Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a warm, comforting dish packed with tender chicken, creamy broth, and rich flavors. This easy-to-make soup combines classic ingredients with a delicious twist, making it perfect for cozy nights or impressing your loved ones. It’s hearty, filling, and can be customized to suit different dietary needs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Garlic (minced)
- Onion (chopped)
- Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Spinach (fresh or frozen)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned on both sides.
- Pour in the chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it, and return it to the soup.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and spinach, allowing it to cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Low-Carb Version: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and skip the Parmesan.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu.
- Thicker Soup: Add a cornstarch slurry or blend part of the soup for a creamier consistency.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even easier. Simply shred and add it to the soup.
What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh salad pair wonderfully with this dish.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, then add the cream and spinach before serving.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the soup will be less rich. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter option.
Can I add pasta to this soup?
Yes, cooked pasta such as penne or orzo can be added for extra heartiness.
How do I prevent the soup from curdling?
Add the cream slowly and avoid boiling the soup after adding dairy.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer the most tenderness, but chicken breasts also work well.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats beautifully, making it a great meal prep option.
How do I make the soup thicker?
Use a cornstarch slurry or blend a portion of the soup before serving.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this soup is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a heartwarming meal!
PrintMarry Me Chicken Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
This rich, creamy, and comforting soup is inspired by the beloved “Marry Me Chicken” dish. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy broth, it’s packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup uncooked pasta (small shapes like orzo or ditalini)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft (about 3 minutes). Stir in garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth & Chicken: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the cooked chicken and let it heat through.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta and cook until tender (about 10 minutes, depending on the type used). Stir occasionally.
- Make It Creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Add Spinach & Season: Stir in fresh spinach, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Serve & Garnish: Ladle into bowls and top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Extra Protein: Add crispy bacon or Italian sausage for a heartier soup.
Nutrition
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: Add crispy bacon or Italian sausage for a heartier soup.
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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