Creamy Tomato Soup with Chicken and Vegetables Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup that balances cozy creaminess with wholesome goodness, you have to try this Creamy Tomato Soup with Chicken and Vegetables Recipe. It’s a vibrant, nourishing mix that brings together tender ground chicken, hearty cruciferous veggies like cauliflower and kale, all bathed in a luscious tomato base enriched with cream. Whether you’re aiming for something low carb, packed with fiber, or simply a soul-warming meal ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe checks all the boxes and then some. It’s one of those dishes that makes your kitchen smell incredible and your taste buds dance with every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is what makes this soup truly shine. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding texture, or enhancing color that makes the dish so appetizing and satisfying.

• Extra-virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon): This is your flavor foundation and helps brown the chicken perfectly.
• Ground chicken (1 pound): A lean protein that keeps the soup hearty without weighing it down.
• Yellow onion, finely diced (1 small): Adds sweetness and depth.
• Garlic cloves, minced (6): Brings a fragrant punch that complements the tomato base.
• Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): A fragrant mix that elevates the overall taste.
• Fennel seeds (1 teaspoon): A subtle anise note that adds complexity.
• Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrates the tomato flavor and enriches the soup’s color.
• Chicken stock (4 cups): Creates a rich, savory broth that carries all the ingredients.
• Crushed tomatoes (1 14.5-ounce can): The hearty tomato base that’s slightly chunky and perfectly balanced.
• Cauliflower florets (1 small head): Adds creaminess and fiber while keeping it low carb.
• Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
• Curly kale, packed, stemmed, and torn (4 cups): Offers vibrant color and a healthy dose of vitamins.
• Zucchinis, chopped (2 small): Adds freshness and subtle crunch.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to making this soup irresistibly creamy and smooth.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving): Adds a nutty richness that’s a perfect finishing touch.
• Fresh basil leaves, ribboned (optional, 6-8 leaves): Provides a fresh herbal aroma and color contrast.
• Red pepper flakes (optional, ¼ teaspoon): A hint of heat to awaken the senses if you like a little kick.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Soup with Chicken and Vegetables Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Aromatics

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Add the ground chicken along with your finely diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and fennel seeds. Stir and crumble the chicken as it cooks, letting the onions soften and the chicken brown evenly. This process takes about 5 minutes, but it’s where so much flavor starts to develop. Once the meat is cooked through and the onions are translucent, stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the aromatic richness.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Next, pour in the chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, and add the cauliflower florets. Bring everything to a gentle boil before seasoning with kosher salt. Then reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered so it slightly reduces and thickens. This step typically takes about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld while the cauliflower starts to soften, adding natural creaminess and body to the soup.

Step 3: Incorporate Vegetables and Cream

Once the base has simmered nicely, stir in the kale and chopped zucchini along with the heavy cream. The kale wilts down beautifully within 8 to 10 minutes, while the zucchini adds a tender freshness. This step rounds out the texture of the soup, making it lush and silky without being overly thick. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This is when the soup really transforms into a comforting meal that feels both hearty and light.

Step 4: Final Touches and Serving Preparation

Before serving, give your soup a good stir and ladle it into bowls. This is where the magic comes together — creamy, vibrant, and packed with goodness. You can finish each bowl with a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a handful of ribboned fresh basil leaves, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love a bit of warmth. These garnishes not only add flavor complexity but make your presentation inviting and colorful.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Soup with Chicken and Vegetables Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you can let your personality shine. Fresh basil leaves bring herbaceous brightness, while Parmesan adds a savory layer of richness that melts with each spoonful. For a touch of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes works wonders without overpowering the comforting creaminess.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs famously well with crusty bread for dipping or a simple green salad for extra freshness. A warm grilled cheese sandwich or garlic breadsticks also make fantastic companions, turning your meal into a cozy feast perfect for any day of the year.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or individual mini cocottes. You can swirl in a little extra cream or a dollop of pesto right before serving to add visual appeal and a flavor surprise. A sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds adds crunchy texture and an unexpected twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from mingling with other foods. Before storing, ensure the soup has cooled to room temperature to avoid condensation inside the container.

Freezing

You can freeze Creamy Tomato Soup with Chicken and Vegetables Recipe for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Keep in mind that kale and cream may slightly change texture upon thawing, so it’s best to consume it sooner rather than later for optimal taste and consistency.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the soup feels too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it. Avoid high heat which can cause the cream to separate. Microwave reheating is possible but stir often and heat in short bursts for best results.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or even lean ground beef can work well, though chicken keeps the dish light and mildly flavored, allowing the vegetables to shine.

Is this soup really low carb?

Yes, thanks to the cauliflower, kale, and zucchini, this recipe stays low in carbohydrates while being packed with fiber and nutrients. It’s great for anyone watching their carb intake.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep the flavors balanced.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No worries! You can easily make your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. The fennel seeds also add a lovely unique flavor that complements the tomatoes.

Can this soup be made in a slow cooker?

Yes, but you’ll want to brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics first on the stovetop to develop flavor, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the tomatoes, stock, and vegetables and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Soup with Chicken and Vegetables Recipe is truly a gem that’s as comforting as it is nourishing. Whether you’re new to cooking soups or a seasoned comfort food lover, this dish is simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight and special enough to enjoy on a cozy weekend. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite meals to share with family and friends.

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