Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe: A Flavorful, Hearty Italian-Inspired Comfort Bowl
A warm bowl of Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe brings the rich, comforting flavors of Italy straight to your kitchen. Bursting with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, fragrant herbs, and creamy white beans, this soup is the perfect blend of nutrition and indulgence. Its hearty yet light nature makes it ideal for chilly evenings, weeknight dinners, or any moment you crave a cozy, homemade meal.
Inspired by the rustic kitchens of Tuscany, this soup combines wholesome ingredients often found in Mediterranean cuisine: olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and kale or spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. Unlike typical soups, Tuscan chicken soup balances robust flavors with fresh ingredients, making each spoonful satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe is approachable, quick to prepare, and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a detailed ingredient list for Tuscan chicken soup with approximate calorie counts per serving:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast, boneless & skinless | 2 cups, cooked & shredded | 300 kcal |
| Chicken broth (low sodium) | 6 cups | 90 kcal |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | 240 kcal |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | 15 kcal |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium | 45 kcal |
| Carrots, diced | 1 cup | 50 kcal |
| Celery, diced | 1 cup | 20 kcal |
| White beans (cannellini), drained | 1 cup | 200 kcal |
| Kale or spinach, chopped | 2 cups | 40 kcal |
| Italian seasoning (or fresh rosemary & thyme) | 1 teaspoon | 5 kcal |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | 0 kcal |
| Parmesan cheese, grated (optional) | ¼ cup | 110 kcal |
| Lemon juice (optional) | 1 tablespoon | 4 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until onions become translucent. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2: Add Broth and Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in shredded chicken and drained white beans. Reduce heat to a simmer for 10–12 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
3: Add Greens
Add chopped kale or spinach and cook for another 3–5 minutes until greens are tender but still vibrant.
4: Season and Finish
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Protein Options: Swap chicken breast for thighs, rotisserie chicken, or even turkey for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Variations: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and color.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of half-and-half, coconut milk, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy texture.
- Boost the Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley at the end of cooking enhances aroma and taste.
- Spice it Up: Red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne can add subtle heat.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350–450 kcal |
| Protein | 25–30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30–40 g |
| Fat | 12–15 g |
| Fiber | 6–8 g |
| Sodium | 700–900 mg* |
Serving Suggestions
Tuscan chicken soup is perfect on its own, but you can elevate the meal with simple sides:
- Crusty Italian bread or garlic bread
- Light green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Parmesan crisps or crostini for added crunch
- A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water for a Tuscan-inspired touch
Garnish with fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, or grated Parmesan for restaurant-style presentation.
Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe: A Flavorful, Hearty Italian-Inspired Comfort Bowl
4
servings10
minutes25
minutes350-450
kcalIngredients
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
1 cup white beans (cannellini), drained
2 cups chopped kale or spinach
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or fresh rosemary & thyme)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Directions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery for 4–5 minutes until onions are translucent. Add garlic and Italian seasoning; cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Broth & Chicken: Pour in chicken broth. Stir in shredded chicken and drained white beans. Reduce heat to a simmer for 10–12 minutes.
- Add Greens: Stir in chopped kale or spinach. Cook 3–5 minutes until greens are tender but vibrant.
- Season & Serve: Adjust salt and pepper. Add lemon juice if desired. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if using.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Sauté Aromatics First: Cooking onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in olive oil before adding broth enhances the soup’s flavor and aroma.
Add Greens at the End: Stir in kale or spinach toward the end to keep them vibrant and tender, preventing them from becoming overcooked.
FAQs
1. Can I make Tuscan chicken soup with leftover chicken?
Yes! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred it and add it to the simmering broth during the last few minutes of cooking. This saves time and still delivers tender, flavorful chicken.
2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace chicken with extra white beans, chickpeas, or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or kale for a hearty, meat-free version.
3. How can I make the soup creamier?
Stir in a splash of half-and-half, coconut milk, or Greek yogurt at the end of cooking for a creamy texture without overpowering the flavors.
4. Can I freeze Tuscan chicken soup?
Yes, but for best results, freeze the soup without the greens. Add fresh kale or spinach when reheating to maintain texture and color. The chicken and beans freeze well for up to 3 months.
5. Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes! Drain and rinse canned white beans (cannellini or great northern) before adding them to the soup. They cook quickly and integrate easily with the broth.
Conclusion
Tuscan chicken soup is a wholesome, flavorful dish that combines the heartiness of chicken and beans with the freshness of vegetables and herbs. Quick to prepare yet full of authentic Italian flavors, it’s perfect for comforting weeknight meals or a light, nourishing lunch. Every spoonful offers warmth, nutrition, and the rustic charm of Tuscany, proving that simple, fresh ingredients can create extraordinary taste.
