There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a steaming bowl of soup, especially when it comes packed with flavors that can make anyone swoon. I first encountered Marry Me Chicken Soup on a chilly evening, when my family craved a dish that could chase away the winter blues. As the rich aroma of sautéed garlic and herbs filled my kitchen, I knew this was more than just dinner; it was an experience.
Imagine tender chunks of chicken swimming in a creamy broth adorned with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Each spoonful is a reminder that comfort food can also be elegant. This recipe has become a staple in my home, striking the perfect balance between indulgence and ease. Plus, it’s versatile—whether served with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, it never fails to impress.
If you’re tired of the same old meals and ready to elevate your weeknight dinners, let me show you how to prepare this deliciously satisfying Marry Me Chicken Soup. You may just find that it becomes a cherished favorite for you and your loved ones too!
Why You'll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup
- This Marry Me Chicken Soup is incredibly easy to make, with a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cook time of 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.
- The combination of tender chicken, creamy broth, and vibrant vegetables creates a flavor profile that is absolutely irresistible and comforting.
- Its versatility allows you to serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, catering to everyone’s preferences and making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
- Visually, the rich colors of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach make each bowl a delightful feast for the eyes, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Marry Me Chicken Soup Ingredients
For the Soup Base
• Olive oil – a splash of heartwarming flavor to sauté the onions and garlic.
• Medium onion, diced – adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
• Garlic cloves, minced – brings an aromatic punch to elevate your taste buds.
• Crushed red pepper flakes – for a subtle kick that warms the heart.
• Italian seasoning – infuses the soup with a delightful bouquet of herbs.
• Salt – enhances all the flavors, making them pop.
• Black pepper – adds just the right amount of spice to the mix.
For the Main Ingredients
• Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – introduces a rich, tangy sweetness that complements the creamy broth.
• Low-sodium chicken broth – provides a flavorful base that’s essential for this Marry Me Chicken Soup.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – the star of the show, tender and juicy after simmering.
For the Creamy Finish
• Heavy cream – transforms the broth into a luscious, comforting delight.
• Grated parmesan cheese – adds a savory richness that’s simply irresistible.
For the Greens & Sides
• Spinach, chopped – brings freshness and vibrant color to each bowl.
• Cooked pasta – a wonderful option for making the soup heartier.
• Cooked rice – perfect for soaking up all the delicious flavors.
• Crusty bread – ideal for dipping and enjoying every last drop of the soup.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup
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Heat the Oil: Warm olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until it turns translucent and fragrant.
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Add Aromatics: Toss in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, stirring well to release those mouthwatering aromas.
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Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and then pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Simmer with Chicken: Carefully place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the pot. Cover and let it simmer for about 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
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Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the comforting broth, letting it mingle with the flavors.
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Stir in Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes until melted and smooth, creating a rich, creamy consistency.
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Add Fresh Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach, cooking for just 1–2 minutes until wilted, adding a vibrant touch to your soup.
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Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed; then serve your Marry Me Chicken Soup hot with optional pasta, rice, or crusty bread for an extra hearty meal.
Optional: Top with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Soup?
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup paired with comforting sides to complete your meal experience.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The butteriness of mashed potatoes complements the velvety soup beautifully, making every bite a luxurious experience.
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Garlic Bread: Crunchy and aromatic, garlic bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy goodness of the soup.
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Simple Side Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast that brightens the overall meal.
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Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans offer a nutrient-rich element that balances the richness of the soup.
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Herb-Crusted Chicken: For those craving extra protein, a herby baked chicken breast pairs wonderfully, enhancing the savory flavors of the soup.
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Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc: A chilled glass of white wine complements the creaminess of the broth, adding a touch of elegance to your dinner.
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Chocolate Lava Cake: End your meal on a sweet note with a decadent dessert; the rich warmth of chocolate enhances the comfort of the soup.
Marry Me Chicken Soup Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own with these delicious twists!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a rich, luscious texture without the dairy. The hint of coconut adds a beautiful depth of flavor.
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Vegan: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This alternative will keep things hearty and satisfying.
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Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce while sautéing the onions and garlic. It’s perfect for warming you up on a chilly night.
