Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, savory dish that’s rich in flavor and comforting to the core. Featuring tender chicken, a blend of aromatic herbs, and a luscious broth, this recipe is perfect for cozy nights or when you’re in need of a hearty meal. It’s easy to make yet tastes gourmet, making it a great choice for family dinners or even a romantic evening.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in a Bowl: This soup combines creamy textures with savory flavors, creating the ultimate comfort food.
- Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet flair, the recipe is simple enough for weeknights.
- Versatile: Serve it with crusty bread, over rice, or enjoy it on its own.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: It stores and reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil or butter
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Fresh spinach
- Italian seasoning
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sautรฉing until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot, searing them on both sides until lightly browned.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat, cover, and let the chicken simmer until fully cooked.
- Remove the cooked chicken and shred it using two forks, then return it to the pot.
- Stir in heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the soup and stir until melted and well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm with a side of crusty bread or your favorite accompaniment.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes approximately 4-6 servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the heavy cream and substitute with coconut milk for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in shredded mozzarella or Gruyรจre for an extra creamy texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well! Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
What makes this soup “Marry Me” Chicken Soup?
The name comes from its irresistible flavor, which is said to be so good it could inspire a marriage proposal!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully and add extra flavor to the soup.
How can I thicken the soup?
You can thicken the soup by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water or additional Parmesan cheese.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure your chicken broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free to be safe.
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini make great additions.
What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a fresh side salad pair beautifully with this dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 4 days.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook all the ingredients (except the spinach and cheese) on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the spinach and cheese in the last 30 minutes.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Ensure the soup is simmering, not boiling, when you add the cream, and stir continuously.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers bold flavors and creamy textures in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply need a comforting meal, this soup is guaranteed to impress. Serve it hot and enjoy the rave reviews from your loved ones!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish that has gained popularity for its rich taste and comforting ingredients. It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and pasta in a creamy broth, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces medium shell pasta
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sautรฉ Aromatics:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sautรฉ until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Paste:
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Prepare Broth:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Seasonings:
- Add the cream cheese cubes and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and the soup is smooth.
- Season with Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Cook Pasta:
- Bring the soup back to a gentle boil and add the shell pasta.
- Cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Add Chicken and Spinach:
- Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and chopped spinach.
- Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is heated through.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil, if desired.
Notes
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes:ย Using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil adds a rich flavor. Ensure they are well-drained before chopping.
- Cream Cheese:ย Having the cream cheese at room temperature helps it to incorporate smoothly into the soup. If needed, press any lumps against the side of the pot to help them melt.
- Pasta:ย Medium shell pasta is recommended, but feel free to substitute with your preferred small pasta shape. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Chicken:ย Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option, but any cooked, shredded chicken will work well.
- Serving Suggestions:ย This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
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