If you’re craving sheer comfort in a bowl with a touch of romance, this Marry Me Chicken Soup might just sweep you off your feet! Picture tender bites of chicken, creamy broth, plenty of cheese, and pops of spinach and sun-dried tomato—all coming together for a beautiful, flavor-packed meal. This soup is love at first spoonful, whether you’re cozying up on a weeknight or cooking to impress. Trust me, Marry Me Chicken Soup is about to become your new favorite go-to for both special occasions and lazy evenings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of kitchen staples, you’ll be amazed by how decadent and vibrant Marry Me Chicken Soup becomes. Each ingredient brings its own magic—whether it’s creamy richness, a savory punch, or a hint of spice and color.
- Olive oil: For a flavorful start, olive oil helps soften the onions and infuses the soup with a subtle richness.
- Unsalted butter: Combining butter with oil gives a lush, slightly sweet undertone and a gorgeous glossy finish.
- Yellow onion: Diced onion forms the aromatic backbone and sweetens as it cooks down.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds warmth and a signature depth to each spoonful.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite for juicy, bite-sized chicken that soaks up the soup’s flavors beautifully.
- Italian seasoning: This dreamy herb blend gives that classic marriage of flavors and makes the soup truly craveable.
- Red pepper flakes: For a gentle kick of spice that wakes up the palate—adjust to your heart’s desire.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the tastes together in perfect harmony.
- Black pepper: A touch of freshly cracked pepper rounds everything out with subtle heat.
- Chicken broth: The base that ties everything together—go for homemade or your favorite store-bought.
- Heavy cream: The secret to a luxuriously creamy, comforting soup. Sub with half-and-half for a lighter twist.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These sweet-tart gems add pops of color and unexpected bursts of flavor in every bite.
- Baby spinach: Stirred in at the end, spinach gives freshness, color, and an extra dose of goodness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts right into the broth for that irresistible savory depth.
- Fresh basil (optional): An aromatic finishing touch that lifts the whole bowl, especially if you adore herbs!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil and butter in your largest, coziest soup pot over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the diced onion and let it gently soften for about 4 to 5 minutes. When the onions are translucent and just beginning to turn golden, stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. The kitchen will smell irresistible—prepare yourself for what’s to come!
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add your chicken pieces to the pot, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, making sure each juicy bite is coated in spice. Let the chicken cook, undisturbed, until it’s golden and nearly cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes. A little browning equals tons of flavor in your Marry Me Chicken Soup!
Step 3: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and turn up the heat until the soup comes to a gentle boil. Then, lower the heat and let it all simmer comfortably for around 10 minutes. This is where all those beautiful flavors meld together, and the chicken finishes becoming tender and juicy.
Step 4: Add Cream and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Now’s time for the magic touch! Stir in the heavy cream along with chopped sun-dried tomatoes. The cream will turn your soup exquisitely velvety, while the tomatoes add pops of sweet-tart brightness. Simmer for an extra 5 minutes to let everything marry—pun fully intended!
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Cheese
With the stove still on low, pile in your baby spinach and sprinkle over the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the spinach is just wilted and the cheese fully melts into the broth, enriching it further. If you’ve got fresh basil, now’s the moment to add it—you’ll love the burst of color and herbaceous aroma it brings to the Marry Me Chicken Soup.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup
Garnishes
You can take this soup from delicious to stunning with a handful of thoughtful garnishes. A little more grated Parmesan, ribbons of fresh basil, or a drizzle of golden olive oil will make every bowl feel restaurant-worthy. Even a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes adds a swoon-worthy color and heat.
Side Dishes
Marry Me Chicken Soup loves good company! Serve it beside warm, crusty bread for dipping, a crisp Caesar salad, or buttery garlic knots. If you want to make the meal even heartier, add a scoop of cooked rice, pasta, or pillowy gnocchi straight into the soup bowls.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not make it feel extra special? Ladle Marry Me Chicken Soup into little bread bowls, or serve it in wide, shallow plates for a rustic-chic bistro vibe. For dinner parties, try topping each bowl with a Parmigiano-Reggiano crisp or a swirl of basil pesto. Even weeknights deserve pretty presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Marry Me Chicken Soup stores beautifully and actually tastes even richer the next day as the flavors deepen. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for quick lunches or cozy dinners on repeat.
Freezing
This soup is freezer-friendly, though the texture of the cream and spinach can change a bit. For best results, freeze before adding spinach and Parmesan; then, add those fresh when you reheat. In freezer-safe containers, Marry Me Chicken Soup keeps well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftover soup, simply reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure an even temperature. If the soup seems thick, add a splash of extra broth or water to loosen it up. A quick microwave warm-up works too—just go in short bursts and stir in between.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver! Just add the shredded cooked chicken after simmering the broth and before the cream and sun-dried tomatoes. Let it heat through, then finish the recipe as usual for a deliciously easy Marry Me Chicken Soup.
Is there a dairy-free option for this soup?
You can swap the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream. Choose a dairy-free cheese or skip the Parmesan for a lighter, plant-based version of Marry Me Chicken Soup—still creamy, still full of love.
Can I use different greens instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Baby kale, Swiss chard, or even finely chopped broccoli florets work well. Just add sturdy greens a bit earlier to give them time to soften, and you’ll have a creative twist on Marry Me Chicken Soup every time.
What makes this “Marry Me” Chicken Soup?
The name is inspired by Marry Me Chicken—a creamy, sun-dried tomato chicken dish so good it’s said to win hearts! This soup version channels all those beloved flavors into a soul-warming, spoonable meal. Cooking Marry Me Chicken Soup for someone you adore might just spark magic at the table.
Can I lighten up this recipe?
Certainly! Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk, and add extra spinach to boost the nutrition. No matter how you tweak it, Marry Me Chicken Soup remains comforting and delicious—just adjust for your preferences and dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with a simmering pot of Marry Me Chicken Soup—it’s like a warm hug from the kitchen and a celebration for the taste buds! Give it a try, share it with your favorite people, and see why this recipe earns its swoon-worthy name. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with every single spoonful!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach come together in a rich Parmesan-infused broth that will have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and mostly cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Finish Soup: Stir in the heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes, and simmer another 5 minutes. Add the baby spinach and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil if using. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
- For extra heartiness, add cooked pasta, rice, or gnocchi.
- To lighten the soup, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
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