Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup that combines the rich flavors of Italy with the irresistible crunch of bacon. Imagine a bowl of pure comfort that's so creamy, so flavorful, and so satisfying that it'll become your new go-to recipe for those nights when you crave something truly special. Whether you're looking to impress your family or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this soup promises to be a game-changer in your recipe collection!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Italian seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the bacon, chop the onion, mince the garlic, shred the cooked chicken breast, and chop the sun-dried tomatoes. Rinse the spinach if needed and set aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot for added flavor.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté it in the bacon fat over medium heat until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the shredded chicken, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- After 10 minutes, stir in the heavy cream and spinach. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and the soup is heated through.
- Finally, return the crispy bacon to the pot, stir to combine, and taste the soup. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Italian seasoning as desired.
- Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup with Bacon!
Tips
- Bacon Brilliance: For maximum flavor, use thick-cut bacon and cook it until it's perfectly crispy. The bacon fat adds incredible depth to the soup's base.
- Chicken Perfection: Use freshly cooked and shredded chicken for the best texture. Rotisserie chicken works great as a time-saving alternative.
- Cream Control: Add the heavy cream at the end of cooking to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky texture.
- Seasoning Secrets: Don't be shy with the Italian seasoning! Taste and adjust as you go to build layers of flavor.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance.
- Texture Tip: For a slightly thicker soup, you can blend a small portion of the soup and return it to the pot, or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water.
- Storage Hack: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
