If you’re craving a cozy bowl that’s bursting with flavor and just might sweep you off your feet, the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful soup blends tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy Parmesan in a luscious broth that’s both comforting and elegant. Each spoonful offers a perfect balance of savory and slightly tangy, wrapped in a velvety texture that’s truly unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just treating yourself, this soup is a heartfelt embrace in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step to crafting this soul-soothing Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe. Each element plays a vital role—from the juicy chicken that’s the heart of the dish to the fragrant herbs that lift every bite with layers of aroma and taste.
- Olive oil: This adds a rich base and helps brown the chicken for extra flavor.
- Chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook evenly and stay tender.
- Onion: Chopped onion brings sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves: Minced garlic lends a warm, aromatic punch.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid foundation that carries all the flavors.
- Heavy cream: Creates a silky, luxurious texture in the soup.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Adds tangy sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- Dried oregano: Infuses the soup with classic Italian herb notes.
- Dried thyme: Offers subtle earthiness that complements the chicken.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle kick of heat.
- Baby spinach: Adds freshness and a beautiful green contrast.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the soup for a savory, nutty richness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Perfect for a bright, herbal garnish.
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 your bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until beautifully browned and fully cooked through. This step seals in the juices and gives the chicken a lovely texture. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Using the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and the garlic releases its wonderful aroma. This creates a fragrant base that infuses every spoonful with warmth.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Herbs
Pour in chicken broth alongside the heavy cream and stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, thyme, and, if you like a little spice, red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld into a rich, hearty broth.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Spinach
Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the baby spinach. Keep stirring until the spinach wilts down into the soup, adding a fresh burst of green and nutrients. This step balances the creamy broth with a touch of brightness.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, which melts right into the hot soup, giving it a savory, cheesy depth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, letting everything come together perfectly.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Your Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is now ready to enjoy! Ladle it into bowls and move on to the fun part—adding your favorite garnishes for that extra wow factor.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and a bright herbal note that perfectly complements the rich, creamy soup. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few extra shavings of Parmesan will never disappoint.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup alongside a crusty baguette or warm garlic bread to soak up all that luscious broth. A simple green salad makes for a light, crisp accompaniment that balances the richness of the soup beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For something extra special, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or individual mini crocks. Topping with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes right before serving adds a touch of elegance and a hint of heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe reheats beautifully. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save the soup for later, freeze it in portions without the fresh spinach and cheese added. Keep it in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, then add the spinach and cheese fresh after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup feels too thick. If you froze it, add the fresh spinach and Parmesan after warming through for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and a slightly richer flavor, which works wonderfully in this soup. Just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Is this soup spicy because of the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes are optional and added in a small amount to give a mild, gentle heat. You can leave them out completely for a milder soup or add more if you like a kick.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Sure! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What can I use if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use fresh tomatoes or even roasted red peppers for a different but delicious twist. Just keep in mind that sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated, tangy sweetness that’s unique to this dish.
How thick should the soup be?
This soup is creamy but not overly thick—think comforting and velvety with enough broth to enjoy as a hearty soup. You can adjust the consistency by adding more broth or cream to suit your preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe that makes it a standout in any meal rotation. It’s easy to make yet feels luxurious and deeply satisfying—perfect for warming hearts and bellies alike. So grab your ingredients and give this recipe a whirl; it might just become your new favorite comfort food to share with those you love most.
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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
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting dish packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all simmered in a flavorful blend of chicken broth and herbs. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup combines rich parmesan and aromatic spices for a deliciously satisfying experience in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Soup 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 the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup Base: Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Chicken and Spinach: Add the cooked chicken and baby spinach to the soup, stirring until the spinach wilts.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the soup warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor, substituting fresh oregano and thyme in place of dried.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Leftover soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Feel free to add cooked pasta or rice to make the soup heartier.
