Tuscan Wholesome White Bean & Chicken Soup
Warm up with this delightful Tuscan-inspired white bean and chicken soup, packed with vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients. This heartwarming dish features tender chicken, creamy cannellini beans, and fresh spinach, all simmered to perfection with aromatic shallots and garlic. It's an easy-to-prepare meal that's perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Enjoy a bowl of comfort that’s not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a must-have in your weeknight dinner rotation.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (None)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Halves
4 (Cut into bite-size pieces)
Shallots
2 (Minced)
Garlic Cloves
2 (Minced)
Cannellini Beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (Rinsed and drained)
Reduced-Sodium Chicken Broth
2 (14 ounce) cans (None)
Baby Carrots
1 cup (Cut in half)
Diced Tomato
1 cup (Seeded and diced)
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing Mix
1 (1 ounce) packet (None)
Parmesan Rind
1 piece (None)
Fresh Spinach
1 (10 ounce) bag (Coarsely chopped)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
To taste (For serving)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2
Add the chicken pieces along with the minced shallots and garlic. Stir frequently until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
3
Incorporate the rinsed cannellini beans, reduced-sodium chicken broth, halved baby carrots, diced tomatoes, and the Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing Mix. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
Add the coarsely chopped fresh spinach to the pot and simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the spinach is just wilted.
6
Carefully remove the parmesan rind from the soup and discard it.
7
Ladle the soup into serving bowls and finish with a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tuscan Wholesome White Bean & Chicken Soup?
It is a nourishing, Italian-inspired soup made with tender chicken, creamy cannellini beans, fresh spinach, and aromatic vegetables in a savory broth.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-size pieces for even cooking.
What kind of beans should I use?
Cannellini beans are used in this recipe for their creamy texture and traditional Tuscan flavor.
How do I prepare the shallots and garlic?
Both the shallots and the garlic cloves should be finely minced before being added to the pot.
What is the purpose of the parmesan rind?
The parmesan rind is simmered in the soup to add a rich, salty, and savory depth of flavor to the broth.
Can I substitute the spinach?
Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach with kale or swiss chard, though they may require a slightly longer simmering time to soften.
Is the Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing Mix necessary?
The ranch mix provides a unique blend of herbs and seasonings that simplifies the flavoring process for this specific recipe.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for about 15 minutes after boiling to let the flavors meld, plus an additional 2 to 3 minutes once the spinach is added.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but ensure it is thawed and squeezed dry of excess moisture before adding it to the soup.
What should I do with the parmesan rind before serving?
You should carefully remove the parmesan rind from the pot and discard it before ladling the soup into bowls.
How many shallots are needed?
The recipe requires 2 minced shallots.
Can I use regular chicken broth instead of reduced-sodium?
Yes, but you may want to adjust any additional salt you add, as the parmesan and ranch mix already contain sodium.
How do I prepare the baby carrots?
The baby carrots should be cut in half before being added to the soup.
What type of tomatoes are best?
The recipe suggests using fresh diced tomatoes that have been seeded.
Can I substitute the chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used if you prefer darker meat.
How do I garnish this soup?
Finish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese to taste.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is designed as a simple, one-pot meal that is perfect for weeknight dinners.
Can I use dried beans?
If using dried beans, they must be soaked and fully cooked before being added to this soup recipe.
What equipment is needed?
A large Dutch oven is recommended for heating the oil and simmering the soup.
How many cans of beans are required?
You will need two 15-ounce cans of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly! Celery or zucchini would make excellent additions to this Tuscan-style soup.
How much olive oil is used?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used to sauté the chicken, shallots, and garlic.
Is this soup healthy?
Yes, it is packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and nutrient-dense spinach and carrots.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors often develop and improve if made a day in advance; just add the spinach when reheating.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
What is the serving size for the ranch mix?
The recipe uses one standard 1-ounce packet of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing Mix.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, it freezes well, though the vegetables may be slightly softer upon thawing and reheating.
What if I don't have a parmesan rind?
You can omit it, but you may want to add a bit more grated parmesan at the end to compensate for the savory flavor.
What is the total cooking time?
Excluding prep, the soup cooks in approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
Does the recipe require salt?
Additional salt is generally not needed due to the ranch mix, broth, and parmesan, but you can season to taste at the end.