Name: Tuscan Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487639H28M6S
Total time: PT-487639H28M6S
Cuisine: Tuscan
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb chicken breast or Italian sausage (or both), diced or crumbled; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed; 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 cups baby spinach (or kale, chopped); 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess); Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish); Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

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Tuscan Soup is a rich, hearty, and flavorful soup that’s inspired by the flavors of Tuscany. Packed with fresh vegetables, creamy beans, and tender chunks of chicken or sausage, this soup is the perfect comfort food for any season. It’s a wholesome dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying, making it ideal for a cozy dinner with family or friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tuscan Soup is a bowl of pure comfort. The creamy texture of the beans and the savory, aromatic broth create a perfect balance, while the vegetables and protein add depth and heartiness. The hint of rosemary and garlic makes it wonderfully fragrant, and it’s all brought together with a touch of cream for added richness. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or looking for a meal to feed a crowd, this soup delivers both warmth and flavor in every spoonful.

Tuscan Soup Recipe

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb chicken breast or Italian sausage (or both), diced or crumbled
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups baby spinach (or kale, chopped)
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Protein:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken or crumbled sausage, and cook until browned and cooked through. If using chicken, cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using sausage, cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove the cooked meat from the pot and set it aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
Add Broth and Tomatoes:
- Stir in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Add the Beans and Greens:
- Stir in the white beans and spinach (or kale). Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and the beans are heated through.
Add Seasonings:
- Stir in the dried rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a creamier soup, add the heavy cream at this point and stir well to combine.
Combine the Meat:
- Return the cooked chicken or sausage to the pot and stir it in. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to heat the meat through.
Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 6 servings and takes about 40-45 minutes to prepare, including cooking time for the meat and vegetables.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and use vegetable broth. Add extra beans or roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more heartiness.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to give the soup a bit of heat.
Use Different Greens: If you don’t have spinach or kale, you can substitute with Swiss chard or any leafy green you like.
Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, skip the cream and reduce the amount of olive oil used for cooking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover Tuscan soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the soup in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it if it thickens too much. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made a day ahead of time. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken would work great in this recipe. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey breast or chicken breast are both excellent substitutes for sausage.

How can I make this soup more flavorful?

If you like a deeper flavor, you can add a balsamic vinegar to the soup. You can also boost the seasoning with fresh garlic, fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Can I add potatoes to this soup?

Yes! You can add diced potatoes for extra heartiness. Just add them at the same time as the carrots, so they have enough time to cook through.

Conclusion

Tuscan Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both hearty and healthy. With its vibrant vegetables, creamy beans, and rich broth, this soup is perfect for any meal, from a weeknight dinner to a cozy lunch. The addition of fresh greens, savory meat, and a hint of cream gives it a perfect balance of flavors, while the Parmesan cheese on top makes it even more indulgent. It’s the ultimate comfort food in a bowl!