the soup in individual bread bowls or rustic crocks. You can also set out a little topping bar with additional parmesan, chopped herbs like basil or parsley, and chili flakes so everyone can customize their bowl just how they like it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After making this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe, I always separate the pasta and chicken from the broth before storing leftovers in the fridge. This way, the pasta doesn’t get overly soft and mushy by soaking up all the liquid overnight. When ready to eat, just scoop out what you want and reheat gently.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup both with and without pasta. If freezing long term, remove the pasta beforehand and freeze it separately or just add fresh pasta when reheating. Freeze the soup base in airtight containers, and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prep or busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the broth on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add the pasta and chicken back in towards the end just to heat through, preventing the pasta from overcooking. Adding a splash of broth or water if needed helps maintain that perfect creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! If you use chicken breast, slice it horizontally into thin cutlets so it cooks quickly and stays tender. Sear them the same way as thighs.

Is the wine necessary in this soup?

The wine isn’t required but really adds a lovely depth to the broth. If you’d prefer to skip alcohol, substitute the wine with an equal amount of extra chicken stock or use a non-alcoholic white wine.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free small pasta or substitute with rice or small potatoes. You’ll want to increase the cornflour/cornstarch a bit to help thicken the soup since gluten pasta starch won’t be present.

Can I substitute milk for the cream?

Yes, you can substitute full-fat milk instead of cream. Reduce the water by half a cup and use one and a half cups of milk. This reduces calories but still keeps the soup creamy. I like to add a small knob of butter when using milk for added richness.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe holds a special place in my meal rotation because it feels both indulgent and wholesome—a perfect balance that’s so hard to find. It’s a recipe I love making for friends and family because it’s simple, satisfying, and always gets compliments. Give it a try and I bet you’ll feel the same warm joy after your first spoonful.