Tuscan Chicken Soup

Introduction

Tuscan Chicken Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that embodies the rich flavors of Italian cuisine. Packed with tender chicken, nourishing vegetables, and a creamy broth, it’s perfect for cozying up on a chilly day. This delightful recipe not only warms you from the inside but also provides a burst of flavor in every bite, making it a go-to choice for dinner.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
30ml olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
400g canned diced tomatoes
750ml chicken broth
250ml heavy cream
100g baby spinach
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste
50g grated Parmesan cheese
100g cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the pot and season with basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Sear for 2 minutes on each side.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
5. Stir in the heavy cream, spinach, and cannellini beans. Let it cook for another 5 minutes until the spinach wilts.
6. Adjust seasoning as needed and ladle the soup into bowls.
7. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve warm.

This Tuscan Chicken Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience that captures the essence of home cooking and warmth. Enjoy this delightful soup with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 2

Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the pot. Season them with dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Sear the chicken for 2 minutes on each side.

Step 3

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 4

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 5

Stir in the heavy cream, baby spinach, and rinsed cannellini beans. Allow the soup to cook for another 5 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted.

Step 6

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls.

Step 7

Sprinkle the soup with grated Parmesan cheese and serve warm.

Notes

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Yield

4 servings

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations

Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers to enhance the nutrient profile and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the soup, allow it to cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers. Tuscan Chicken Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Tuscan Chicken Soup warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. For a complete meal, pair it with crusty bread or a green salad.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Tuscan Chicken Soup (1 cup) contains approximately:
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 30g
– Total Fat: 20g
– Saturated Fat: 10g
– Carbohydrates: 15g
– Dietary Fiber: 3g
– Sugars: 4g
– Sodium: 800mg

Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Ingredient Substitutions

– Chicken: Use cooked rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation, or substitute with turkey for a lighter option.
– Olive Oil: Can be replaced with vegetable oil or avocado oil.
– Heavy Cream: Substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
– Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard can be used instead of baby spinach for a different flavor and texture.
– Cannellini Beans: Any white bean, such as navy or great northern beans, can serve as a substitute.

Cook Techniques

Sautéing

Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil over medium to high heat. In this recipe, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to develop flavors and soften the vegetables.

Searing

Searing is the process of cooking the surface of food at high heat to create a flavorful crust. Here, chicken breasts are seared briefly on each side before adding other ingredients.

Simmering

Simmering is cooking food gently in liquid just below boiling point. The soup is simmered to allow flavors to meld together and the chicken to cook thoroughly.

Shredding

Shredding involves pulling apart cooked meat into smaller pieces using forks or hands. This technique helps distribute the chicken evenly throughout the soup.

Wilting

Wilting is a cooking technique used to reduce the volume and soften leafy greens. In this soup, spinach is added towards the end to quickly wilt and enhance the flavor.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor and tender texture.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, coconut cream, or a plant-based cream alternative for a lighter option.

Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken, using vegetable broth, and adding additional beans or lentils for protein.

How long can I store the leftovers?

The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely, you can customize the soup by adding vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans according to your preference.

Conclusion

Tuscan Chicken Soup is a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that warms the heart and soul. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy broth creates a nourishing meal perfect for any chilly day. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and sure to bring joy to the table, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or cozy nights in.

More recipes suggestions and combinations

1. Tuscan Veggie Soup

Swap the chicken for a medley of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and kale for a hearty vegetarian twist.

2. Chicken and Rice Soup

Add cooked rice or orzo pasta to the Tuscan Chicken Soup for a more filling comfort dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

3. Italian Sausage and Kale Soup

Replace chicken with sliced Italian sausage and add extra kale for a spicy, robust flavor that spices up the traditional recipe.

4. Lemon Herb Chicken Soup

Incorporate fresh lemon juice and zest with additional herbs like thyme and parsley to brighten the flavors of the soup.

5. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

For a delightful variation, blend the soup until smooth and finish with fresh basil for a creamy tomato basil experience.

6. Southwest Chicken Soup

Add black beans, corn, and a touch of cumin to infuse a southwest flair into your Tuscan chicken soup, topped with avocado and cilantro.

7. Rustic Bean and Mushroom Soup

Introduce mushrooms and a variety of beans, like kidney or black beans, for an earthy depth that enhances the soup’s richness.

8. Pesto Chicken Soup

Stir in some basil pesto before serving for an extra layer of flavor that complements the ingredients beautifully.