Tuscan Herb Chicken Soup

Table of Contents

• The Essence of Italian Chicken Soup
• Notes From Our Kitchen
• Mastering the Key Ingredients
• How To Prepare Italian Chicken Soup (Instant Pot or Stovetop)
• More Inviting Italian Soup Recipes
• Printable Italian Chicken Soup Recipe

Mastering the Key Ingredients

Understanding the role of each ingredient is key to perfecting this flavorful Italian chicken soup. Below, we delve into why certain choices are made and offer smart substitutions. The complete list of ingredients, with precise quantities, can be found in the detailed printable recipe card further down.

• AROMATIC VEGETABLES: The foundation of any great soup begins with a robust aromatic base. Our recipe utilizes a classic Italian soffritto blend of onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, expertly sautéed in quality olive oil. This combination isn’t just for texture; it’s crucial for building layers of savory depth and a welcoming fragrance that permeates the entire dish. Don’t rush this step, as properly softened aromatics release their full flavor potential.
• CHICKEN THIGHS: For this soup, we highly recommend skinless, bone-in chicken thighs. The bones are instrumental in enriching the broth with a deeper, more complex chicken flavor, which is a hallmark of truly comforting soup. Removing the skin beforehand helps to control the fat content, especially important for Instant Pot cooking where skimming fat isn’t as straightforward as on the stovetop. While boneless chicken thighs can be used, and the soup will still be delicious without any recipe adjustments, be aware that the flavor profile might be slightly less profound without the bones. If using boneless, consider adding an extra splash of broth or a chicken bouillon cube for an added flavor boost. Chicken breasts can also work, though they cook faster and tend to be less moist; adjust cooking times accordingly.
• CHICKEN BROTH: The choice of broth significantly impacts the soup’s overall taste. We advocate for low-sodium chicken broth because it grants you complete control over the seasoning. This allows you to adjust the salt to your preference without the risk of an overly salty soup. Feel free to use homemade chicken broth for an even richer flavor, or a high-quality store-bought option. Vegetable broth can be a suitable alternative for those seeking a lighter flavor or specific dietary needs.
• DICED TOMATOES: A cup of canned, drained diced tomatoes adds a lovely, subtle acidity and a touch of sweetness to the broth, giving it that characteristic Italian inflection. If you prefer a more pronounced tomato flavor, you can increase the quantity or opt not to drain them fully, allowing more of the tomato liquid to contribute to the broth. For an even deeper tomato richness, a tablespoon of tomato paste, sautéed with the aromatics, can work wonders.
• FRESH GREENS: Incorporating fresh greens not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds a wonderful texture and earthy flavor. Escarole is our top choice due to its slightly bitter, yet refreshing taste, and its ability to cook relatively quickly while holding its structure well in the hot broth. Other excellent substitutions include kale (remember to remove the tough stems and chop finely), spinach (add towards the very end as it wilts rapidly), or Swiss chard (leaves only, with tough stems removed). Each green offers a slightly different character, allowing you to customize the soup to your liking.
• PASTA: Ditalini, small tube-shaped pasta, is traditionally used in Italian chicken soup and is our pasta of choice. Its petite size is perfect for spooning and ensures a harmonious balance with the other ingredients. However, other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or mini shells are also excellent options. We’ve experimented with even smaller cuts such as orzo and pastina, but found they tend to release too much starch, leading to an undesirably thick soup. If you prefer using these tiny pastas, we suggest cooking them separately according to package directions and adding them directly to individual servings to maintain the desired broth consistency.
• GRATED PARMESAN: A generous topping of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is more than just a garnish; it adds a fantastic savory depth (umami), a creamy texture as it melts, and a salty tang that beautifully complements the soup. We recommend serving it at the table alongside a grater, allowing everyone to add it to their taste preference. Pecorino Romano can also be used for a sharper, saltier kick.
• FRESH PARSLEY: A final sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley before serving provides a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a vibrant pop of color, making the soup not only delicious but also visually appealing. Don’t underestimate the power of fresh herbs to brighten up a dish. Fresh basil or oregano could also be considered for a different aromatic touch.

