Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
If you are searching for a soul-soothing, creamy, and flavorful soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe. This dish combines tender chicken, savory herbs, a touch of heat, and creamy Parmesan goodness to create a bowl that’s irresistibly comforting. Each spoonful offers layers of rich taste and wholesome ingredients that are bound to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe turns simple pantry staples into an unforgettable meal full of heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe shine are the simple yet essential ingredients that bring together unique flavors and textures. From the juicy chicken to the creamy Parmesan and fresh spinach, each component plays a vital role in building the character of this soup.
- Olive oil: The perfect base to sauté your chicken and fragrant aromatics, contributing a subtle fruity richness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh chicken for tender, juicy bites that soak up the broth beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor in the soup by balancing and brightening the ingredients.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity that wakes up the palate.
- Onion, chopped: Provides a sweet and savory foundation that complements the garlic’s pungency.
- Garlic, minced: Brings warmth and an irresistible aroma that makes the soup truly inviting.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs like oregano and basil adds an earthy, Mediterranean twist.
- Red pepper flakes: Introduces a gentle kick of spice that keeps the palate engaged.
- Chicken broth: The heart of the soup, delivering deep, savory notes and moistening every ingredient.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): Adds acidity and a touch of sweetness to balance the creamy elements.
- Heavy cream: Provides luscious creaminess and a velvety texture that makes this soup feel indulgent.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Elevates the dish with a salty, nutty flavor and richness.
- Spinach leaves: Fresh greens that add color, nutrition, and a tender bite once wilted.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Place them in the pot and let them cook undisturbed for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until you have a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step locks in the chicken’s juiciness and builds a rich flavor base for your soup.
Step 2: Soften the Aromatics
Once the chicken is seared, remove it from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, roughly 5 minutes. This slow cooking releases the onion’s natural sweetness, which becomes the backbone for the soup’s comforting depth.
Step 3: Infuse with Garlic and Herbs
Next, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes right into the pot with the softened onions. Cook this mixture for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. These ingredients release their essential oils here, enriching the broth with layers of herbal and spicy aromas that are simply irresistible.
Step 4: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes, juice and all. Return the seared chicken breasts back into the pot. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook slowly for about 20 to 25 minutes as the flavors meld beautifully and the chicken cooks through to tender perfection.
Step 5: Shred and Enrich
Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks until you have tender, bite-sized pieces. Stir the shredded chicken back into the pot, then add heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and fresh spinach leaves. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach has just wilted and everything comes together in a creamy, flavorful harmony.
Step 6: Final Taste and Serve
Before serving, give your soup a quick taste. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if desired. Serve it piping hot and enjoy the cozy, rich flavors that make this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra flair to this soup is both easy and rewarding. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil instantly brightens the presentation and adds a fresh herbal punch. For an added touch of indulgence, a little extra grated Parmesan on top creates a lovely salty finish that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This soup is delightful enough to be enjoyed on its own, but pairing it with warm, crusty bread or soft garlic knots turns the meal into an even more satisfying experience. Light salads or roasted vegetables also complement the creamy soup well if you want to add a fresh, crunchy contrast on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a small drizzle of olive oil on top for added shine and richness. Pouring some toasted pine nuts or a swirl of pesto can add unexpected texture and flavor. If you’re serving guests, individual ramekins with a Parmesan crisp as a lid make for a playful and impressive reveal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the spinach from becoming too wilted or mushy.
Freezing
If you want to save this soup for later, freezing is definitely an option. To preserve texture and flavor, freeze without the cream and spinach added. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat the soup, then stir in fresh cream and spinach before serving. This method ensures your soup stays vibrant and delicious.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If frozen, allow the soup to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and bring extra juiciness and a slightly richer flavor to the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative, and either omit or replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese option.
How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe?
It has just a gentle hint of heat from the red pepper flakes, which you can easily adjust to your preference by adding more or less.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, shred the chicken, and add cream, cheese, and spinach near the end.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
Simply add a little extra chicken broth or water while reheating to loosen the texture until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a comforting go-to that transforms everyday ingredients into a gourmet experience. It’s cozy, creamy, and infused with just the right balance of flavors that will have you reaching for seconds and sharing the recipe with friends. Give this soup a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, flavorful Marry Me Chicken Soup featuring tender chicken breasts simmered with aromatic Italian seasonings, garlic, and spinach, enriched with a touch of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. This comforting soup comes together easily on the stovetop and is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups spinach leaves
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat oil and brown chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the pot and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken: Take the browned chicken breasts out of the pot and set aside temporarily.
- Sauté onion: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and seasonings are well combined.
- Add broth and tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and the diced tomatoes along with their juices, stirring to combine.
- Simmer chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the pot, bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Shred chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot, shred it using two forks, then return the shredded chicken back into the soup.
- Add cream, cheese, and spinach: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and spinach leaves to the soup.
- Finish cooking: Cook the soup for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the soup is heated through.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or let the soup simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture; frozen spinach can be used but should be well-drained.
- Parmesan cheese adds great flavor but can be omitted or substituted with a vegetarian hard cheese if desired.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup will be less creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
