Tuscan Chicken Soup is a warm and hearty dish, filled with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and tasty herbs. It’s like a comforting hug in a bowl!
This soup is perfect for chilly days and makes your kitchen smell amazing. I love adding a sprinkle of parmesan on top – it makes everything even better! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a perfect substitute—you can just shred it into the soup!
Bacon: The bacon adds a nice smoky flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey bacon is a good alternative, or you can omit it for a vegetarian version and add more beans for protein!
Potatoes: I used russets for their creaminess, but you can swap them for Yukon Gold or even sweet potatoes for a different taste.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter soup, you could substitute half-and-half, or use coconut milk if you want a dairy-free option.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is key, but kale works just as well. Feel free to use frozen spinach, too; just make sure to thaw it and drain excess water before adding!
How Do You Make Sure the Potatoes Are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the potatoes just right is important for the soup’s texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Dice potatoes into evenly sized pieces, about 1/2-inch cubes, for even cooking.
- Add them to the pot with the chicken broth and simmer until tender, around 15 minutes. You can check by poking with a fork—if it goes in easily, they’re ready!
- Keep an eye on the heat; don’t let the soup boil too vigorously as this can break the potatoes apart.
Perfectly cooked potatoes will add creaminess and heartiness to your soup!
Tuscan Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tuscan Chicken Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. In just under an hour, you’ll have a comforting bowl of soup to enjoy with family and friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces and set them aside on a plate, leaving the bacon fat in the pot to add flavor!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the olive oil to the bacon fat if needed (it should have enough fat already). Sauté the diced onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Potatoes and Seasoning:
Mix in the diced potatoes, dried Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together to coat the potatoes with the flavors.
4. Simmer the Potatoes:
Pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
5. Combine the Remaining Ingredients:
Stir in the shredded chicken, drained cannellini beans, and fresh spinach. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and everything is heated through.
6. Add Cream and Cheese:
Lower the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Heat the soup through, but avoid boiling it. We want it creamy and delicious!
7. Season to Perfection:
Finally, taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Adjust as needed for extra flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Tuscan Chicken Soup hot, topped with the reserved crispy bacon and additional Parmesan cheese for that extra flair. Don’t forget some crusty bread on the side for dipping!
Enjoy this rich and hearty soup—full of tender chicken, creamy broth, tender potatoes, and a lovely smoky bacon finish. It’s sure to warm your heart!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Soup?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just shred it and add it in when you’re ready to mix in the spinach and beans. It saves time and adds great flavor!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and chicken. Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, and consider adding more beans or tofu for protein. You can also add extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition!
What Should I Do If My Soup Is Too Thick?
If your soup ends up thicker than you’d like, simply add a bit more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and simmer for a few minutes to combine everything.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the consistency if needed.