If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that’s equal parts romantic and soul-satisfying, Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) is about to sweep you off your feet. With tender chicken, ribbons of baby spinach, the luxurious richness of cream and Parmesan, plus a sun-dried tomato kick, this soup blends all the beloved flavors of the classic “Marry Me Chicken” into a warm, Tuscan-inspired hug. Every spoonful is not just cozy—it’s the kind of dish that could win hearts at the dinner table any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is all it takes to turn simple kitchen staples into an unforgettable bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style). Each component plays a special role—bringing color, flavor, and creamy texture that come together in perfect harmony.
- Olive oil: A splash of this Mediterranean staple gives the base layer of flavor and promotes a golden sear on the chicken.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a touch of richness that melds beautifully with the other savory notes.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite for juicy, flavorful bites in every spoonful.
- Yellow onion: Diced onion brings classic aromatic sweetness—absolutely essential to a savory soup.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds deep Italian flavor; don’t skimp!
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Infuses a delicate warmth and gentle heat, balancing out the creaminess.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that ties all the Tuscan notes together.
- Salt & black pepper: Don’t underestimate seasoning—these basics make all the flavors pop.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped and tangy, these add depth and a pop of Tuscan color.
- Chicken broth: The savory backbone of the soup, rich and comforting.
- Heavy cream: Makes the broth so luxuriously smooth and indulgent.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: That necessary hit of nutty-cheesy goodness—melted right in.
- Baby spinach: Stirred in at the end for vibrant color and a nutrient boost.
- Small pasta (ditalini or orzo): Adds hearty body and makes the soup irresistibly filling.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): A bright, fresh finish to every bowl.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil and butter together in a large pot over medium heat. When the mixture gets shimmery (but not smoking), add your diced chicken pieces. Let them sizzle, turning occasionally, until they’re golden, browned, and cooked all the way through—about 5 to 6 minutes. Scoop them out onto a plate and set aside so they stay tender while you build the soup base.
Step 2: Build Your Aromatic Base
With the same pot (no need to clean!), toss in your diced onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns soft and translucent, releasing levels of sweet-savory aroma. Then, stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and let it all cook for a minute until it’s super fragrant—this is where that classic Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) magic starts bubbling up.
Step 3: Pour In the Broth and Tomatoes
Next, add your chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy flavor punch, followed by all four cups of chicken broth. Give it a good stir, then crank up the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil. The sun-dried tomatoes will infuse the broth with sweet, savory goodness, making every sip of soup extra special.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Once the broth is boiling, it’s time for the pasta! Stir in your ditalini or orzo, reduce heat to a simmer, and let it cook gently for 8 to 10 minutes. The pasta will soften, soak up flavor, and give the soup hearty texture that makes it feel like a full meal.
Step 5: Finish with Cream, Chicken, and Cheese
Return the seared chicken (and any juices) to the pot. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring to create a gorgeously creamy, velvety soup. If you taste it now, you’ll already be wowed by just how luscious Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) is becoming!
Step 6: Add Spinach and Garnish
At the very end, add the baby spinach and stir until it wilts, just a minute or two. Taste and tweak seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with basil or parsley, if you like, for a fresh pop of green to finish things off beautifully.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)
Garnishes
You can never go wrong with a shower of fresh basil or parsley on top of each bowl. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or even a little cracked black pepper right before serving adds another layer of flavor and visual pizzazz. The fresh herbs and cheese just make Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) feel even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This lush soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread—think garlicky ciabatta, toasted sourdough, or even herby breadsticks to mop up every last bit of broth. For a lighter pairing, try an arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. These simple sides let the soup shine while making your meal feel abundant.
Creative Ways to Present
Try ladling your Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) into wide, shallow bowls for a rustic trattoria feel. Nestle a swirl of pasta in the center and finish with a basil leaf on top for an elegant touch. For parties, serve it in mini mugs or even bread bowls—every bite feels extra cozy and special, perfect for wowing your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, portion leftover soup into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) even more delicious the next day. If the pasta soaks up a lot of broth, just add a splash of chicken stock before serving.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this soup, leave out the pasta and spinach until reheating—this helps preserve the texture. Ladle the cooled soup (minus the pasta and greens) into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, heat thoroughly, and add freshly cooked pasta and spinach just before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often until hot and creamy again. Add a splash of broth or cream to revive the texture if needed. For single servings, you can microwave in a covered bowl in short bursts, stirring every minute to ensure it heats evenly.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely! Shred or chop rotisserie chicken and add it after the broth and pasta have simmered. It’s a great shortcut that makes Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) even faster to prepare without sacrificing flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It is easy to adapt for gluten-free diets—just use your favorite gluten-free small pasta, and double-check your Parmesan for any additives. The rest of the soup is naturally free of gluten, making Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) accessible to most eaters.
What can I substitute for spinach?
If you don’t have spinach on hand, try baby kale, Swiss chard, or even finely chopped regular kale (just cook a bit longer until tender). These greens add color and nutrition while keeping the Tuscan spirit of the soup alive.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
To create a non-dairy version, swap the heavy cream for a rich, unsweetened plant-based cream (like oat or cashew), and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The result will still be luscious and creamy, although the flavor will change slightly.
How can I brighten the flavor if it tastes too rich?
A quick trick is to add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. It cuts through the creamy richness and lifts all the beautiful flavors, making your Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) taste even more vibrant.
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing how a handful of ingredients and some simple steps can yield a dish that truly feels like a celebration. Whether you’re crafting a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing someone special, Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) brings joy to every table. Give it a try and share the love—one heartwarming spoonful at a time!
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Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm your soul with this cozy Marry Me Chicken Soup, Tuscan-style. Creamy and packed with flavor, this soup is perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot, cook chicken pieces until browned. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion until softened, then add garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until fragrant.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Add pasta, simmer until tender.
- Finish Soup: Return chicken to the pot, add cream and Parmesan. Stir until creamy. Add spinach, cook until wilted. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Garnish with basil or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute kale for spinach or use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
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