If you’re searching for a comforting, flavorful dish that feels both luxurious and cozy, you have to try this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe. This rich and creamy soup brings together tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream broth that’ll melt your heart with every spoonful. It’s the kind of recipe that impresses guests, warms you on chilly nights, and might just inspire a marriage proposal—hence the playful name! Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe delivers on taste and satisfaction like no other.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to making this soup sing. Each one adds a layer of flavor, texture, or color that combines to create that unforgettable richness and heartwarming appeal.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For a flavorful base that helps cook the chicken and veggies beautifully.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and juicy when cooked just right.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings an irresistible fragrance and a punch of flavor.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The soul of the soup, creating a savory, comforting liquid foundation.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates indulgent creaminess and smooth texture.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Imparts a tangy, sweet burst that brightens every bite.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just the right touch of heat to balance the richness.
- 1 tsp dried basil: A classic herb that infuses an earthy, fresh aroma.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Rounds out the herbal profile with a slightly peppery note.
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste): Enhances all the wonderful flavors.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of spice without overpowering.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Adds vibrant green color and a healthy twist.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the soup for an umami-packed finish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, which creates a beautiful base for your chicken to cook in. Add the boneless chicken breasts and let them cook for 6 to 8 minutes on each side until they develop a lovely golden crust and are cooked through. Removing them from the pot and letting them cool adds an essential resting period for juicy, tender chicken.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation
In the same pot, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until their fragrance fills your kitchen and the onion softens, releasing natural sweetness. This simple sauté is what sets the stage for a soup full of life and personality.
Step 3: Create the Rich Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and give it a good stir, scraping any flavorful bits off the bottom of the pot. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes if you like a hint of spice, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing all those herbs and spices to meld into a rich, aromatic broth.
Step 4: Shred and Return the Chicken
While the broth simmers, shred the cooled chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it into the flavorful broth. This step ensures every spoonful is packed with tender, juicy chicken goodness.
Step 5: Add Creaminess and Greens
Pour in the heavy cream and stir it gently into the soup, followed by the chopped fresh spinach. Cook for a few minutes until the spinach wilts just right, bringing a pop of color and freshness that balances the soup’s creamy richness.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt smoothly into the soup for a savory depth that’s hard to resist. Taste your creation and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Your Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is now ready to serve, bursting with warmth and irresistible flavor.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your soup with a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan or scattered fresh basil leaves. These simple garnishes add a burst of freshness and a beautiful finishing touch, making the soup look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or a garlic baguette to soak up every last drop of the creamy broth. A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette is a perfect contrast that brings brightness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the soup in warm bowls garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a few sun-dried tomato pieces on top. If entertaining, consider serving it in mini bread bowls for an inviting and rustic touch your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftover soup to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, maintaining its creamy texture and robust flavors that only deepen with time.
Freezing
This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe freezes well, making it a fantastic make-ahead option. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat your soup gently, warm it in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up and return that silky smoothness you love.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time. Just shred the chicken and add it to the soup during the same step as described in the recipe. It still tastes fantastic and is perfect for busy days.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a creamy plant-based milk to keep the soup rich and silky. For Parmesan, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative to maintain that umami flavor.
How do I adjust the spice level if I don’t like heat?
If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the red pepper flakes. The soup will still be full of delicious flavor from the herbs and sun-dried tomatoes without the heat.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, carrots, or even peas for extra texture and nutrition. Just add them after sautéing the onion and garlic so they cook evenly before adding the broth.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup tastes just as wonderful reheated, but you can also use it as a sauce over pasta or rice for an easy, comforting meal twist that stretches your ingredients further.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings joy and warmth with every spoonful. It’s creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, making it a perfect recipe to keep in your weekly rotation. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or indulging on a quiet night in, this soup has a way of making moments feel special. Give it a try—you might just fall in love with this cozy classic!
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: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy and flavorful soup featuring tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese simmered in a savory broth with Italian herbs. This comforting recipe comes together in just 35 minutes and offers a delightful blend of spice and creaminess perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Produce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 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
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook chicken breasts: Place the chicken breasts in the pot and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Remove and cool chicken: Take the chicken out of the pot and let it cool enough to handle safely for shredding.
- Sauté aromatics: Using the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic, then sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and soft.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Simmer soup base: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Shred chicken: Shred the cooled chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them back into the pot.
- Add cream and spinach: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the chopped fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts and is tender.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Mix the grated Parmesan cheese into the soup and adjust seasoning as needed based on taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Red pepper flakes can be omitted or adjusted to control the spiciness of the soup.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control salt content if preferred.
- For a thicker soup, add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch slurry before adding cream.
- Fresh basil can be added as garnish or stirred in at the end for extra herbal freshness.
- Leftover soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
