If you’re searching for a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a burst of flavor in every spoonful, then you must try the Creamy Chicken & Spinach Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes. This recipe combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes in a luscious, creamy broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, this soup is perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you need a delicious pick-me-up that doesn’t sacrifice health or taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Flavor Combination: The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy depth that elevates the creamy chicken and spinach base.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and leafy greens, this soup supports a balanced diet.
Quick and Easy Preparation: From chopping to simmering, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Versatile Meal Option: Serve it as a hearty lunch, a comforting dinner, or even a light appetizer.
Family-Friendly: Mild yet full of flavor, it’s a soup everyone at your table will enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple but carefully chosen ingredients ensures your Creamy Chicken & Spinach Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes hits all the right notes in taste, texture, and color. Each element plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors.

Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, it’s the protein powerhouse of this soup.
Fresh Spinach: Adds a vibrant green color and a boost of vitamins and minerals.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring a sweet and slightly tart punch that brightens the dish.
Garlic and Onion: Foundations of flavor that give the soup depth and aroma.
Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk: Provides the creamy texture and richness.
Chicken Broth: The savory base that ties all the ingredients together.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and infusing a subtle fruity note.
Herbs and Spices: Typically thyme, salt, and pepper for balanced seasoning.

Variations for Creamy Chicken & Spinach Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Feel free to make this recipe your own! It’s remarkably adaptable to different tastes, dietary preferences, or seasonal ingredients, turning the classic soup into your personal comfort food.

Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with hearty mushrooms or chickpeas for a plant-based twist.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a luscious dairy-free option.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a warming, spicy edge.
Extra Greens: Mix in kale, Swiss chard, or arugula along with spinach for more leafy goodness.
Grain Boost: Stir in cooked quinoa or barley to make the soup more filling and hearty.

Why Try Creamy Chicken & Spinach Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?

How to Make Creamy Chicken & Spinach Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Begin by dicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Rinse the fresh spinach and roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes if they’re not already sliced.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, stirring until they become translucent and fragrant, which lays the flavor foundation for the soup.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until it’s browned but not fully cooked through, locking in the juicy texture before simmering with other ingredients.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Incorporate Spinach and Cream

Add the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the soup’s warmth. Finally, pour in the heavy cream or your preferred creamy substitute to give the soup its signature luscious texture.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer a few more minutes until everything is heated through and perfectly blended. Serve hot for cozy satisfaction!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken & Spinach Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Skip Raw Chicken Bite: Fully browning the chicken before simmering locks in flavor and keeps it tender.
Sun-Dried Tomato Choice: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the richest flavor and softer texture.
Cream Substitute: For a lighter meal, use half-and-half or Greek yogurt, but add yogurt off the heat to prevent curdling.
Spinach Timing: Add spinach near the end to prevent overcooking and keep its vibrant color and nutrients.
Balance Thickness: Adjust broth and cream ratios to get the soup consistency you prefer—from light and brothy to decadently creamy.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken & Spinach Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a few fresh basil leaves enhance both flavor and presentation, adding a delightful finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple crisp salad, rounding out your meal with textures that complement the creamy base.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it in rustic bread bowls for an impressive presentation, or top with toasted pine nuts or crispy prosciutto for layered crunch and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes well in portions. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent the cream from separating. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach well to avoid watering down the soup’s creamy texture.

Is it possible to make this soup vegan?

Yes! Swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu, use vegetable broth, and replace cream with coconut or cashew cream to enjoy a vegan version.

How long does this soup take to prepare?

From start to finish, the soup usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a fast, comforting meal.

What can I use if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

If sun-dried tomatoes are unavailable, try roasted red peppers or a small amount of tomato paste with a touch of vinegar to mimic the tangy flavor.

Can I make this soup ahead for a party?

Definitely! Prepare the soup a day in advance, refrigerate, and gently reheat before serving—it tastes even better as the flavors meld overnight.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Creamy Chicken & Spinach Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes. It’s not just a meal but an experience that comforts and delights with every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe promises to become a favorite go-to dish for any season. Give it a try, and savor the beautiful blend of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors all in one bowl!

Creamy Chicken & Spinach Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Print Recipe

Creamy Chicken & Spinach Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a warm, comforting, and flavorful soup combining tender chicken, fresh spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a luscious creamy broth. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner, this easy-to-make soup delivers a wholesome and satisfying meal anytime.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables & Aromatics

2 cups fresh spinach, rinsed
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped (oil-packed preferred)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Dairy

4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for dairy-free)
2 tbsp olive oil

Herbs & Spices

1 tsp dried thyme
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Rinse the fresh spinach and roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes if needed.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, stirring until translucent and fragrant to build the flavor base.
Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until browned on the outside but not fully cooked through to retain juiciness.
Add Liquids and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer to meld flavors together.
Incorporate Spinach and Cream: Add fresh spinach and allow it to wilt in the hot soup. Pour in the heavy cream or chosen creamy substitute to create a rich texture.
Season and Serve: Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Let simmer a few more minutes until heated through and well blended. Serve hot for comforting enjoyment.

Notes

Fully brown the chicken before simmering to lock in flavor and maintain tenderness.
Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor and softer texture.
For a lighter soup, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt (add yogurt off heat to avoid curdling).
Add spinach at the end to preserve its vibrant color and nutrients.
Adjust broth and cream amounts to reach desired soup consistency from light to creamy.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: chicken soup, creamy soup, spinach soup, sun-dried tomatoes, comforting soup, healthy dinner, quick soup