If you are looking for a soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is your new best friend. This luscious blend of tender chicken, creamy broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach creates a perfect harmony of flavors that will captivate your taste buds and keep you coming back for more. Whether you want to impress someone special or simply indulge in a comforting meal, this soup is delightful, easy to make, and downright addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its perfectly balanced ingredients—nothing too fancy, yet each one is essential to achieving the rich taste and vibrant texture that make the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe a standout. Every ingredient brings its own magic, from the juicy chicken breasts to the tangy sun-dried tomatoes and the silky Parmesan cheese that ties it all together.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that gives the chicken a golden sear and adds subtle richness to the soup base.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The protein powerhouse that becomes wonderfully tender and juicy when cooked just right.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a soft sweetness and aromatic depth as it cooks down.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings that irresistible garlicky punch that wakes up every other flavor.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that carries all the ingredients into a cozy, comforting soup.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a smooth, creamy texture that makes every spoonful luxurious.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: These little bursts of tangy, chewy goodness add a beautiful color and balance the creaminess perfectly.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of spice for those who like their soup with a gentle kick.
- 1 tsp dried basil: Offers a fragrant herbiness that brightens the whole pot.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds a subtle earthiness that complements the chicken beautifully.
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste): Enhances every flavor without overpowering.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Brings a mellow heat and depth.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Adds vibrant green color and a fresh, slightly sweet bite.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: The savory finishing touch that melts into the soup, giving it a rich umami boost.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pot and cook them for 6 to 8 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked with a lovely golden crust. This step locks in the juices and builds a flavor-packed base for your soup.
Step 2: Prep the Aromatics
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and let it cool slightly. In the same pot, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until they become fragrant and tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. This is where your kitchen starts to smell irresistible, fostering that cozy, comforting vibe.
Step 3: Create the Broth
Pour the chicken broth into the pot with the aromatics, scraping any flavorful bits off the bottom. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Cream
While the broth simmers, shred the chicken breasts using two forks—this ensures every bite has tender pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Let the soup cook until the spinach wilts and the cream gives the broth a silky texture, usually just a couple of minutes.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts perfectly into the soup. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Your Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is now ready to warm your soul.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your soup even further, top it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or some fresh basil leaves. These simple garnishes add vibrant color and an extra layer of fresh flavor that makes each bowl feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast that’s perfect for dunking. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal and add a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe in individual bread bowls or mini soup crocks for an inviting presentation. You could also sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or drizzle a bit of chili oil over the top for texture and an extra flavor punch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just transfer leftovers to an airtight container to preserve the fresh flavors and creamy texture, making it easy to grab a quick, satisfying meal on busy days.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe but it’s best to freeze it without the cream. Freeze the broth, chicken, and veggies in portions and add fresh cream at reheating for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for an even heat-up. Add the cream and Parmesan last, stirring until smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and tenderness to your soup. Just adjust cooking time until the thighs are cooked through, and feel free to shred them just like chicken breasts.
Is there a dairy-free version of this soup?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or your favorite dairy-free cream alternative. While the flavor profile changes slightly, it still creates a luscious, creamy texture that’s equally delicious.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Definitely. The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes, but you can always increase the amount or add fresh chopped chili peppers to suit your preferred heat level. Just be careful not to overpower the other flavors.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
Fresh diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers can be a good substitute. They won’t have the same chewy tanginess, but they’ll add brightness and balance the creaminess in their own way.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with hearty mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The combination of cream, tomatoes, and herbs will still provide that comforting, rich flavor you love.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved dish. It’s a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that makes every spoonful feel like a special occasion. Give it a go for your next cozy night in—you might just find your new favorite soup.
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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: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful soup featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a savory broth with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a hint of spice. Enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, this comforting dish is perfect for a cozy meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Pour the olive oil into a large pot and heat it over medium heat until shimmering, preparing the base for cooking the chicken and aromatics.
- Cook chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the heated pot and cook each side for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Cool chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and set them aside to cool enough for handling and shredding.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally as they cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened, building the base flavors for the soup.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to infuse the broth with rich flavor.
- Simmer soup: Bring the soup mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Shred chicken: While the soup simmers, shred the cooled chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your fingers.
- Combine chicken with soup: Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it evenly into the simmering soup.
- Add cream and spinach: Stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts and the soup becomes creamy and vibrant.
- Finish with Parmesan: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed for salt and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves if desired for a delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, do not omit the red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can add extra richness; drain and chop before using.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
