Tuscan Chicken Soup is a simple, comforting soup made with tender chicken, garlic, creamy broth, and classic Tuscan flavors. I make this soup when I want something warm and satisfying without eating heavy or carb-filled food. It feels rich and cozy, yet it fits perfectly into a gluten-free, keto-friendly, low-carb, and high-protein lifestyle.
This soup works well for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep for busy weeks. You can make it quickly on the stovetop or let it slowly cook in a crockpot when you want a hands-off meal. Both methods give you the same creamy texture and bold flavor. It’s a great option when you want comfort food that still feels clean and nourishing.
Before we jump in, here’s a quick look at the recipe details.
| Recipe Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Calories (approx.) | 380 per serving |
| Protein | High |
| Carbohydrates | Low carb |
| Gluten-Free | Yes |
| Keto-Friendly | Yes |
| Dairy-Free | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Main Protein | Chicken |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Tuscan Chicken Soup is creamy and comforting without being heavy or overly rich. The balance of protein and healthy fats makes it filling while still feeling light.
It works well for multiple diets, including keto and gluten-free, which makes it great for family meals. You don’t need special ingredients to make it fit your lifestyle.
The flavors are deep and satisfying thanks to garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes. Every spoonful feels warm and well-seasoned.
You can make it on the stovetop or in the crockpot, depending on your schedule. Both methods give you a delicious result with minimal effort.
Ingredients to Make Tuscan Chicken Soup
This soup uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create rich Tuscan flavors. Everything listed below is low carb and chosen to keep the soup gluten-free and keto-friendly.
Boneless skinless chicken breast – 1.5 pounds
Chicken breast keeps the soup lean and high in protein. It becomes tender as it cooks and absorbs all the creamy flavors.
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics and adds a subtle richness. It also fits well into a keto-friendly diet.
Garlic – 6 cloves, minced
Garlic gives the soup its signature savory base. Fresh garlic works best for bold flavor.
Chicken broth – 4 cups
Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level. This forms the base of the soup and keeps it light.
Heavy cream – 1 cup
Heavy cream creates the creamy texture without adding carbs. It also balances the garlic and herbs.
Sun-dried tomatoes – ½ cup, chopped
Sun-dried tomatoes add a slightly sweet and tangy Tuscan flavor. Choose ones packed in oil for better texture.
Fresh spinach – 3 cups
Spinach adds color, nutrients, and freshness. It wilts perfectly into the hot soup.
Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
Parmesan thickens the soup slightly and adds depth. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
Italian seasoning brings together classic Tuscan herbs. It adds warmth without overpowering the soup.
Salt – to taste
Salt enhances all the flavors in the soup. Add gradually and adjust at the end.
Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
Black pepper adds gentle heat. Freshly ground pepper works best.
Red pepper flakes – optional
Red pepper flakes add a touch of spice if you like heat. This is completely optional.
Steps to Make Tuscan Chicken Soup
This soup can be made using two easy methods. Choose the stovetop method for faster cooking or the crockpot method for slow, deep flavor.
Stovetop Method
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. This helps the chicken cook evenly and absorb flavor early.
Step 2: Sauté garlic
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add minced garlic. Cook briefly until fragrant, making sure it does not brown.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
Add the chicken to the pot and cook until lightly golden on the outside. The chicken will finish cooking later in the broth.
Step 4: Add broth and seasoning
Pour in the chicken broth and add Italian seasoning and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir well and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Make it creamy
Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Keep stirring to maintain a smooth and creamy texture.
Step 6: Add spinach and cheese
Stir in fresh spinach until wilted, then add grated Parmesan cheese. Let it melt into the soup for added richness.
Step 7: Adjust seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed. Simmer briefly before serving.
Crockpot Method
Step 1: Add base ingredients
Place raw chicken, garlic, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes into the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
Step 2: Slow cook the chicken
Cover and cook on low until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop deeply.
Step 3: Shred or chop chicken
Remove the chicken, shred or cube it, and return it to the crockpot. This keeps the texture tender and even.
Step 4: Add creamy ingredients
Stir in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Cover and cook until the spinach wilts and the soup becomes creamy.
