Rich & Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, creamy soup that hits all the right notes—savory, rich, and packed with flavor. That’s exactly what this Rich & Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes delivers. I first created this recipe on a rainy evening when I craved something cozy but still wanted a touch of elegance. The combination of tender chicken, wilted spinach, and the sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes in a luscious, garlicky broth makes this dish feel both hearty and refined.

I love how this soup brings together pantry staples and fresh ingredients into something that feels gourmet without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or even as a starter at your next dinner party. One spoonful, and you’ll understand why this has become a repeat favorite in my home.

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Why You’ll Love This Rich & Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• Deep flavor with minimal effort – A combination of garlic, Italian herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes brings intense flavor fast.
• One-pot wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor.
• Creamy without being heavy – Thanks to just the right amount of cream and broth balance.
• Nutritious & satisfying – Protein-rich chicken and iron-packed spinach make it feel wholesome.
• Versatile for all seasons – Light enough for spring, cozy enough for fall and winter.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For this Rich & Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, I usually go with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and stay tender when simmered in the creamy broth. However, if you prefer a bit more flavor and richness, boneless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. They have slightly more fat, which adds a deeper savory element to the soup.

You can even use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time—just shred it and add it during the final few minutes of cooking to warm it through. The key is to avoid overcooking the chicken so it stays juicy and tender in every bite.

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Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re working with dietary restrictions or just missing an ingredient, this soup is flexible:

• Chicken Substitute: Use turkey, tofu, or even white beans for a vegetarian version.
• Heavy Cream Alternative: Swap in coconut cream or full-fat canned coconut milk for a dairy-free option, or use half-and-half for a lighter soup.
• Spinach Swap: Kale, Swiss chard, or arugula can be used instead of spinach. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers offer a similar sweetness and pop of color.
• Broth Base: Chicken broth is ideal, but vegetable broth works well too if you’re going meatless.
• Seasoning Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of white wine for depth.

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Ingredients for This Rich & Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
  Lean and protein-packed, chicken breasts are the heart of this soup, offering substance and satisfying bite-sized chunks in every spoonful.
• Olive Oil
  Used for sautéing the chicken and aromatics, olive oil adds a subtle depth and smooth base for building flavor.
• Garlic Cloves
  Minced garlic infuses the soup with bold aroma and rich, savory undertones that carry through each bite.
• Onion
  Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and a bit of body to the soup, enhancing its base flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth
  This provides the liquid base and savory depth; opt for low-sodium to control salt levels more precisely.
• Heavy Cream
  Adds that rich, velvety texture and luxurious mouthfeel that makes the soup creamy without being overly heavy.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes
  These bring a pop of concentrated sweetness and slight tang, balancing out the richness of the broth.
• Fresh Spinach
  Stirred in at the end, spinach wilts perfectly into the soup and adds a vibrant green touch along with a boost of nutrients.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional but recommended)
  Grated Parmesan stirred in before serving creates an extra layer of savory flavor and a hint of umami.
• Italian Seasoning
  A perfect blend of dried herbs (like oregano, basil, thyme) to give the soup a warm, Mediterranean character.
• Salt & Black Pepper
  Essential for enhancing and balancing all the other flavors in the soup.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
  For a gentle kick of heat—adjust based on your spice preference.

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Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and season them with salt and black pepper. Sauté until the chicken is golden on the outside and nearly cooked through—about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

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Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same pot, lower the heat to medium. Add a touch more olive oil if needed, then toss in the chopped onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

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Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze any browned bits left from the chicken. These bits add incredible flavor. Return the chicken to the pot and stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for 10–12 minutes so the chicken finishes cooking and the flavors start to deepen.

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Step 4: Add Cream and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let everything simmer gently for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

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Step 5: Stir in Spinach and Cheese

Add the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts—this only takes about 1–2 minutes. Finally, stir in grated Parmesan cheese (if using) for an extra creamy and savory finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

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Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a side salad. It’s creamy, colorful, and packed with rich flavor in every bite.

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How Long to Cook the Rich & Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

From start to finish, this soup takes about 35 minutes to make:

• Sautéing the chicken: 5–7 minutes
• Cooking aromatics: 5 minutes
• Simmering with broth and herbs: 10–12 minutes
• Finishing with cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach: 5–10 minutes

This is one of those perfect recipes where the actual cooking is quick, but the flavor tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.

