Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup recipe! This comforting dish brings together tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy, flavorful cream sauce that’s sure to win hearts at the dinner table. Perfect for cozy nights or weeknight dinners, this is a rich and satisfying meal that promises warmth and deliciousness in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Heartwarming flavors: The combination of chicken, vegetables, and cream creates a delightful taste that warms your soul.
• Easy preparation: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you can whip up this soup in about 50 minutes.
• Versatile meal: Perfect as a main course for lunch or dinner, this soup is great for family meals or gatherings with friends.
• Nutritious ingredients: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, it’s a healthy choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for serving guests or family alike, everyone will appreciate the comfort of this flavorful soup.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Provides enough space for all ingredients to cook evenly without spilling.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot and helps mix ingredients thoroughly.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1-1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (Diced into 1-inch pieces; I used 1 1/2 pounds.)
• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning (Divided)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/4 cup diced sundried tomatoes
• 3 garlic cloves (Minced)

For Thickening and Flavor

• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (Optional; see notes)
• 6-8 cups chicken broth (I recommend starting with 6 cups; see notes.)

For the Final Touches

• 6 oz pasta (I used Italian small shells.)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2-1 cup grated parmesan reggiano cheese
• 2 1/2-3 cups fresh spinach

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Add the chicken pieces along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
* Cook until browned on all sides, which takes about 4–5 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot:
* Add diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic.
* Cook until the vegetables are translucent for about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Flour

Sprinkle flour throughout the vegetable mixture:
* Stir well to combine.
* Add flour gradually to avoid excess drying. If using tomato paste, add it during this step.

Step 4: Add Broth

Gradually whisk in chicken broth:
* Stir continuously to ensure there are no lumps.
* Use your spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil:
* Add pasta along with remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
* Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and pasta is al dente. Alternatively, you can boil pasta separately and add it at the end.

Step 6: Finish with Cream and Spinach

Open the pot:
* Stir in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese.
* Let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your soup:
* Adjust seasoning with salt and additional spices if needed before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Serving your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup can elevate the dining experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some delicious serving suggestions that complement this comforting dish perfectly.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup, enhancing the overall texture and flavor.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Top each bowl with fresh basil or parsley for an aromatic finish. The herbs add a pop of color and a burst of freshness.

Serve with a Side Salad

• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup. Consider adding ingredients like cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for crunch.

Offer Grated Cheese on the Side

• Provide grated Parmesan cheese for guests to sprinkle on top, allowing them to customize their soup experience with extra creaminess.

Include Lemon Wedges

• Squeezing a bit of lemon juice over the soup can brighten up the flavors and balance the richness of the cream.

How to Perfect Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Perfecting your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup ensures every bowl is as delicious as possible. Here are some tips to enhance your recipe!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will boost flavor significantly compared to dried or canned options.

• Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more chicken broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

• Balance Flavors: Taste as you cook! Adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to ensure well-rounded flavors throughout.

• Simmer Longer: Letting the soup simmer longer allows flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure not to overcook the chicken!

• Experiment with Pasta: Try different pasta shapes or whole-grain options for added texture and nutritional value in your soup.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some delightful options:

1. Garlic Bread: This classic choice is perfect for scooping up every last drop of soup, infused with buttery garlic flavor.

2. Caprese Salad: A refreshing mix of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze complements the creamy soup well.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers add depth and nutrition alongside the soup’s creaminess.

4. Quinoa Salad: Quinoa mixed with veggies and lemon dressing offers a healthy option that balances the richness of the soup.

5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with grains and cheese make for a hearty side that pairs wonderfully with the soup.

6. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Crunchy grilled cheese adds comfort to your meal, making it ideal for dipping into your creamy concoction.

7. Crispy Kale Chips: These healthy snacks provide crunch while being light enough not to overshadow the main dish’s richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Below are tips to help you avoid them.

• Using too much flour: Adding too much flour can lead to a thick, gummy texture. Use the recommended amount and add gradually for the best consistency.
• Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can dull the flavors of your soup. Taste as you cook and adjust with salt, pepper, and herbs accordingly.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long in the soup can make it mushy. Check pasta for al dente doneness and consider cooking separately if unsure.
• Skipping the deglazing step: Failing to deglaze can leave lumps in your soup. Always scrape the bottom of the pot after adding broth to incorporate all those wonderful flavors.
• Adding cream too early: Adding cream too soon can cause it to curdle. Stir it in right before finishing cooking for a smooth texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions about Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup.

What makes this soup Marry Me?

The combination of rich flavors and creamy texture makes this soup irresistibly delicious, often leading to romantic declarations!

Can I use different meats in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef, turkey, or lamb for different flavor profiles while keeping the rest of the ingredients similar.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace chicken with vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I add more vegetables to my Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or green beans for extra nutrition and color.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience that promises warmth and satisfaction. With its comforting flavors and creamy base, it’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize with your favorite veggies or protein options!