Step 5: Final seasoning
Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving. The soup is now ready to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
Tuscan Chicken Soup is best served hot when the broth is creamy and the flavors are fully developed. I like serving it right after cooking so the spinach stays vibrant and fresh.
You can enjoy this soup on its own for a light but filling meal. The high protein content makes it satisfying without needing extra sides.
If you want to add something alongside it, serve it with a small keto-friendly side. Almond flour bread or low-carb cheese crisps work very well.
For a family-style dinner, serve this soup in deep bowls with extra Parmesan on top. A light sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds warmth and color.
This soup also works great for lunch the next day. It reheats well and keeps you full for hours.
Meal Prep Tips: Can We Make Tuscan Chicken Soup in Advance?
Yes, Tuscan Chicken Soup is an excellent make-ahead recipe. The flavors actually improve as it sits, making it ideal for meal prep.
You can cook the soup completely and let it cool before storing it. Once cooled, portion it into airtight containers.
For best texture, avoid overcooking the spinach during the first cook. Slightly undercooked spinach will hold up better when reheated.
If you plan to prep several days ahead, you can add the spinach fresh while reheating. This keeps the soup looking bright and fresh.
The soup can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for busy weeks when you want ready-made meals.
Cooking Tips
Always use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level. Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes already add salt.
Keep the heat low when adding heavy cream to avoid curdling. Slow and gentle heat gives the smoothest texture.
Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking. This prevents some pieces from drying out.
Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded cheese. Fresh cheese melts better and gives a creamier finish.
If the soup becomes too thick, add a splash of broth. This helps adjust the consistency without changing flavor.
Taste the soup at the end rather than early. Flavors concentrate as the soup simmers.
Variations of Tuscan Chicken Soup
You can easily customize this soup while keeping it low carb and keto-friendly. Small changes can give it a new twist.
For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. This adds richness with a subtle flavor change.
To add more vegetables, include zucchini or cauliflower florets. Both are low carb and blend well into the soup.
You can use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. Thighs add extra richness and tenderness.
For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne. This gives the soup a warming kick.
You can also add mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Sauté them first for the best texture.
Storage Instructions
Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. Hot soup can create condensation inside containers.
Store the soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it stays fresh for up to four days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Use freezer-safe containers and leave space for expansion.
If freezing, note that the texture may change slightly due to the cream. Stir well after reheating to restore smoothness.
Label containers with the date for easy tracking. This helps avoid keeping it too long.
Can We Reheat Tuscan Chicken Soup?
Yes, Tuscan Chicken Soup reheats very well. It’s one of the reasons it’s great for leftovers.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat for best results. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or separation.
If reheating in the microwave, use short intervals. Stir between intervals to keep the soup creamy.
If the soup thickens after refrigeration, add a little broth or water. This helps bring it back to the original consistency.
Avoid boiling the soup during reheating. Gentle heat keeps the cream smooth and prevents curdling.
Recipe FAQs
Is Tuscan Chicken Soup really keto-friendly?
Yes, this soup is low in carbs and high in protein and fat. It fits well into a keto lifestyle when portioned properly.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, there are no gluten-containing ingredients in this recipe. Always double-check labels on broth and cheese.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, cooked rotisserie chicken works well. Add it later in the cooking process to avoid drying it out.
Can I make this soup thicker?
You can add extra Parmesan cheese for thickness. Simmering slightly longer also helps reduce the broth.
Does this soup freeze well?
It freezes well, but the cream may separate slightly. Stirring while reheating usually fixes the texture.
Can I add more protein?
You can increase the amount of chicken easily. This will make the soup even more filling.
Conclusion
Tuscan Chicken Soup is a comforting, creamy dish that fits into a healthy lifestyle without feeling restrictive. I love how it delivers rich flavor while staying gluten-free, keto-friendly, low carb, and high in protein.
Whether you make it on the stovetop or in the crockpot, this soup is simple and reliable. It’s perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or cozy meals at home.
With easy ingredients and flexible variations, it’s a recipe you can return to again and again. Once you try it, it’s likely to become a regular part of your meal rotation.
