Marry Me Chicken Soup

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Creamy and flavorful, this Marry Me Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort dish. This recipe is a cozy delight, packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth.

I love this soup’s cozy, rich flavors. It’s my ultimate comfort food. Last weekend, I made it for my family dinner, and it was such a heartwarming hit. Marry Me Chicken Soup is a flavorful, creamy dish packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory sun-dried tomatoes.

It’s a recipe I like to prepare for chilly evenings or when I need something satisfying and indulgent. It’s always my first choice when I want to make a meal that feels both special and comforting.

I make this soup about twice a month, especially during the colder months, and it never disappoints. When I’m looking for a dish to impress or simply warm up my family, this is my go-to recipe. I make it with wholesome ingredients like fresh spinach, carrots, and Parmesan cheese.

You can also add mushrooms or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat, and the result is just Wow! You’ll love it for sure. Serve it with crusty bread and a crisp green salad for a perfect pairing. This soup is super easy to make, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You Will Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup?

This Marry Me Chicken Soup is creamy, hearty, and filled with flavors that make every bite irresistible. It’s a one-pot recipe that’s easy to prepare yet tastes like a gourmet dish — perfect for any occasion.

Perfect For:

  • Romantic Dinners: Whether you’re cooking for a date night or a special anniversary, this soup is a dish that says “I care” with every spoonful. It’s rich, flavorful, and feels luxurious.
  • Family Gatherings: This soup is perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s hearty, filling, and everyone can customize their bowl with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of herbs.
  • Weeknight Comfort: When you’re craving something warm and comforting, this soup comes together quickly and delivers a meal that feels indulgent.
  • Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday or a dinner party, this soup has a way of elevating the meal. It’s impressive yet easy to make, making it perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh basil or parsley
  • Additional grated Parmesan

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle for serving
  • Cheese grater for freshly grated Parmesan

How to make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Step 1:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 2:

In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 3:

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Let the soup simmer for 10-12 minutes.

Step 4:

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.

Step 5:

Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and let them wilt for about 2-3 minutes. If you prefer a thicker soup, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it simmer until the soup reaches your desired consistency.

Step 6:

Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.

Step 7:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or additional Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Helpful Tips

  • Fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese elevate the flavor of the soup. Don’t skimp on quality.
  • Browning the chicken adds depth and a rich, savory flavor to the soup.
  • Sautéing the vegetables before adding the broth enhances their natural sweetness and flavor.
  • Add the spinach at the end so it retains its vibrant color and tender texture.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, use a cornstarch slurry or reduce the broth slightly.
  • Adjust salt and pepper at the end of cooking to balance the flavors perfectly.

Optional Ingredients

  • Mushrooms: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor that complements the creaminess.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle in a pinch for a slight spicy kick.
  • Thyme or Rosemary: Fresh herbs add a fragrant, earthy note to the soup.
  • Heavy Cream Substitute: Use coconut milk for a dairy-free option with a subtle sweetness.
  • Pasta or Rice: Add cooked pasta or rice to make the soup even heartier.
  • Lemon Zest: A small amount brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing twist.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup?

For serving, always ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley. My favorite way to enjoy it is with warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping into the creamy broth.

Add a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup. This pairing creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal that feels both hearty and refreshing.

If you’re hosting a dinner party, serve this soup in small bowls as a first course. Its rich flavor and beautiful presentation set the tone for an elegant meal. Pair it with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water for a complete dining experience.

Recipe Variations

Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth.

Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for heat.

Herb-Infused: Simmer the soup with a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for added depth.

Pasta Twist: Stir in cooked pasta like fusilli or orzo for a heartier soup.

Extra Veggies: Add diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.

How to Store

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.

For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat. If the soup separates slightly during reheating, stir well to bring it back together.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

  • Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly and add more flavor due to their higher fat content.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

  • Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan or omit it.

How can I make the soup spicier?

  • Add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or chopped jalapeño to give it a spicy kick.

What’s the best bread to serve with this soup?

  • Crusty baguette, garlic bread, or even soft dinner rolls pair wonderfully with the creamy broth.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Is there an alternative to sun-dried tomatoes?

  • You can use fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different but delicious flavor.

How can I make the soup thicker?

  • Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) or simmer it longer to reduce the broth.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

  • Yes, vegetable broth is a great option, especially for a vegetarian version with chickpeas.

What cheese works best in this recipe?

  • Parmesan is classic, but you can also use Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a twist.

Marry Me Chicken Soup

Recipe by NancyCourse: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Total time

45

minutes

Creamy and flavorful, this Marry Me Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort dish. This recipe is a cozy delight, packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth.

Ingredients

  • For the Soup:
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced

  • 2 celery stalks, diced

  • 4 cups chicken broth

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

  • Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh basil or parsley

  • Additional grated Parmesan

Directions

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Let the soup simmer for 10-12 minutes.
  • Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and let them wilt for about 2-3 minutes. If you prefer a thicker soup, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it simmer until the soup reaches your desired consistency.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or additional Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese elevate the flavor of the soup. Don’t skimp on quality.