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Tips for Perfect Rich & Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• Cut chicken into even pieces
  Uniformly sized chunks help the chicken cook evenly and prevent dryness.
• Don’t boil after adding cream
  Keep the heat low once the cream is added. A gentle simmer is enough to warm and blend the flavors without curdling the dairy.
• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
  They’re more flavorful and tender than the dried variety. Just pat them dry a little before chopping.
• Add spinach last
  Always stir in the spinach at the end. It wilts fast and keeps its vibrant color and texture.
• Taste before serving
  Once the cheese is in, taste again for salt. Parmesan adds saltiness, so you might not need to add more.
• Serve immediately for best texture
  While this soup reheats well, it’s best enjoyed fresh when the spinach is tender and the broth is silky smooth.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this soup is relatively simple, a few missteps can throw off the final flavor and texture. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Overcooking the chicken
  If the chicken gets too much time in the pot, it can turn rubbery. Remove it once it’s cooked through and juicy—don’t let it boil too long.
• Boiling the cream
  High heat can cause the cream to curdle. Always reduce to a low simmer before adding it and stir gently.
• Skipping the deglazing step
  Those browned bits at the bottom of the pot after sautéing the chicken and onions? That’s pure flavor. Don’t skip scraping them up with the broth.
• Adding spinach too early
  Spinach wilts fast and can become mushy if it cooks too long. Always stir it in at the end, just before serving.
• Not seasoning in layers
  Taste as you go. Seasoning with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process ensures a well-rounded flavor.

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What to Serve With Rich & Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?

Crusty Garlic Bread

Perfect for dunking into the creamy broth and soaking up all those savory flavors.

Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and balances the richness of the soup.

Roasted Veggies

Oven-roasted carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are great sides that won’t overpower the soup.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A golden, melty grilled cheese adds crunch and comfort—especially with a sharp cheddar inside.

Parmesan Breadsticks

Crunchy and cheesy, they complement the Italian-style flavors of the soup beautifully.

Stuffed Mushrooms

These make for a great starter or side, adding earthiness and elegance to the meal.

Cauliflower Rice or Quinoa

For a low-carb pairing, serve the soup over cauliflower rice or quinoa—it turns the bowl into a more filling entrée.

Chilled White Wine

If you’re sipping, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the creamy, herby base.

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Storage Instructions

One of the great things about this Rich & Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is how well it stores—making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

• Refrigerator: Store the cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, and it reheats beautifully on the stove or in the microwave.
• Freezer: Because of the cream, this soup can separate when frozen. If you do plan to freeze it, leave out the cream and spinach, then add them fresh when reheating. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheating Tips: Warm slowly over medium heat on the stovetop. Stir frequently to keep the cream from separating, and add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.

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Estimated Nutrition

Note: Values are approximate per serving (based on 6 servings).

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 680mg

This soup is high in protein, low in carbs, and rich in flavor, making it a great option for a satisfying, balanced meal—especially for low-carb or keto lifestyles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cream should I use for the best texture?

Heavy cream is ideal because it gives the soup its rich, silky texture and holds up well to heat. You can use half-and-half, but the soup will be lighter and slightly less creamy.

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Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Absolutely. Shred about 2 cups of rotisserie chicken and stir it in after the broth simmers. Just warm it through—you don’t need to cook it again.

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Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, naturally! Just double-check your broth and sun-dried tomatoes for any hidden gluten-based ingredients.

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How can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese.

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Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add all ingredients except the cream, spinach, and Parmesan to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours. Stir in the cream, spinach, and cheese in the final 15–20 minutes.

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What’s the best way to thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

You can let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or stir in a slurry of 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water.

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Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid watering down the soup. Add it at the same point you’d add fresh spinach.

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Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. It keeps well in the fridge for several days. Just store in portioned containers and reheat as needed for a quick, cozy lunch or dinner.

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Conclusion

This Rich & Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a comforting classic with an elegant twist. It’s rich without being heavy, flavorful without being fussy, and endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand. Whether you’re looking for a cozy fall dinner, a high-protein meal prep option, or something impressive for guests, this soup delivers. It’s warm, nourishing, and packed with bold, balanced flavors—everything a great soup should be.

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