This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting and creamy Tuscan-inspired dish, loaded with tender chicken, savory sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious Parmesan-infused broth. It takes the iconic flavors of “Marry Me Chicken” and transforms them into a heartwarming soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Whether you’re looking for a dish to impress or simply need a bowl of comforting goodness, this recipe will win hearts.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (lightly packed)
Optional Additions:
- 1/2 cup cooked wild rice or orzo
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for spice)
- Lemon juice (for brightness)
Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Sauté the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Add them to the pot and cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, and thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Soup Base
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with the aromatics.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer the Soup
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- If you’re adding wild rice or orzo, stir it in at this stage and cook according to package instructions.
5. Add Cream and Parmesan
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts into the broth. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot, along with any juices that accumulated.
6. Add Spinach or Kale
- Add the spinach (or kale) and stir until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- For an extra pop of flavor, squeeze in a bit of fresh lemon juice or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes.
7. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with torn basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Use Bone-In Chicken for More Flavor:
For an even richer broth, consider using bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. Shred the chicken after simmering. - Make It Dairy-Free:
Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version. - Adjust Consistency:
If you prefer a thicker soup, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) before adding the cream. - Make It a Meal:
Adding pasta, wild rice, or white beans can turn this soup into a complete and filling meal. - Store Leftovers:
This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
Variations
- Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup:
Add cheese tortellini for a heartier, Italian-inspired version. - Spicy Marry Me Chicken Soup:
Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add diced chili peppers for a spicy twist. - Vegetarian Version:
Swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Comforting and Flavorful: The creamy broth, combined with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, creates a luxurious flavor profile.
- Simple to Make: This recipe comes together in under an hour with basic ingredients.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences, dietary needs, or available ingredients.
This Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) combines the bold, irresistible flavors of the original dish with the soul-warming comfort of a soup. Serve it for dinner, share it with loved ones, or enjoy it as a meal prep option—you’ll see why it’s a recipe to fall in love with!