If you are craving a bowl of pure comfort that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this Marry Me Chicken Soup: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Comfort Food Recipe. It combines tender chicken, luscious cream, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes with fresh spinach for a recipe that’s both soothing and indulgent. Every spoonful is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. Prepare to fall in love with a soup that’s creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Marry Me Chicken Soup thrives on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a rich and satisfying experience. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s enhancing the depth of flavor, adding a creamy texture, or bringing fresh color to the bowl.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The star protein that turns into tender, flavorful bites after cooking.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed): Adds a tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Heavy cream: Provides the luscious creaminess that defines this soup.
- Fresh garlic: Elevates the aroma and depth of flavor.
- Yellow onion: Builds a savory base with subtle sweetness.
- Chicken broth (low-sodium): Forms the hearty liquid foundation with warm undertones.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the soup adding a salty richness.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the broth into silky smoothness.
- Italian seasoning: Blends herbs that infuse every spoonful.
- Fresh spinach: Adds freshness and a pop of green color.
- Olive oil or butter: For sautéing and layering flavor.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the taste.
- Black pepper: Provides gentle heat and complexity.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle spicy kick if you like some warmth.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1: Sear and Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs with salt and black pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat in a large, heavy pot. Sear the chicken on each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. This initial browning step locks in the juices and builds a delicious flavor base. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to cool before shredding or dicing it into perfect bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Lower the heat to medium and add more oil or butter if needed. Toss in finely chopped yellow onions, cooking until they become translucent and soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes (well-drained), stirring for two more minutes until their fragrant aroma fills the kitchen. This combination forms the soulful backbone of the soup’s flavor.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour directly over the sautéed vegetables and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste—this step is essential for the silky smooth texture that defines the Marry Me Chicken Soup: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Comfort Food Recipe.
Step 4: Add Chicken Broth and Simmer
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking vigorously to prevent any lumps. Keep whisking as the mixture thickens slightly and smooths out. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to become velvety.
Step 5: Return Chicken and Add Seasoning
Place the shredded chicken back into the pot, along with Italian seasoning. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little playful heat in your soup. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let everything simmer together for 10 to 15 minutes to develop deep, comforting layers of flavor.
Step 6: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low. Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while stirring gently, creating that luxurious creaminess that makes this soup a standout. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and blends smoothly. This step brings richness and a savory depth that feels utterly irresistible.
Step 7: Add Fresh Spinach
Fold in fresh spinach leaves, stirring just enough to let them wilt softly. This final fresh touch contributes not only a bright pop of green but also a delicate bite that balances the creamy richness perfectly.
Step 8: Final Taste and Serve
Give the soup one last taste and adjust any seasonings if necessary. Serve your luscious Marry Me Chicken Soup: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Comfort Food Recipe piping hot in bowls for immediate enjoyment.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Comfort Food Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds an elegant finish. Freshly chopped basil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the presentation while adding bursts of fresh and spicy flavor to each spoonful.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread or garlic toast for dipping. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette balances the creamy soup with crisp, refreshing textures, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching dinner, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or small ramekins for individual portions. Garnish with microgreens or a swirl of cream for a restaurant-worthy look that will impress family and guests alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen, making the next-day meal equally delicious.
Freezing
This soup freezes well but note that the spinach’s texture may soften after thawing. Freeze in portions that suit your needs, leaving some room at the top for expansion, and use within 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent curdling the cream. Stir frequently until heated through, and if needed, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen up the texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs provide a bit more fat and richness, which complements the creamy nature of this soup beautifully.
Do I need to use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes?
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes have a richer flavor and softer texture, but you can rehydrate dry ones in warm water before using if that’s what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese to keep the creaminess without dairy.
Can this soup be made in a slow cooker?
While you can adapt it for a slow cooker, steps like sautéing onion, garlic, and searing chicken first help develop flavor that’s harder to achieve otherwise. Consider browning before adding to the slow cooker for best results.
What can I add to make this soup more filling?
Adding cooked pasta, rice, or even beans can turn this soup into a heartier, more substantial meal perfect for colder days or when feeding a crowd.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Soup: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Comfort Food Recipe is truly a kitchen treasure. Its blend of creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and fresh ingredients makes it a go-to recipe whenever you need that perfect blend of comfort and excitement in a bowl. I encourage you to give it a try, sharing it with those you love and enjoying every cozy spoonful along the way.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Soup: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Comfort Food Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a luscious, creamy comfort food featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese in a savory broth. This rich and flavorful soup combines Italian seasoning and a touch of heat, making it an irresistible meal perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for searing)
Sautéed Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained and chopped
Soup and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Sear the chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside to cool, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes: Lower heat to medium, add another tablespoon of oil or butter if needed. Add chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sauté for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Add flour: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the vegetables. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.
- Add chicken broth: Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until smooth and slightly thickened. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer with chicken and seasonings: Return shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add cream and Parmesan: Reduce heat to low, slowly stir in heavy cream until fully incorporated. Then, add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Add spinach: Fold fresh spinach into the soup and stir gently until wilted.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs or breasts based on your preference; thighs tend to stay more moist.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are not oil-packed, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.
- For a richer soup, use butter instead of olive oil.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to desired spice level or omit for no heat.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on stovetop.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch.
