This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, tasty tomatoes, and a velvety cream blend, it’s sure to please everyone.
The sun-dried tomatoes really give it a rich flavor. It’s my go-to on chilly days, and I love pairing it with crusty bread. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps cook the aromatics. You can swap it with any oil you like, such as avocado or canola oil, but olive oil really brings a nice taste.
Onion: A medium onion offers sweetness and depth. If you’re short on onions, leeks can be a flavorful alternative!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These are the stars of the show! For a fresher option, use fresh tomatoes cooked down, but sun-dried really packs a punch in flavor. If you want less intensity, you can use roasted red peppers instead.
Heavy Cream: This makes the soup so creamy. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, or use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. If you don’t have any, Pecorino Romano is a good substitute. Nutritional yeast can work for vegan options.
How Do I Get the Richest Flavor in My Soup?
The key to a flavorful soup lies in properly sautéing your ingredients. Here are steps for maximum flavor:
- Start by heating your oils; they should shimmer before adding anything.
- Cook the onions until they soften and turn slightly golden, around 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and sauté briefly to release their flavors.
- Let the mixture simmer with the broth for a little while. This helps blend all the ingredients nicely.
- Mix in the cream slowly, and don’t let it boil; this keeps it silky and smooth.
By giving attention to these steps, you’ll create a comforting and deeply flavorful soup that everyone will love!
How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), chopped, plus 2 tablespoons oil reserved
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or Italian seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Additional Parmesan cheese, grated, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup will take about 30 minutes to make—10 minutes for prep and roughly 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick enough for a midweek dinner, and the comforting aroma will fill your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil along with the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it softens and starts turning translucent. This will build a great flavor base!
2. Add Garlic and Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2 minutes or until you can smell the delightful fragrance. This step is key for enhancing the soup’s flavor!
3. Combine with Spices and Broth:
Now, add the dried Italian herbs and stir everything together. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will meld all the flavors beautifully.
4. Add Chicken and Cream:
Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, ensuring it’s well mixed. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, reducing the heat to low. Gently warm the soup, avoiding a boil so it stays smooth and creamy!
5. Perfect the Flavor:
Add Parmesan cheese to the pot and stir until it’s melted and smooth. Taste the soup and season it with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’d like a bit of heat.
6. Stir in the Greens:
Add the chopped spinach to the soup and let it cook for about 2 minutes until wilted. This not only adds color but also nutrients!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Serve it warm with some crusty bread for a truly comforting meal!
Enjoy this rich, creamy, and comforting soup packed with bright sun-dried tomato flavor and tender chicken!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred enough to equal about 2 cups, and stir it in when the dish calls for cooked chicken.
What if I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option or use whole milk with a couple of tablespoons of flour whisked in to thicken it up. Just remember the soup won’t be as creamy!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If it thickens up too much, just add a little broth or water to loosen it.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to add other veggies like diced carrots or bell peppers. Just sauté them with the onions to ensure they’re cooked through. This will enhance the soup’s flavor and nutrition!
