You know those recipes that make you say, “Wow, I could eat this every day”? That’s exactly how I felt when I first made this Marry Me Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup. It all started one rainy afternoon when I needed serious comfort food, something rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. After testing countless versions (my family was very willing taste-testers!), I landed on this perfect blend of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and just the right amount of cream. The name? Let’s just say it’s so good, it might inspire proposals, or at least second helpings!
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
This soup isn’t just delicious, it’s downright magical. Here’s why you’ll be head over heels after one bite:
- Comfort in a bowl: That creamy, velvety texture hugs your soul, especially on chilly nights or when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Better than takeout: Ready in 30 minutes flat (yes, really!), making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something homemade but don’t want to fuss.
- Immune-boosting goodness: Garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes pack a nutritional punch, great for fighting off colds or just staying healthy.
- Crave-worthy flavor: The sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet-tangy depth that makes this soup taste like it simmered all day (but shh, our little secret).
- Endlessly adaptable: Keto? Dairy-free? Just swap a few ingredients (I’ll show you how later). It’s like the soup version of your favorite cozy sweater, fits everyone.
Irresistible Marry Me Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup in 30 Minutes
A rich and creamy Tuscan-inspired chicken soup packed with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for cozy nights or when you need comfort food.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat, add heavy cream, and stir well.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a keto version, use full-fat cream.
- Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free.
- Add extra veggies like zucchini for more nutrients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredients for Marry Me Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Gather these simple ingredients, each one plays a special role in creating that rich, comforting flavor:
- Proteins: 1 lb chicken breast, diced (about 2 medium breasts)
- Veggies: 1 onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained); 2 cups fresh spinach
- Liquids: 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream
- Seasonings: 1 tsp Italian seasoning; salt and pepper to taste
- Fat: 2 tbsp olive oil (for that perfect golden sear on the chicken)
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
Don’t stress if you’re missing something, this soup is super flexible!
- Dairy-free? Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk (the canned kind, trust me, it works!).
- Extra flavor boost: Add 2 slices of chopped turkey bacon when sautéing the onions.
- More veggies: Toss in diced zucchini or mushrooms with the onions, they soak up all that delicious broth.
- Keto tip: Stick with full-fat cream and check your broth for hidden sugars.
- Short on time? Use pre-minced garlic (about 1 tbsp), but fresh makes all the difference!
How to Make Marry Me Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Okay, let’s get cooking! This soup comes together so easily, just follow these simple steps for that dreamy, creamy result every time:
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown (about 5 minutes). Don’t stir too much, you want that nice color! Transfer to a plate.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add onions and cook until soft (3-4 minutes). Add garlic and stir for just 30 seconds, burnt garlic is the enemy here!
- Build flavor: Toss in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, stirring to coat everything in those delicious oils.
- Simmer it right: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits (that’s flavor gold!). Return chicken to pot and simmer for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Creamy magic: Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream, and let it warm through (2-3 minutes). Taste and adjust salt and pepper, this is your moment!
- Finish with greens: Add spinach last, stirring just until wilted (about 1 minute). Overcooked spinach turns sad and gray, we want vibrant green!
Pro tip: If your soup seems too thick, add a splash of broth. Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. Either way, you win!
Equipment You’ll Need
No fancy gadgets required, just grab these basics:
- Large pot (I use my 5-quart Dutch oven)
- Wooden spoon (for all that stirring)
- Measuring cups (for cream and broth)
- Chef’s knife (for chopping)
- Tongs (optional, but great for chicken)
Tips for the Best Marry Me Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Want to take your soup from great to “marry me” worthy? These little tricks make all the difference:
- Spinach secrets: Always use fresh spinach, it gives that bright pop of color and flavor. Frozen works in a pinch, but drain it well to avoid watering down your soup.
- Cream control: Love it extra creamy? Add an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Watching calories? Use half broth, half cream, still delicious!
- Broth boost: Double the broth for a lighter, soupier version (perfect if you’re fighting a cold and need extra hydration).
- Flavor saver: Leftovers? Stir in a splash of broth when reheating, it brings back that silky texture perfectly.
Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Oh, the joy of ladling this soup into bowls, now let’s talk about how to make it a meal! A hunk of crusty bread is non-negotiable for dunking (I’m partial to sourdough), or go wild with garlic knots for extra coziness. For a lighter touch, pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon. And here’s my family’s favorite trick: shower each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan right at the table, the kids love watching it melt into creamy ribbons. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone linger at the table for seconds… and thirds!
Storage & Reheating
Here’s the good news, this soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do it gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth to bring back that luxurious creaminess. (Microwaving works in a pinch, but tends to make the cream separate, still tasty, just not as pretty!) Pro tip: Freezing isn’t recommended since the cream changes texture, but honestly? It never lasts long enough in our house to worry about freezing!
Marry Me Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup Nutritional Info
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each comforting bowl (nutrition will vary slightly based on your exact ingredients): Each serving packs about 320 calories, with 18g fat (8g saturated) from that luscious cream, and a hearty 25g protein thanks to the chicken. You’re also getting 3g fiber from the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, not bad for something this creamy! Remember, if you tweak the recipe (like using coconut milk), these numbers will change, but the soul-warming flavor stays the same.
FAQs About Marry Me Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the things people ask me most about this dreamy soup:
Can I freeze this soup? Honestly, I don’t recommend it, the cream tends to separate when thawed, and the texture just isn’t the same. But here’s a secret: the recipe halves beautifully if you’re cooking for one or two!
Is it keto-friendly? Absolutely! Just stick with full-fat cream (none of that “light” stuff) and double-check your chicken broth for sneaky added sugars. With those tweaks, you’ve got a perfect low-carb chicken soup that fits your macros.
How can I add some heat? Oh, I love this question! A pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions adds the perfect kick. Or for serious spice lovers, stir in some diced jalapeños with the garlic, just warn your dinner guests first!
Did this soup steal your heart like it did mine? I’d love to hear! Drop a comment below with your favorite tweaks or tag me on social media, nothing makes me happier than seeing your cozy soup creations! You can find more inspiration for cozy meals over at Family Tastes.