If you’re looking to wow your taste buds with something irresistibly comforting and packed with flavor, the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. This soup is a luscious blend of tender chicken, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and pillowy gnocchi, all swirled together in a rich, creamy broth that hugs every bite. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly night or want to impress dinner guests with minimal fuss, this soup delivers warmth, heartiness, and a touch of elegance in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to build layers of delicious flavor and texture. From the savory herbs to the creamy finish, these elements come together effortlessly to create a memorable dish.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: The star protein that provides tender, flavorful bites throughout the soup.
- 1½ tsp Kosher salt, divided: Enhances all the flavors and balances the seasoning perfectly.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds an earthy, aromatic note that lifts the chicken beautifully.
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper: Provides subtle warmth and depth.
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil: For browning the chicken and adding richness to the base.
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter: Brings creaminess and helps soften the aromatics.
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced: Creates a natural sweetness and savory foundation.
- 2 sticks celery, finely chopped: Adds crunch and freshness to complement the richness.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped: A burst of tangy, umami flavor that brightens the soup.
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped: Infuses the broth with fragrant warmth.
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato essence for a robust backbone.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- 2 Tbsp pesto (store-bought or homemade): Adds herbal freshness and a hint of nuttiness.
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional): Simmering this enriches the broth with deep, cheesy notes.
- 16 oz dried potato gnocchi (or small pasta, such as orecchiette): Soft, pillowy bites that make the soup wonderfully hearty.
- ½ – 1 cup heavy cream: The ultimate creamy touch that makes this soup indulgently smooth.
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach (half of a large bag): Brings vibrant color and a nutritious boost.
- ½ cup Parmesan, grated: Stirred in at the end for extra savory goodness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by tossing your cubed chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning kickstarts the flavor journey, ensuring every piece is well-coated and ready to shine once browned.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and slightly crispy on the edges. Browning seals in the juices and adds a beautiful savory depth to your soup. Once browned, set the chicken aside on a plate but keep all those flavorful bits in the pot!
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
To the same pot, add diced onion and celery, sprinkling with the remaining ½ teaspoon Kosher salt. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the veggies become translucent and fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste, breaking up the paste so it melds evenly. This step builds a rich, layered flavor base that makes the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Add the Broth
Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth followed by the pesto and Parmesan rind, if you’re using it. All these ingredients combine to create a vibrant, herbaceous, and cheesy broth that’s simply amazing. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes to develop deeper flavors.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
Return the browned chicken to the pot and stir in the potato gnocchi. Cook everything together for 3 to 5 minutes until the gnocchi float to the surface, signaling they’re perfectly tender and ready to enjoy. This adds a luscious, comforting texture that perfectly complements the creamy broth.
Step 6: Add the Cream and Finish
Finally, stir in the heavy cream, fresh baby spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. The cream transforms the soup into a silky delight, while the spinach adds freshness and color. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, then serve it piping hot to enjoy all the luxurious flavors at their peak.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of pesto brighten the bowl visually and elevate the taste profile, adding fresh herbal notes that contrast beautifully with the creamy soup.
Side Dishes
Pair your soup with crusty garlic bread or a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. These sides complement the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe perfectly, making the meal feel special yet effortlessly homey.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the soup in rustic bread bowls or mini cast iron pots for a charming presentation. Or garnish individual servings with a swirl of cream and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat that brings an exciting twist to the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for lunch or dinner later in the week.
Freezing
While the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers without the cream and spinach added. Freeze the base in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, add the cream and spinach fresh to maintain their texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add fresh spinach and cream at this stage if they were removed before freezing to keep the soup vibrant and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and offer a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture, which pairs wonderfully with this soup’s creamy broth.
What can I substitute for gnocchi?
If you can’t find gnocchi, small pastas like orecchiette, small shells, or even tortellini make excellent alternatives that soak up the broth beautifully.
Is there a lighter version of this soup?
For a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce the cream by half. You can also skip the butter and use just olive oil for cooking the aromatics.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can adapt this recipe by omitting chicken and using vegetable broth, then adding hearty veggies like mushrooms or beans to keep it filling and flavorful.
How spicy is this soup?
The Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is mild and comforting, perfect for all palates, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to introduce a little heat.
Final Thoughts
Sharing the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe with you feels like handing over a warm, delicious hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your dinner guests with pure satisfaction. Whether you’re in need of cozy comfort food or a simple yet impressive dish, this soup is ready to become your go-to favorite. Give it a try and watch it become an unforgettable staple in your recipe collection.
Print
Creamy 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
Description
This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is a rich, comforting dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a flavorful broth enhanced with pesto and Parmesan. Finished with creamy heavy cream and delicate gnocchi, this hearty soup is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1½ tsp Kosher salt, divided
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Soup Base
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 2 sticks celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
Pasta and Finishings
- 16 oz (1 lb) dried potato gnocchi (or small pasta like orecchiette)
- ½ – 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach (half of a large bag)
- ½ cup Parmesan, grated
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken pieces with the seasonings.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and finely chopped celery to the same pot, seasoning with ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Cook these vegetables over medium heat until they become translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and tomato paste, breaking up the tomato paste with your spoon to combine everything well.
- Add the Broth: Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, then add 2 tablespoons of pesto and the Parmesan rind if using. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Return the browned chicken to the pot and stir in the dried potato gnocchi (or your choice of small pasta). Allow the soup to cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the surface and are tender.
- Add Cream and Finish: Stir in ½ to 1 cup of heavy cream, fresh baby spinach, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Cook just until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the soup immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- The Parmesan rind adds a deep, savory richness but is optional if unavailable.
- You can substitute gnocchi with small pasta shapes like orecchiette for a different texture.
- Use fresh pesto if possible to elevate the flavor, but store-bought works well too.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream for desired richness; use less for a lighter soup.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid breaking the cream.
