Description
This Tuscan Chicken Soup is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, hearty white beans, and fresh spinach in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this easy-to-make soup offers a blend of savory herbs, protein-packed chicken, and wholesome vegetables. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s the ideal weeknight dinner that is also customizable to suit different tastes or dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (e.g., cannellini), drained and rinsed
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pot and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts, shred with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add Beans and Spinach: Stir in drained beans and fresh spinach leaves. Simmer for 5 minutes until spinach wilts and beans are heated through.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with crusty bread.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can swap chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the chicken, adding more beans or chickpeas for protein.
- Feel free to add additional veggies like zucchini, celery, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
