Name: Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 to 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1 inch pieces; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup diced carrots; 1/2 cup diced celery; 1/2 cup diced onions; 1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup flour; 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional); 6-8 cups chicken broth (start with 6 cups); 6 oz Italian small shell pasta; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2 to 1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese; 2 1/2 to 3 cups fresh spinach

Jump to Recipe·4 from 8 reviews

I absolutely love cozying up with a big bowl of comforting soup, and this Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe quickly became one of my all-time favorites. There’s something about the rich, velvety broth bursting with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a perfect touch of Parmesan that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whenever I make this soup, it feels like an occasion worth sharing with family or friends, yet it’s so simple that a weeknight dinner feels just as special. If you want a soup that’s both hearty and elegant, this recipe is definitely for you.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

From the very first spoonful, I’m captivated by the beautiful blend of flavors in this soup. It’s creamy without being too heavy, with layers of savory chicken, the earthy tang of sundried tomatoes, and the freshness of spinach. The Parmesan adds that perfect sharp and nutty finish, which makes the soup downright irresistible. I usually find myself craving this whenever I want something both comforting and full of flavor. It’s like all the best elements of Tuscan cooking packed into one delicious pot.

What makes this recipe stand out for me is how incredibly straightforward it is to prepare, despite its fancy flavor profile. The ingredients are everyday staples that come together quickly, and the method allows for a lot of flexibility, which I love. Whether I’m entertaining guests or just making a family meal, it always feels special but never overwhelming. It’s one of those recipes that feels gourmet but is beginner-friendly, making it perfect for all occasions—chilly nights, lunch gatherings, or even a hearty meal prep option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with small, pale pink pieces of raw chicken placed at the center. The chicken pieces have a smooth, moist texture and are piled loosely in the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and behind it is a wrinkled dark purple cloth draped casually, adding a soft contrast to the scene. The overall setting is simple and clean, focusing on the chicken's natural color and shape photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this soup lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each contributing to a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and color. Using fresh vegetables and quality chicken broth here really elevates the final dish, while the spinach and sundried tomatoes add those vibrant pops of flavor and color I adore.

Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity note.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Tender diced chicken that soaks up the flavors beautifully.
Italian Seasoning: Infuses the dish with classic Italian herbs that give it that rustic Tuscan feel.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Diced carrots, celery, and onions: The holy trinity of soup veggies that add sweetness, aroma, and texture.
Diced sundried tomatoes: A tangy, sun-kissed flavor boost that deepens the soup’s character.
Garlic cloves: Minced to bring that aromatic punch everyone loves in Tuscan cuisine.
Flour: Helps thicken the soup to a luscious, creamy consistency without heaviness.
Tomato paste (optional): Adds a subtle hint of rich tomato flavor and color.
Chicken broth: The soul of the soup, adding savory depth and moisture.
Italian small shell pasta: Small and tender pasta that soaks up the broth like a charm.
Heavy whipping cream: Creates that dreamy, velvety texture that sets this soup apart.
Grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese: Adds the perfect sharp, nutty finish to round out the dish.
Fresh spinach: Introduces freshness and a lovely green color, balancing the richness.

Directions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken along with 1 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s browned on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: In the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they become translucent and fragrant, roughly 3 to 4 minutes. This builds the flavor base for the soup.

Step 3: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and chicken, stirring constantly to combine and avoid lumps. Add the flour gradually to prevent the mixture from becoming too dry. If you’re using tomato paste, add it now and stir well to incorporate it throughout.

Step 4: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any flour clumps and deglaze the bottom of the pot by scraping up any browned bits with your spoon. This step ensures a silky smooth soup base full of flavor.

Step 5: Bring the soup mixture to a rolling boil. Add the pasta along with the remaining teaspoon of Italian Seasoning, and season again with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pasta is al dente. You can also cook pasta separately if preferred and add it later.

Step 6: Uncover the pot and stir in the heavy whipping cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt fully into the creamy broth.

