Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The soup features a luscious cream sauce that adds depth and richness to the dish.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Loaded with tender chicken and vegetables, it’s a complete meal that fills you up.
- Flavorful Ingredients: Sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese infuse the soup with robust flavors.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable with different vegetables or pasta to suit your preferences.
- One-Pot Meal: Everything comes together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced onions
- ¼ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
- 6 to 8 cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup uncooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 3 to 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced carrots, celery, onions, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine, cooking for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. If using tomato paste, stir it in now.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Gradually pour in 6 cups of chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Return the seared chicken to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
- Incorporate Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the pot and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Cream and Spinach: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy whipping cream, fresh spinach, remaining Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. If the soup is too thick, add additional chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 10 cups of soup, serving about 6 people.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate mushrooms, kale, or zucchini to enhance the nutritional value.
- Pasta Options: Use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free varieties to suit dietary needs.
- Herb Enhancements: Add fresh basil or oregano for an aromatic touch.
- Spice Level: Introduce red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Freezing: Due to the dairy content, freezing may cause the soup to separate upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, consider omitting the cream and adding it fresh when reheating. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What is Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a Tuscan-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, named for its irresistible flavor that might just inspire a marriage proposal.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, using rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken can save time. Add it during the simmering step to warm through.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Note that
Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (10 cups)
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a savory Parmesan-infused broth. Inspired by Tuscan flavors, this comforting soup is perfect for cozy nights or easy weeknight dinners. With its irresistible taste, it just might win over anyone’s heart!
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced onions
- ¼ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
- 6 to 8 cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup uncooked pasta (rotini or penne)
- 3 to 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Sear the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables – In the same pot, sauté the carrots, celery, onions, and sun-dried tomatoes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3️⃣ Make the Roux – Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir. Cook for 1 minute, then stir in tomato paste if using.
4️⃣ Add Broth and Simmer – Gradually add 6 cups of chicken broth while stirring. Return the chicken to the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer until fully cooked.
5️⃣ Cook the Pasta – Add uncooked pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, stirring occasionally.
6️⃣ Finish with Cream and Spinach – Stir in heavy whipping cream, fresh spinach, remaining Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Adjust consistency with extra broth if needed.
7️⃣ Serve – Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm!
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use turkey or sausage for a different flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, kale, or zucchini for more nutrients.
- Pasta Choices: Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Herb Boost: Stir in fresh basil or oregano.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian-American
