If you’ve been searching for a cozy, heartwarming dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This soup brings together tender chicken, creamy Parmesan, bright spinach, and a luscious blend of garlic and Italian herbs, all simmered to perfection. It’s a dish that promises comfort and a little bit of elegance, perfect for sharing on a chilly evening or anytime you want to treat yourself to something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays an important role, building layers of flavor and adding delightful textures and colors that make this soup so irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For perfectly sautéing the chicken and vegetables with a rich, fruity base.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and juicy when cooked just right.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the soup.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of warmth and spice.
- 1 onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and depth as it softens and caramelizes.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers vibrant aromatic notes that lift the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that echoes traditional Italian flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a touch of gentle heat that keeps things interesting.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The savory liquid foundation that ties everything together beautifully.
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz): Adds bright acidity and a pop of color to brighten the soup.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a lush, creamy texture that makes the soup velvety and indulgent.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings umami richness and a hint of nuttiness.
- 2 cups spinach leaves: Fresh greens that wilt into the hot soup, adding nutrients and vibrant green color.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, which will create the perfect surface to brown your chicken. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot oil. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. This step locks in the juices and flavors, making sure your chicken stays moist and tasty throughout the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Once the chicken is browned and removed, add chopped onion to the same pot. Cooking the onion in those flavorful drippings will soften it and infuse the soup base with richness. After about 5 minutes, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let them cook for another 1 to 2 minutes so their fragrant aromas can fill your kitchen, hinting at the delicious soup to come.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth along with the diced tomatoes and their juices. This combination creates a savory, slightly tangy broth that’s the soul of the soup. Return the chicken breasts to the pot and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the chicken to become tender and soak up all those wonderful flavors.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Add Cream
After simmering, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks right in your kitchen. Shredding creates those perfect little bites of chicken that blend effortlessly into the soup. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach leaves. Give it about 5 more minutes on the heat for the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt, creating a luscious, creamy texture that ties everything together beautifully.
Step 5: Final Touches and Seasoning
Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. This step is key for balancing all the complex flavors you’ve patiently developed and ensures every spoonful tastes just right. Now you’re ready to ladle out this comforting bowl of love.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few torn basil leaves or extra spinach on top adds lovely color and freshness. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also elevate the presentation and flavor, giving your soup that extra touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every drop of the creamy broth. A fresh green salad with a bright vinaigrette is also a perfect companion, adding a crisp, refreshing contrast to the soup’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe in rustic mugs or deep bowls for an inviting, rustic feel at your table. For special occasions, try placing a few parmesan crisps on top or swirl a bit of pesto into the soup for a pop of green and extra herbaceous notes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container and be sure to cool it completely before sealing. The flavors only deepen overnight, making your leftovers taste even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe for up to 2 months. However, because of the cream and spinach, it’s best to undercook the leafy greens if you plan to freeze, then add fresh spinach when reheating for a fresher texture. Freeze in portions for easy meals on busy days.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving for extended periods, as this might affect the creamy texture and spinach leaves.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra richness and tenderness to your Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe. Just adjust cooking times slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or skip it entirely. Your soup will still be creamy and flavorful.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
You sure can. Brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics first for flavor, then combine everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the cream, Parmesan, and spinach during the last 30 minutes.
What’s the origin of the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe name?
The name playfully suggests a dish so delicious your loved one will want to propose marriage after tasting it. Its rich, comforting flavors make it feel extra special, perfect for romantic dinners or cozy nights in.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture. Just sauté them with the onions to soften before adding broth.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably irresistible about the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe that makes it a forever favorite in my kitchen. Its blend of comforting creaminess, tender chicken, and fresh greens creates a bowl full of love and warmth. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this special soup as much as I do — it’s perfect for coming together around a table and savoring moments that matter most.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts, a rich blend of Italian seasonings, creamy Parmesan, and fresh spinach in a hearty tomato-based broth. This recipe is perfect for warming up on a cool day and offers a delicious twist on classic chicken soup with its creamy texture and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
Final Add-ins
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups spinach leaves
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for browning the chicken and sautéing vegetables.
- Season and brown chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Place them in the hot pot and cook each side for 5-7 minutes until browned, sealing in the juices and adding flavor.
- Remove chicken: Take the browned chicken out of the pot and set it aside to rest while you cook the aromatics.
- Sauté onion: Add the chopped onion to the same pot and cook for about 5 minutes until softened, using the flavorful browned bits left from the chicken.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1-2 minutes to release fragrant aromas.
- Add broth and tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices to create the soup base.
- Return chicken and simmer: Put the chicken breasts back into the pot and bring the soup to a simmer to start cooking the chicken through.
- Cook covered: Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred chicken: Remove the chicken and shred it finely using two forks, then return the shredded meat to the pot for mixing.
- Add cream, cheese, and spinach: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach leaves to enrich the soup and add vibrant color.
- Cook until spinach wilts: Let the soup cook for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach softens and incorporates into the broth.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Serve hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy immediately for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach or baby spinach for best texture and flavor.
- For a lower fat option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or omit entirely and add a splash of milk.
- This soup is great served with crusty bread or a light salad.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
