Description
Bring the heat home with this Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup! 🍲🔥 Cozy, tangy, and full of Italian flavors — ready in under an hour. Perfect for weeknights or when you need a comforting kick.
Ingredients
– 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced 🍗
– 8 oz (225g) spicy Italian sausage, casings removed 🌭🌶️
– 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
– 1 large onion, chopped 🧅
– 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes 🍅
– 4 cups chicken broth (1 L) 🍲
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed 🫘
– 3 cups chopped kale or baby spinach 🥬
– 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) 🌶️
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme) 🌿
– Salt 🧂 and freshly ground black pepper
– 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional) 🍋
– Grated Parmesan for serving 🧀
– Crusty bread or focaccia to serve (optional) 🥖
Instructions
1 In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2 Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes). Remove some of the excess fat if desired.
3 Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until just sealed on the outside, about 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside with the sausage.
4 Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5 Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6 Return the cooked sausage and chicken to the pot. Add the drained beans, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
7 Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes to meld flavors and allow the chicken to cook through fully.
8 Stir in the chopped kale (or spinach) and simmer 3–5 minutes more until tender and bright green.
9 Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using. For a creamier finish, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone (optional).
10 Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and serve with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy warm!