Name: Tuscan Chicken Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
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; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Crusty bread, for serving

Tuscan Chicken Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a savory broth. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Nutritious: Packed with protein-rich chicken and fiber-filled vegetables.
Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite veggies or to accommodate dietary preferences.
One-Pot Meal: Simplifies cooking and cleanup.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (15 ounces) 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 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Crusty bread (for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and diced carrots; sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Add dried oregano, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper; mix well to combine.
Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Add Beans and Spinach: Stir in the drained white beans and fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and all ingredients are heated through.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot alongside crusty bread.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth; add extra beans or tofu for protein.
Different Greens: Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a heartier texture.
Add Grains: Incorporate cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa to make the soup more filling.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a convenient option. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the soup after the vegetables have been sautéed.

2. What can I substitute for white beans?

Great Northern beans or chickpeas can be used as substitutes for cannellini beans.

3. How can I make this soup gluten-free?

This soup is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that all packaged ingredients, like broth, are certified gluten-free.

4. Can I add pasta to this soup?

Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo can be added. Cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls to prevent it from becoming mushy.

5. How do I thicken the soup?

For a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans before adding them to the soup or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.

6. Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to your preference or omit it entirely for a non-spicy version.

7. Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, thawed and drained frozen spinach can be used in place of fresh spinach.

8. What other vegetables can I add?

Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.

9. How can I add more flavor to the broth?

Adding a Parmesan rind during cooking or a splash of white wine can enhance the broth’s flavor.

10. Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores well and its flavor improves with time, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day leftovers.

Conclusion

Tuscan Chicken Soup is a soul-warming dish that combines classic Italian flavors with everyday ingredients. It’s quick to make, comforting to eat, and versatile enough to suit a variety of tastes and diets. Whether you’re meal-prepping or cooking for a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Tuscan Chicken Soup