Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Are you looking for a bowl full of comfort, flavor, and creamy goodness? Let me introduce you to Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup, a cozy dish that delivers all the charm and romance of the classic chicken dinner—but in soup form! With layers of sun-dried tomatoes, tender chicken, baby spinach, and a splash of decadence from cream and Parmesan, this is the kind of recipe you’ll crave after a long day. One spoonful and you’ll see why it’s called “Marry Me”—it’s just that irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is how a handful of simple, familiar ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Each one brings a unique note—whether it’s the boldness of sun-dried tomatoes or the richness of Parmesan—that elevates every spoonful.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps soften your onions and adds a fruity base note to build flavors.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Gives the soup a velvety finish and enhances every other flavor.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that starts the soup off right.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Delivers a warm, savory aroma that makes this soup so inviting.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed and drained): Adds bursts of tangy, sweet depth to every bite.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs that’s perfect for this Italian-inspired classic.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Subtly amps up the heat for just the right amount of warmth.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the flavors balanced and ensures the chicken shines through.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy and rich.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and adds a hint of sweetness.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: The star protein, soaking up all those amazing flavors.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty finishing touch that melts in perfectly.
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped: Brings color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season just before serving for the best flavor.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): A pop of color and herby aroma to make your bowl picture-perfect.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Begin by heating your olive oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add your diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. This step draws out the sweetness and softens the onion, creating a base full of inviting, savory notes.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Now toss in your minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and those red pepper flakes. Let everything sizzle for 1 to 2 minutes—this is where the fragrance jumps out of the pot and fills your whole kitchen. It’s the first hint you’re making something special!
Step 3: Stir in Tomato Paste
Add the tomato paste and stir it around for another minute. This deepens and concentrates the tomato flavor, giving Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup its beautiful color and an extra layer of richness.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, give everything a good stir, and bring the pot to a gentle simmer. This is when all the magic happens, as the soup comes together and the flavors begin to meld.
Step 5: Add Cream and Chicken
Pour in the heavy cream for that irresistibly silky texture, then add your shredded chicken. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes, which gives the meat time to soak up all those amazing Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Step 6: Stir in Parmesan and Spinach
Time for the finishing touches! Add your grated Parmesan and drop in the roughly chopped spinach, stirring until the greens are just wilted and the cheese has melted. At this point, the soup turns creamy and luscious—just like Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup should be.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Before serving, taste and add salt and black pepper. Spoon into bowls, top with a fresh herb garnish if you’d like, and watch everyone fall in love at first bite.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley over each bowl not only makes Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup look gorgeous, but also adds a refreshing herbal touch. For even more decadence, try an extra dusting of Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread is a match made in heaven for this soup—perfect for mopping up every last bit of that creamy broth. If you’re feeling extra cozy, serve alongside a simple green salad, steamed asparagus, or even over a scoop of rice or pasta for a meal that truly hugs you back.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup in a hollowed sourdough bread bowl for an impressive touch, or ladle it into small mugs as a starter for dinner parties. For a family-friendly twist, try topping each bowl with crispy croutons or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftovers of Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup to cool completely, then transfer them to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen, making the soup taste even better the next day!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze some for later, let the soup cool, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and store it for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the creamy base might separate a bit on thawing, but a gentle stir during reheating brings it right back together.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s fully heated through. If the soup thickened in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water as needed. Avoid boiling, which can cause the cream to separate.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut in Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup. Just shred or chop it and add as directed for quick, delicious results.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
While Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is all about richness, you can try using unsweetened coconut cream or a favorite non-dairy cream, plus a vegan Parmesan substitute, to mimic the creaminess.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, peas, or even mushrooms—just add them during the sauté step and make the recipe your own.
How spicy is this soup?
The red pepper flakes offer gentle warmth, but you can adjust the spice level up or down to suit your preference. Leave them out if you want a completely mild experience.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If you’d like Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup to be even thicker, try simmering a bit longer to reduce the broth, or blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot for a lush, creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a pot of Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup bubbling away on the stove—it’s cozy, comforting, and delivers a big-flavor hug in every bowl. If you need an easy weeknight dinner or you want to impress someone special, this recipe is the answer. Give it a try, and who knows? You just might find yourself falling in love with soup all over again!
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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is a rich and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy night in. With tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy broth, this soup is sure to win your heart.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, oil-packed and drained)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach (roughly chopped)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil and butter in a soup pot. Sauté onions until softened. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Cream: Stir in tomato paste, then pour in chicken broth. Simmer, then add heavy cream and shredded chicken. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Finish Soup: Stir in Parmesan and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts and soup is creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with basil or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or blend a portion of the soup for a thicker texture.
- Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta or rice for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
