Looking for a cozy, flavorful dish to warm your heart? This Tuscan Style Chicken Soup is the perfect blend of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and hearty cannellini beans, all wrapped up in a warm broth. If you love comforting Italian dishes, you will adore this easy-to-make recipe. Let’s dive into how you can create this delightful Tuscan-inspired chicken soup right at home!
Introduction to Tuscan Style Chicken Soup
Originating from the beautiful region of Tuscany, this chicken soup embodies the best of Italian comfort food with its use of simple, rustic ingredients like beans, chicken, and fresh herbs. This recipe not only captures the rich flavors of Italian cuisine, but it’s also a nourishing, filling meal, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy lunches. It’s a must-try for fans of wholesome soups that are both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients for Tuscan Style Chicken Soup
To make this Tuscan Chicken Soup, you’ll need:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion (peeled and chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- 1 stick of celery (sliced)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 2 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 liter (4 cups) chicken stock (ideally homemade, gluten-free if required)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 400 g (14 oz) cannellini beans (cooked, drained)
- 2 skinless cooked chicken breasts (shredded)
- 100 g (3.5 oz) chopped kale
- Small bunch of fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese
Optional for Serving:
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Toasted granary bread (gluten-free if required)
Feel free to substitute ingredients to accommodate allergies or preferences. For instance, you can swap cannellini beans for chickpeas, or use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter, richer taste.
How to Make Tuscan Style Chicken Soup – Step by Step
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. This step releases the sweetness of the onions, making a perfect base for your soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs
Next, toss in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another 2 minutes. This adds depth and a rich aroma to the soup base.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Simmer
Throw in the sliced celery, chopped carrots, and diced potatoes. Stir them into the mixture, ensuring they’re coated with the oil and herbs. Pour in the chicken stock and season with salt and black pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Add Beans and Chicken
Stir in the drained cannellini beans and let the soup cook for another 5 minutes. Then, add the shredded chicken, allowing it to warm through for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Wilt the Kale
Add the chopped kale to the soup and stir until it wilts, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, and a sprig of thyme. Serve with slices of toasted granary bread on the side.
Helpful Tips for Making the Best Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Use Homemade Chicken Stock: For a richer, more flavorful broth, use homemade chicken stock if possible.
- Don’t Skip the Parmesan: The Parmesan adds a nutty, umami depth to the soup that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Substitute Beans or Greens: If you’re out of cannellini beans, feel free to substitute them with chickpeas or another favorite legume. You can also swap kale for spinach or Swiss chard.
Cooking Tips for the Best Tuscan Chicken Soup
- Layer Your Flavors: Start by sautéing onions and garlic before adding your broth. This layering of flavors helps build a rich, complex taste.
- Shred Your Chicken: Shredded chicken blends better with the soup’s texture than diced pieces. It also absorbs the broth’s flavors more effectively.
- Simmer Slowly: Allow the soup to simmer for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld. The longer it cooks, the more the vegetables and beans absorb the aromatic broth.
Serving Suggestions for Tuscan Chicken Soup
This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a slice of crusty Italian bread. For a classic Italian dining experience, serve it with a glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio, or for a gluten-free option, enjoy it with gluten-free bread or crackers.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Vitamin A: 50% DV
- Vitamin C: 40% DV
- Calcium: 15% DV
Storage and Leftovers for Tuscan Chicken Soup
This soup stores beautifully! Once cooled, transfer the leftover soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If you find the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it up.
For freezing, ladle the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Tuscan Chicken Soup
1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with extra beans or chickpeas and use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth.
2. Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Absolutely, just be sure to soak and cook them first. You’ll need about 1 ½ cups of dried beans to replace a can.
3. How can I make this gluten-free?
The soup itself is gluten-free. Just ensure that your chicken stock and any bread served are gluten-free as well.
4. Can I add other vegetables?
Feel free to customize this soup by adding zucchini, bell peppers, or even spinach for added nutrients and color.
Related Recipes for Soup Lovers
If you love this Tuscan Chicken Soup, you might also enjoy these flavorful recipes from our partner website:
Conclusion
There you have it—a warm, hearty, and delicious Tuscan Style Chicken Soup that’s easy to make and perfect for any season. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or just need a cozy meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Give it a try, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite veggies or toppings!
Print
Tuscan Style Chicken Soup Recipe – Hearty & Delicious
Description
Looking for a cozy, flavorful dish to warm your heart? This Tuscan Style Chicken Soup is the perfect blend of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and hearty cannellini beans, all wrapped up in a warm broth. If you love comforting Italian dishes, you will adore this easy-to-make recipe. Let’s dive into how you can create this delightful Tuscan-inspired chicken soup right at home!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion (peeled and chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- 1 stick of celery (sliced)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 2 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 liter (4 cups) chicken stock (ideally homemade, gluten-free if required)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 400 g (14 oz) cannellini beans (cooked, drained)
- 2 skinless cooked chicken breasts (shredded)
- 100 g (3.5 oz) chopped kale
- Small bunch of fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese
Optional for Serving:
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Toasted granary bread (gluten-free if required)
Feel free to substitute ingredients to accommodate allergies or preferences. For instance, you can swap cannellini beans for chickpeas, or use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter, richer taste.
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. This step releases the sweetness of the onions, making a perfect base for your soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs
Next, toss in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another 2 minutes. This adds depth and a rich aroma to the soup base.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Simmer
Throw in the sliced celery, chopped carrots, and diced potatoes. Stir them into the mixture, ensuring they’re coated with the oil and herbs. Pour in the chicken stock and season with salt and black pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Add Beans and Chicken
Stir in the drained cannellini beans and let the soup cook for another 5 minutes. Then, add the shredded chicken, allowing it to warm through for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Wilt the Kale
Add the chopped kale to the soup and stir until it wilts, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, and a sprig of thyme. Serve with slices of toasted granary bread on the side.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →
Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
Buy Now →Notes
- Use Homemade Chicken Stock: For a richer, more flavorful broth, use homemade chicken stock if possible.
- Don’t Skip the Parmesan: The Parmesan adds a nutty, umami depth to the soup that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Substitute Beans or Greens: If you’re out of cannellini beans, feel free to substitute them with chickpeas or another favorite legume. You can also swap kale for spinach or Swiss chard.
