There’s something truly magical about a dish that brings people together, especially one that evokes the warmth and comfort of a homemade meal. Our Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is just such a recipe, a luscious, rich, and utterly satisfying bowl that promises to become a cherished favorite at your table. With its tender chicken, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and a silken, herby broth, it’s a symphony of flavors that feels both elegant and incredibly comforting.
Growing up, my grandmother’s kitchen was my favorite place, filled with the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla. I learned early on that the best meals, like the sweetest desserts, are made with love and shared with joy. This soup reminds me of those cherished times – a dish that feels special enough for a celebration, yet simple enough for a cozy weeknight.
This recipe is not only incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for even novice home cooks, but it’s also wonderfully versatile, inviting you to add your own personal touch. It’s a delightful way to bring a touch of Tuscan sunshine into your home, promising smiles and contented sighs all around.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting this delightful soup requires a few simple yet impactful ingredients. The boneless, skinless chicken breast provides a lean protein base, while rich heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create that irresistible velvety texture we all adore. I always say, a good quality chicken broth is the secret to a truly flavorful soup! You’ll find the complete list and precise measurements in the recipe card below for this amazing Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Making this heartwarming soup is a lovely journey through simple steps. You’ll start by preparing the chicken, then move on to sautéing fragrant aromatics like yellow onion and garlic. Next, you’ll build the rich, flavorful soup base before finally finishing it with cream, cheese, and fresh spinach. It’s a process that truly brings the kitchen to life with wonderful smells and promises of a delicious meal.
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat chicken cubes dry and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the same pot. Once melted, add the diced yellow onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, allowing the flour to cook out.
- Gradually whisk in the 6 cups of chicken broth, ensuring no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Do not bring to a rolling boil after adding cream and cheese.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add the 5 oz baby spinach, pushing it down into the soup. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach has wilted.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
- Ladle the creamy marry me chicken soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Ensuring your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup turns out perfectly every time is all about embracing a few tried-and-true kitchen secrets. These little touches, honed from years of joyful cooking, make all the difference.
When sautéing your aromatics, don’t rush the process. Allowing the yellow onion to become truly translucent and the garlic fragrant (but not browned!) lays a beautiful flavor foundation for your soup. This gentle coaxing brings out their sweetness, essential for the overall depth of the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup.
My Secret Trick: I always like to give my boneless, skinless chicken breast a quick sear before shredding or dicing it. This locks in the juices and adds an extra layer of savory depth that truly elevates the flavor of the entire Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup.
When adding the flour to create your roux, make sure it cooks for at least a minute or two with the butter. This helps cook out the raw flour taste, ensuring your soup base is smooth and delicious, with no starchy aftertaste.
Finally, when it comes to the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, remember to add them towards the end and avoid boiling the soup vigorously afterward. This keeps the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup beautifully smooth and prevents the dairy from separating, preserving its luxurious texture.
Fun Variations for Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe your own, and this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is wonderfully adaptable! Don’t be shy about experimenting with these fun twists.
- Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, consider adding a pinch more red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper. My brother always asks me to add a diced jalapeño when I make this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup for him!
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to stir in other quick-cooking vegetables. Sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even a handful of frozen peas would be lovely additions.
- Pasta Perfection: For an even heartier meal, cook a handful of small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo separately and stir them into the soup just before serving. It transforms the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup into an even more substantial stew.
- Herb Twist: While fresh basil or parsley are wonderful, you could also experiment with fresh dill or thyme for a different aromatic profile.
What to Serve With Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
A bowl of this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but a few thoughtful accompaniments can truly complete the meal. I love to offer options that complement its rich flavors and creamy texture.
My absolute favorite pairing is a slice of crusty bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the luscious broth. A warm, buttered baguette or some garlic bread makes for a truly comforting experience. A friend of mine always serves it with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette; the crispness is a beautiful contrast to the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup. For a quick serving idea, a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves on top always elevate the presentation and taste.
How to Store Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Making a big batch of Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup means you’ll have delicious leftovers to enjoy, and proper storage ensures it tastes just as wonderful the next day.
Fridge Storage
Once your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. My personal tip is to always cool it down quickly before refrigerating to maintain freshness!
Freezer Tips
Yes, you can freeze Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup! Once cooled, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop. The texture of the cream can sometimes change slightly after freezing and thawing, but a good stir will usually bring it back together, making it a delicious option for a quick future meal.
Nutritional Benefits
This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup offers more than just comforting flavors. The chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle health. With the addition of fresh spinach, you’re also getting a boost of vitamins and minerals. It’s truly a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, embodying my philosophy of combining wholesome ingredients with delightful indulgence in every spoonful of this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is fantastic for meal prep. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen beautifully overnight, making your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup even more delicious.
Faq 2
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
While sun-dried tomatoes add a unique sweetness and tang, you can substitute them with a small can of diced fire-roasted tomatoes (drained) for a similar depth of flavor in your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup.
Faq 3
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They tend to stay even more tender and add a richer flavor to the soup. Just ensure they are cooked through before shredding or dicing for your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup.
Faq 4
How can I make this soup thicker or thinner?
To thicken, let it simmer a bit longer, or whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in. To thin, simply add more chicken broth until your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup reaches your desired consistency.
Conclusion
I truly hope this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup brings a little bit of that Tuscan warmth and homemade magic to your kitchen. It’s a dish that embodies everything I love about cooking: simple ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and the immense joy of sharing something truly delicious with those you love. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let this comforting, creamy delight fill your home with irresistible aromas and your hearts with happy memories.