If you are on the hunt for a comforting, deliciously indulgent dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Rich and Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It combines tender chicken, the lusciousness of cream, the vibrant burst of sun-dried tomatoes, and the satisfying chew of gnocchi, all simmered together to create an unforgettable harmony of flavors. This soup is the perfect balance of hearty and elegant, making it ideal for cozy weeknights or when you want to impress loved ones with a homemade meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, offering texture, and painting the bowl with inviting colors. From the juicy chicken pieces to the fresh baby spinach, each item contributes to the richness and wholesomeness of this soup.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: The star protein that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 1½ tsp Kosher salt, divided: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds a fragrant, earthy note that ties the soup’s flavors together.
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper: A little spice for subtle warmth and depth.
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil: For perfectly browning the chicken and sautéing veggies with a silky finish.
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and rounding the taste of the sautéed aromatics.
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced: Provides a natural sweetness and aromatic base.
- 2 sticks celery, finely chopped: Adds crunch and a fresh vegetal brightness.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped: Intensifies flavor with tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped: Infuses the soup with that irresistible, savory punch.
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato essence and deepens the soup’s color.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that melds all ingredients together.
- 2 Tbsp pesto, store-bought or homemade: Brings herbaceous freshness and a hint of nuttiness.
- 1 Parmesan rind, optional: Adds umami richness as it simmers in the broth.
- 16 oz (1 lb) dried potato gnocchi (or small pasta, such as orecchiette): Provides wonderfully tender bites that soak up the creamy broth.
- ½ – 1 cup heavy cream: The magic ingredient that lends decadence and smooth texture.
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach, half of a large bag: A fresh pop of color and subtle earthiness.
- ½ cup Parmesan, grated: Final touch for saltiness and extra cheesy goodness.
How to Make Rich and Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by tossing the cut chicken pieces in a bowl with 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt, dried oregano, and black pepper. This seasoning gives the chicken layers of flavor that develop beautifully as the soup cooks, ensuring every bite is juicy and tasty.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook it until it’s golden brown on all sides—this step locks in moisture and adds a fantastic depth of flavor that a simple boil cannot achieve. Then set the chicken aside on a plate to rest.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add diced onion, celery, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste. Stir and cook until the vegetables soften and become translucent. This mixture builds the flavor foundation, with the tomato paste giving a luscious richness and the sun-dried tomatoes a vibrant tang.
Step 4: Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth along with the pesto and Parmesan rind if using. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it bubble softly for about 10 to 15 minutes. This simmering allows the flavors to mingle and deepen, while the Parmesan rind slowly releases its umami goodness into the broth.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
Return the browning chicken to the pot, then add the dried gnocchi. Let the gnocchi cook right in the flavorful broth until tender. Gnocchi absorb the soup’s creamy texture and add the perfect bite-sized bit of comfort to the dish.
Step 6: Add Cream and Greens
Stir in the heavy cream for that signature richness, then toss in fresh baby spinach and grated Parmesan. The spinach wilts gently adding a pop of color and a slight earthy note, while the Parmesan melts into the soup and amps up the cheesy flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to balance all the delicious elements.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Divide the soup between bowls, sprinkle with extra Parmesan if you love it cheesy, and get ready to savor a bowl full of creamy, comforting delight.
How to Serve Rich and Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To make your soup extra charming, try a light drizzle of pesto on top or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Fresh basil or a few sun-dried tomato pieces scattered on the surface bring a lovely aroma and rustic touch that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty artisan bread or garlic breadsticks that are perfect for sopping up every last bit of creamy broth. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls or inside a hollowed-out sourdough loaf for a cozy, rustic vibe. You can also offer mini bowls as part of a tasting menu, making it a sophisticated starter that leaves everyone raving about the Rich and Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day meal that tastes even better as the flavors meld.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers and leave some room at the top for expansion. Note that cream-based soups may slightly separate upon thawing, but a good stir while reheating brings back its luscious texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. Add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much. This will revive the silky texture and flavor so it’s just as dreamy as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add more richness, which works wonderfully in this soup. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust cooking time if needed to ensure they are fully cooked.
Is it okay to use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
You can, but sun-dried tomatoes offer a concentrated sweetness and tang that fresh tomatoes can’t quite match. If using fresh, consider roasting or sautéing them a bit longer to deepen their flavor.
Can I substitute the gnocchi with pasta?
Yes! Small pastas like orecchiette, ditalini, or even mini shells work great. Just adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose so they don’t get mushy.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative instead of heavy cream. Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese substitute for a similar umami kick.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
This soup is fantastic for meal prep since it stores and reheats well. Just remember to add the spinach fresh when reheating or shortly before serving to keep it from wilting too much.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of serving up a bowl of Rich and Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe to your family or friends. It’s comfort food elevated to a new level of richness and freshness that works any time of year. I promise once you make this, it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation. So grab your ingredients, take a little time to create this cozy masterpiece, and enjoy every spoonful of magic!
Print
Rich and Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, gnocchi, and fresh spinach all simmered in a creamy chicken broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup blends Mediterranean-inspired ingredients with hearty textures, delivering a luscious and satisfying dinner in about 50 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Cooking Fats and Aromatics
- 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
Broth and Flavorings
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp pesto, store-bought or homemade
- 1 Parmesan rind, optional
Main Ingredients
- 16 oz (1 lb) dried potato gnocchi (or small pasta, such as orecchiette)
- ½ – 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach (about half of a large bag)
- ½ cup Parmesan, grated
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Place the cubed chicken into a large mixing bowl and season it with 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything well to ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Brown the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. Remove the browned chicken and transfer it to a plate to rest.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion, finely chopped celery, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and tomato paste to the remaining fat. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the broth: Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth along with 2 tablespoons of pesto and the optional Parmesan rind. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the gnocchi and chicken: Return the browned chicken to the pot, then add the dried potato gnocchi. Continue to simmer until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through, typically about 3 to 5 minutes depending on the gnocchi used.
- Add cream and greens: Stir in between ½ and 1 cup of heavy cream, fresh baby spinach, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately for a rich and comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup will be less rich and creamy.
- The Parmesan rind adds depth to the broth; omit if unavailable but expect slightly less flavor complexity.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be swapped with roasted red peppers for a different but complementary taste.
- If you don’t have gnocchi, small pasta like orecchiette or mini shells work well as substitutes.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent the cream from curdling.