Step 7: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe serves approximately 10 generous portions, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. The prep time is about 10 minutes since most ingredients require short dicing and minimal hands-on work. Cook time is around 40 minutes, including the simmering and final melding of flavors. Total time from start to finish is roughly 50 minutes, and no additional resting or cooling time is necessary — this soup is best enjoyed while it’s piping hot and fresh.

How to Serve This Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

This image shows a white bowl filled with creamy orange soup that has bits of bright green spinach leaves and chunks of red sun-dried tomatoes scattered throughout. The soup is thick with small pasta shells mixed inside, giving a textured look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred purple cloth in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this soup warm and comforting, straight from the pot into wide, deep bowls to showcase its creamy texture and colorful veggies. To complement its rich flavor, it pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up any remaining broth. A fresh green side salad can provide a crisp contrast, perfect for rounding out the meal.

For a bit of flair, I often garnish each bowl with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. It makes the presentation inviting and adds another subtle layer of flavor. If I’m serving guests, I like to place small bowls of Parmesan and chili flakes on the table so everyone can customize their soup to taste.

When it comes to beverages, this soup is versatile. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc balances the creaminess nicely, and for a non-alcoholic choice, sparkling water with a twist of lemon brightens the palate. This recipe works wonderfully for cozy family dinners, casual lunch parties, or when you want to impress your loved ones with something both hearty and elegant. Just remember, it’s best served hot to fully enjoy its luscious creaminess.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to switch things up, try using turkey instead of chicken for a slightly different protein but similar texture. For a gluten-free version, I swap the flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch, and use gluten-free pasta, which keeps the soup just as creamy and comforting.

If you prefer a lighter touch, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. For a vegan adaptation, omit the chicken entirely and use vegetable broth, add firm tofu or chickpeas for protein, and skip the cheese or use a vegan Parmesan substitute. The sundried tomatoes and spinach still provide plenty of hearty flavor and color.

Cooking method-wise, I sometimes use my slow cooker to let all the flavors meld perfectly over several hours, although I find the stovetop version gives me more control over texture. You could also experiment with adding extras like mushrooms or kale for more earthiness and nutrition. The key is to keep the creamy, cheesy base that defines this soup’s soul.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover soup in airtight containers — glass containers with tight-fitting lids work best for keeping flavors fresh and avoiding spills. This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. It’s important to cool the soup to room temperature before refrigeration to maintain the best texture and safety.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully, which makes it a great make-ahead meal. I freeze it in portion-sized freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some headspace as the soup will expand slightly when frozen. To preserve the texture best, I recommend freezing the soup without the pasta if possible, as pasta can sometimes get mushy after thawing and reheating. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If you froze the pasta separately, add it in once the soup is hot. Avoid microwaving for long periods as it can separate the cream or cause uneven heating. To bring back the silky texture, I sometimes whisk in a splash of extra cream or broth right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta in this soup?

Absolutely! While I prefer Italian small shells because they hold the broth nicely, you can use other small shapes like ditalini, orzo, or even broken up spaghetti. Just adjust cooking times so the pasta doesn’t overcook or turn mushy.

Is it necessary to brown the chicken first?

Yes, browning the chicken adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a slightly caramelized texture that enriches the overall soup. You can skip it in a pinch, but you’ll notice a difference in complexity without that step.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Definitely! The soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to marry. Just reheat gently and add a bit of cream or cheese if it seems too thick after refrigeration.

What if I don’t have sundried tomatoes?

You can substitute with a few chopped sun-dried tomato halves in oil, roasted red peppers, or omit them entirely. They add tang and umami, but the soup is still wonderful without them.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, and consider using chicken breast over thighs for leaner protein. Reducing the amount of cheese or using a lower-fat variety can also help.

Conclusion

This Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe truly feels like one of those special dishes that you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. It’s rich, comforting, and full of vibrant flavors that never get old. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, I promise this soup will become one of your go-to recipes for cozy meals. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it wins over hearts and appetites!