Tuscan Style Chicken Soup is a warm and inviting dish, perfect for those chilly days when comfort food is a must. This traditional Italian soup brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy cannellini beans, creating a wholesome meal that satisfies both the body and soul. If you’re in search of a nutritious dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Tuscan Chicken Soup recipe is sure to delight.
Ingredients for Tuscan Style Chicken Soup
To create this flavorful masterpiece, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- 1 stick celery, sliced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 liter (4 cups) chicken stock (preferably homemade)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 400 g cooked cannellini beans, drained
- 2 skinless chicken breasts, shredded
- 100 g kale, chopped
- Small bunch parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
For Serving:
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Toasted granary bread
How to Make Tuscan Chicken Soup – Step by Step
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over low to medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 10 minutes until softened. Next, stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the kitchen is filled with a delightful aroma.
Step 2: Incorporate the Vegetables and Stock
Add the sliced celery, chopped carrots, and diced potatoes to the pan. Stir well to combine the ingredients. Pour in the chicken stock and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender.
Step 3: Add Cannellini Beans and Chicken
Gently stir in the drained cannellini beans and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add the shredded chicken, allowing it to heat through for 2-3 more minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Kale and Final Touches
Stir in the chopped kale, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until wilted. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding a pinch more salt or pepper if desired.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, and sprigs of thyme. Serve alongside toasted granary bread for a truly comforting meal.
Helpful Tips for Perfecting Tuscan Style Chicken Soup
- Homemade Chicken Stock: For an even richer flavor, opt for homemade chicken stock or high-quality store-bought stock.
- Gluten-Free Options: To make this soup gluten-free, serve it with gluten-free bread, such as Warburtons Newburn Bakehouse Seeded.
- Herbal Enhancements: Consider adding extra herbs like basil or oregano for an extra layer of flavor.
- Heartier Soup: If you prefer a heartier soup, feel free to add more beans or vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
Best Cooking Techniques for Tuscan Style Chicken Soup
- Slow Simmering: Letting the soup simmer gently allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a harmonious dish.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients, especially thyme and parsley, elevates the taste and aroma of your soup.
- Creamy Texture: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the cannellini beans before adding them back into the soup.
Serving Suggestions for Tuscan Chicken Soup
Pair this comforting Tuscan chicken soup with crusty, toasted granary bread for perfect dipping. You can also serve it with a light salad, such as a refreshing tomato and mozzarella salad, to balance the meal. A glass of crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, beautifully complements the flavors of this delightful soup.
Nutritional Information for Tuscan Chicken Soup
This nourishing Tuscan chicken soup offers a wonderful balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it both satisfying and healthy. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fats: 10 g
- Fiber: 8 g
Packed with vitamins A, C, and iron, this soup is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a nutrient-rich meal.
Storage and Leftovers for Tuscan Chicken Soup
To store any leftover Tuscan Chicken Soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat until heated through. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
When reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then gently reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions for Tuscan Chicken Soup
1. Can I substitute different beans in Tuscan chicken soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the cannellini beans for kidney beans, chickpeas, or butter beans.
2. How can I make the soup vegetarian?
To transform this soup into a vegetarian dish, simply replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock and omit the chicken, adding more beans or tofu for protein.
3. Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, this soup can easily be made in a slow cooker on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours; just add the kale in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. What should I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out thicker than desired, just add a little more chicken stock or water to achieve your preferred consistency.
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Conclusion
This Tuscan Style Chicken Soup is the epitome of comfort food, harmonizing hearty vegetables, tender chicken, and rich flavors into a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this recipe is bound to become a cherished favorite in your household. Savor each spoonful of warmth and love that this delightful soup brings to your table!