This Tuscan Chicken Soup is a warm bowl of comfort! It’s filled with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and delicious beans, making it hearty and satisfying.
You know it’s a good meal when you can’t wait to have a second bowl. I love adding crusty bread to soak up all that tasty broth. Who can resist that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: It adds a wonderful smoky flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, turkey bacon or pancetta work as great substitutes. You can also omit it for a vegetarian version, adding extra herbs for flavor.
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is super convenient! If you don’t have it, you can easily cook your own chicken breast or thighs. Just boil or bake them and shred after cooking.
Cannellini Beans: These beans are creamy and add texture. For a different flavor, use Great Northern beans or even kidney beans. Both will hold up well in the soup.
Heavy Cream: This gives richness to the soup. For a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative—though it may change the flavor slightly.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. You can replace it with kale or Swiss chard, which are heartier greens and will hold up better in soup.
How Do You Make Sure Your Soup is Flavorful?
Building layers of flavor is key! Start with browning the bacon, as the fat adds depth. When you sauté the onion, take your time to let it soften and caramelize slightly. Incorporate garlic and red pepper flakes to get the aroma going before adding the broth.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness.
- Let your soup simmer at least 10 minutes to let the ingredients meld together, enhancing the flavors.
- Finish with Parmesan cheese to enrich the broth and balance the flavors. Don’t skip this step!
Enjoy your delicious Tuscan Chicken Soup with a slice of crusty bread for the full experience!
Tuscan Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 lb cooked shredded chicken breast (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
For Serving:
- Crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tuscan Chicken Soup takes about 25 minutes of preparation and cooking time. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a cozy evening. Just gather your ingredients, and you’ll have a warm bowl of soup ready in no time!
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. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, carefully remove the crispy bacon pieces, setting them aside while leaving the bacon fat in the pot. This fat will add great flavor to the soup!
2. Sauté the Onion:
Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté the onion over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until it’s softened and translucent. Don’t rush this step—it builds flavor!
3. Add Garlic and Spices:
Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now!
4. Bring in the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the drained diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, and shredded chicken to the pot. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes. This period is essential for the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Add Spinach:
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 2 minutes or until wilted. It adds a lovely pop of color and nutrition!
7. Cream It Up:
Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. This step makes the soup creamy and rich!
8. Finish It Off:
Add the cooked crispy bacon back to the soup. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Don’t forget to include crusty bread on the side for dipping—it’s the perfect complement!
Now you have a delightful Tuscan Chicken Soup that’s creamy, hearty, and full of flavor. Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bean?
Absolutely! While cannellini beans are traditional, you can substitute them with Great Northern beans or even chickpeas for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure they’re drained and rinsed.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative, and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
The best way to reheat Tuscan Chicken Soup is on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