How To Prepare Italian Chicken Soup (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

Ready to create this comforting Italian chicken soup? Here’s a concise overview of the steps involved, designed to guide you through both Instant Pot and stovetop methods. For comprehensive, step-by-step instructions and precise measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card provided below.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN: Proper preparation sets the stage for a perfect soup. Start by carefully trimming any excess fat from your chicken thighs. This helps prevent the soup from becoming overly greasy. Once trimmed, generously season both sides of the chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set the seasoned chicken aside, allowing the flavors to penetrate while you prepare the aromatics.

SAUTÉ THE AROMATICS: This crucial step builds the flavor base for your soup. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat. If you’re using an Instant Pot, select the “Sauté” function. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the hot oil. Sauté these vegetables gently, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and become translucent, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This process allows them to release their natural sweetness and develop a rich aroma. Next, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for just 1 minute more, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

COOK THE CHICKEN: Once your aromatics are beautifully softened and fragrant, carefully layer the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the vegetables in the pot. Pour 3 cups of the low-sodium chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. This initial amount of broth is essential for cooking the chicken and infusing it with flavor.

• Stovetop Method: If you’re using the stovetop, cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and bring the chicken to a slow, gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 45 to 50 minutes. The goal is fork-tender chicken that is thoroughly cooked through, ensuring it will be easy to shred later and full of flavor.
• Instant Pot Method: For the Instant Pot, switch off the “Sauté” function and select “Manual” (or “Pressure Cook” on newer models). Set the cooking time to 18 minutes at high pressure. Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully release the pressure manually by turning the steam valve to the venting position. Be cautious of the hot steam.

REMOVE THE CHICKEN: After the chicken has finished cooking (regardless of the method used), use a pair of tongs to carefully transfer the cooked chicken thighs from the pot to a clean cutting board. Allow the chicken to cool sufficiently so it’s comfortable to handle. This cooling period is important for ease of shredding.

COOK THE PASTA AND GREENS: With the chicken removed, add the remaining 2 cups of chicken broth to the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high (or switch back to the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot) and bring the broth to a rapid simmer. Once the broth is actively simmering, add the ditalini pasta. Cook the pasta for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. After 5 minutes, stir in the roughly chopped escarole and the drained diced tomatoes. Continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the greens have wilted beautifully and the pasta is perfectly al dente – tender with a slight bite.

SHRED THE CHICKEN: While the pasta and greens are simmering, take the cooled chicken thighs and carefully remove the bones. Using two forks or your hands (once cool enough), shred the tender chicken meat into bite-sized pieces. As soon as the pasta and greens are cooked to your liking, return the shredded chicken back to the soup pot. Stir it gently to combine and allow the chicken to heat through.

FINISH AND SERVE THE SOUP: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to your preference. Ladle the hearty Italian chicken soup into individual serving bowls. For the perfect finishing touch, garnish each bowl generously with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a heap of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors!

More Inviting Italian Soup Recipes

If this hearty Italian chicken soup has piqued your interest in comforting Italian-inspired meals, you’re in luck! Italian cuisine offers a treasure trove of satisfying and flavorful soups perfect for any dinner occasion. Here are a few more suggestions to expand your culinary journey:

• Minestrone Soup With Sausage: This classic, robust minestrone, made even heartier with the addition of savory sausage, is an excellent choice for a traditional Sunday supper with the family. Its medley of vegetables, pasta, and beans makes it a complete meal. Serve it alongside warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a truly authentic experience.
• Italian Wedding Soup: Don’t let the name fool you – this soup isn’t just for weddings! The delightful little meatballs, often made from a combination of meats and seasonings, are a labor of love, but the effort is undeniably well worth it. This soup, with its tender greens and small pasta, is always a cherished hit, bringing smiles to everyone at the table.
• Pasta e Fagioli (Pasta and Beans): A truly rustic and incredibly comforting Italian soup-stew, Pasta e Fagioli is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients. This economical dish combines various pasta shapes with nutritious beans in a savory tomato-based broth, making it an easy-to-prepare and deeply satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and budget-friendly.