If you’re craving a soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you are going to love this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe. It’s a creamy, flavorful combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of spice that will keep you coming back for more. Perfectly balanced with fresh greens and Parmesan cheese, this soup is as comforting as it is elegant, making it easy to whip up on a weeknight but special enough to impress guests or simply treat yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe comes from some simple yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the soup so irresistible.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and is perfect for browning the chicken to lock in flavor.
- Chicken breasts: The tender protein base that soaks up every bit of the soup’s creamy goodness.
- Onion: Provides a mild sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- Garlic cloves: Brings warmth and a fragrant aroma to the broth.
- Chicken broth: The heart of the soup, giving it body and richness.
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess and smooth texture.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Their intense, tangy flavor cuts through the cream and adds vibrant color.
- Dried oregano: Offers a gentle herbal note that brightens the dish.
- Dried thyme: Contributes an earthy, slightly minty aroma.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Introduce just the right amount of heat for those who like a kick.
- Baby spinach: Delivers freshness and a pop of green that softens as it wilts in the soup.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the soup for a nutty, savory finish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing all the wonderful flavors.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Bright and herby garnishes that lift the soup’s presentation and flavor.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook them until they are nicely browned and fully cooked through. This step is crucial because browning creates that delicious caramelized flavor which forms the base for a rich soup. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Using the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the garlic releases its sweet fragrance. This careful cooking builds layers of flavor that will soak into the broth, making every spoonful truly satisfying.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth
Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes for a subtle hint of heat. Let this flavorful mixture come to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. This simmering allows the ingredients to marry their flavors, creating a velvety, savory base for the soup.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Spinach
Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with the baby spinach. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the chicken warms back through. This step brightens the soup both in taste and color, adding freshness and a bit of earthiness that balances the creaminess beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Seasoning
Finally, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely, enriching the soup with a subtle nuttiness. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Let the soup simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to fully bring together all those wonderful flavors.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil or parsley makes the perfect garnish for this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe. Aside from adding a delightful pop of color, these fresh herbs contribute a bright, aromatic finish that complements the creamy soup. A little extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top does no harm either if you are a cheese lover!
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with rustic crusty bread or garlic focaccia that you can dip to your heart’s content. For a lighter side, consider a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Either way, these sides complete the meal and make it feel even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in charming bowls or even inside hollowed-out bread bowls for an inviting presentation. You can garnish with a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few red pepper flakes on top for an extra touch of color and heat. If you want to impress, a sprig of fresh basil tucked into the bowl’s edge always looks sophisticated and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. However, because of the cream, it’s best to freeze before adding the Parmesan cheese and spinach. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently, adding the cheese and spinach fresh to maintain their textures and flavors.
Reheating
Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to the perfect consistency. Add fresh spinach and Parmesan during reheating to revive its creamy, fresh taste.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and tenderness to the soup, so feel free to swap them in for a slightly different but still delicious result.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and omit the Parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free cheese to keep it creamy without dairy.
Can this soup be made in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours and add spinach and Parmesan cheese just before serving.
What can I do if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for some sweetness and color, though sun-dried tomatoes bring a uniquely intense flavor that’s hard to replicate.
How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe?
The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes, which add just a gentle hint of heat. You can adjust the amount up or down depending on your spice preference, or leave them out altogether for a milder flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, creamy soup filled with vibrant flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, it’s a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to recipe that warms your heart and satisfies your soul.
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: American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a rich broth enhanced with Parmesan cheese and aromatic herbs. Ready in just 35 minutes, this comforting soup is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant to build the soup’s base flavor.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Incorporate Chicken and Spinach: Add the cooked chicken and baby spinach to the soup, stirring gently until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to combine all the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne powder.
- Use low-fat cream or milk for a lighter version, but the soup will be less rich.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can be used as a substitute for a more intense flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free.