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Herb Explosion: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added at the end for a burst of freshness that elevates the soup’s flavor profile. Just a handful will do wonders!
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Extra Veggies: Toss in some diced carrots or bell peppers along with the onions to enhance the vegetable goodness and add more color to your soup.
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Pasta Lovers: For a heartier meal, substitute the rice with orzo pasta or even tortellini. They’ll soak up the flavors while making each bite even more enjoyable.
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Flavorful Broth: Swap the low-sodium chicken broth for homemade bone broth or vegetable broth for an even richer taste. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Cream Cheese Swirl: Add a dollop of cream cheese when stirring in the heavy cream for an extra creamy finish that takes comfort to the next level. It’s cheesy magic!
How to Store and Freeze Marry Me Chicken Soup
Fridge: Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring until warmed through.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. Place it in freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring minimal air is trapped inside.
Thawing: To reheat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. Warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Reheating: Always reheat the soup until piping hot, ensuring it reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Enjoy your comforting bowl again and again!
Make Ahead Options
These Marry Me Chicken Soup components are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort on busy weeknights! You can chop the onions, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Additionally, the shredded chicken can be prepared and added to the soup up to 3 days ahead; simply refrigerate it in a sealed container. When ready to serve, just follow the final steps of simmering the broth, stirring in the cream and parmesan, and adding the spinach—this ensures that it remains just as delicious and comforting as when first made!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your onion is diced evenly for consistent cooking in the Marry Me Chicken Soup, as larger pieces may remain crunchy while smaller pieces could burn.
- Take care to monitor the garlic closely when sautéing, as it can quickly become bitter if cooked too long.
- When shredding the chicken, allow it to cool slightly first to make it easier to handle and achieve nice, tender shreds.
- For the best creaminess, avoid boiling the soup after adding the heavy cream and parmesan, as this can cause the dairy to curdle.
Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right chicken breasts for Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Absolutely! When choosing chicken breasts, look for ones that are firm and plump with a pinkish hue. Avoid any with dark spots or an off smell. For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, as they cook evenly and shred easily, adding that tender touch to your soup.
What’s the best way to store leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Very! Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring until it’s heated through. This will help keep the flavors intact and the broth creamy!
Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Soup? How?
Certainly! To freeze your soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored like this for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop—just add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
What should I do if my soup is too thick?
No worries! If you find your Marry Me Chicken Soup is thicker than you’d like, just stir in a bit of low-sodium chicken broth or water while reheating it on the stove. This will help bring it back to that perfect creamy consistency that’s oh-so-comforting.
Is Marry Me Chicken Soup safe for pets or those with allergies?
Definitely! However, when feeding soup to pets, be cautious as some ingredients like garlic can be harmful to them. Always check for allergies to dairy and any specific seasonings used. For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily modify the recipe, using coconut cream instead of heavy cream for dairy-free needs or leaving out certain spices—your comfort is key!
How do I ensure the spinach in my soup isn’t overcooked?
Absolutely! To keep your spinach vibrant and fresh, stir it in at the last moment of cooking and only simmer for 1–2 minutes until just wilted. This way, you preserve its lush color and nutrients, adding a lovely freshness to your Marry Me Chicken Soup!
Equipment
- soup pot
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil a splash of heartwarming flavor
- 1 medium onion, diced adds sweetness and depth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced brings aromatic punch
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for subtle kick
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning infuses delightful herbs
- 1 teaspoon salt enhances all flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper adds spice
For the Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped introduces rich sweetness
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth provides flavorful base
- 2 breasts boneless, skinless chicken the star ingredient
For the Creamy Finish
- 1 cup heavy cream transforms broth into delight
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese adds savory richness
For the Greens & Sides
- 2 cups spinach, chopped brings freshness
- 2 cups cooked pasta makes soup heartier
- 2 cups cooked rice perfect for soaking
- 4 slices crusty bread ideal for dipping
Instructions
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring well.
- Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and pour in low-sodium chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Carefully place boneless chicken breasts into the pot. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes until tender.
- Remove chicken, shred it using forks, and return the shredded chicken to the broth.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Simmer for 5 minutes until smooth.
- Stir in chopped spinach, cooking for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed; serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
