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Tuscan Chicken Soup

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Cook chicken in broth, sauté veggies, toss in beans and spinach. A cozy meal done in 40 minutes, great to freeze or save for later.
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Barbara Chef
Updated on Fri, 25 Apr 2025 14:39:04 GMT
Tuscan Chicken Soup Highlight
Tuscan Chicken Soup | cookwithcarla.com

A soothing dish of Italian Chicken Soup brings together soft pulled chicken, filling white beans, and bright veggies in a tasty broth. This simple country-style soup from Italy gives you comfort and goodness in each bite, making it great for busy weeknights or when friends come over.

I came across this dish during a wet fall weekend, and now my family asks for it more than any other soup. The smell of spices and garlic spreading through the house always gets everyone rushing to the table ready to eat.

Key Ingredients

  • Boneless chicken breasts: Go for thick, same-size pieces so they cook evenly
  • White beans: Cannellini beans add a smooth feel and extra protein
  • Fresh spinach: Brings bright color and lots of nutrients
  • Carrots and onions: Build a tasty base
  • Garlic cloves: Pick tight, new bulbs for the best taste
  • Herbs and spices: Dried oregano and thyme add real Italian warmth

Making Your Italian Soup

Veggie Base:
Warm olive oil in big pot on medium. Cook chopped carrots and onions till soft. Mix in crushed garlic and herbs. Look for golden tips on the veggies.
Cooking Chicken:
Put chicken breasts in the tasty broth. Keep it bubbling gently for softness. Take out and pull apart when done. Put meat back in the rich broth.
Putting It All Together:
Add beans and fresh spinach. Let everything mix well. Check if it needs more salt or pepper. Top with fresh herbs.
Tasty Italian Chicken Soup Highlight
Tasty Italian Chicken Soup | cookwithcarla.com

My nonna from Italy always told me to let the soup sit for 10 minutes before eating so the flavors can blend together properly - it's a tiny trick that really works wonders.

Perfect Pairings

Enjoy this soup with chunks of rustic bread for soaking up broth, a bit of freshly shaved Parmesan on top, or a splash of good olive oil. Some garlic toast on the side gives a nice crunch against the soft soup.

Tasty Twists

Switch up this soup by using white kidney beans, throwing in cubed zucchini, or adding spicy Italian sausage for more flavor. For something lighter, try swapping spinach with kale or using turkey instead of chicken.

Keeping Leftovers

Store any extra soup in the fridge for up to 4 days in a sealed container. Warm it slowly on the stove, adding a little broth if it's too thick to get it just right.

This Italian Chicken Soup has become what I cook for both casual family meals and when friends visit. I love how it can be comforting and filling while still being healthy. The way it brings everyone together, chatting over hot bowls of soup, reminds me why cooking means so much to me.

Tasty Italian Chicken Soup Done in 30 Minutes Highlight
Tasty Italian Chicken Soup Done in 30 Minutes | cookwithcarla.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Is frozen chicken okay to use?
Sure, just make sure to thaw it first. Leave it in the fridge overnight or soak it in cold water for a few hours.
→ What works instead of white beans?
Swap with northern or navy beans, or even chickpeas or lentils. They're all delicious options.
→ How long do leftovers stay good?
They last 3-4 days in the fridge or 3 months frozen. Add broth to freshen things up when reheating.
→ Can I throw in extra vegetables?
Of course! Zucchini, kale, or peppers work great. Add quicker-cooking ones towards the end.
→ Is this dish gluten-free?
Yep, it is! Just skip the bread if you're avoiding gluten.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

A flavorful Italian blend with juicy chicken, beans, and veggies in a rich broth. Done in 40 minutes and perfect for any night.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
40 min

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 6 Servings (6 bowls)

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 can (15 oz) white beans, rinsed and drained
02 4 cups chicken broth
03 2 large carrots, chopped into small pieces
04 1 lb chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
05 Salt and pepper to your liking
06 Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for topping)
07 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
08 2 tbsp olive oil
09 1 medium onion, diced
10 2 cups spinach, fresh
11 Crusty bread (to serve)

→ Herbs and Spices

12 ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
13 1 tsp dried thyme
14 1 tsp dried oregano

Steps

Step 01

Warm up the olive oil in a big pot on medium heat. Toss in the carrots and onion, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring now and then, until the onion turns soft and slightly see-through.

Step 02

Drop in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute. Sprinkle in the oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine everything.

Step 03

Put the chicken breasts and broth into the pot. Let it come to a low boil, then lower the heat, cover, and simmer gently for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked all the way through.

Step 04

Take the chicken out of the pot and shred it up with two forks. Once shredded, toss it back into the pot.

Step 05

Throw in the spinach and white beans, cooking for another 5 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and everything warms up nicely.

Step 06

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of parsley on top and some crusty bread on the side.

Notes

  1. This cozy Tuscan-inspired dish mixes tender chicken, flavorful beans, and fresh veggies in a warm and filling bowl you can whip up in just 40 minutes.

Required Equipment

  • Big soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp kitchen knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons