If you’re craving something truly comforting and bursting with a rich, velvety flavor, the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. This soup combines tender shredded chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious Parmesan-infused cream base that will have you swooning spoonful after spoonful. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a warm hug in a bowl, this dish is deceptively simple yet incredibly satisfying, making it a favorite go-to recipe you’ll want to keep close.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this soup’s incredible depth of flavor and creamy texture. Each element plays an essential role, from the garlic’s aromatic punch to the Parmesan’s cheesy richness and the vibrant green spinach that lightens things up.
- Olive oil or butter: Provides the perfect base to sauté onions and garlic, giving the soup a silky mouthfeel.
- Small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens when cooked.
- Garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant warmth that elevates every bite.
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Infuse a tangy, slightly sweet intensity that balances the creaminess.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that introduces aromatic complexity and comforting familiarity.
- Red pepper flakes: Offers a subtle kick to brighten the flavors (adjust to your spice preference).
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that ties everything together.
- Heavy cream: Creates the rich, luscious texture that makes this soup so irresistible.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds umami and a slight nuttiness that enhances the creamy base.
- Cooked shredded chicken: The hearty protein that makes this soup satisfying and filling.
- Baby spinach: Brings freshness, color, and a nutrient boost to the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the layered flavors.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn soft and emit that wonderful fragrant aroma you know means deliciousness is on the way.
Step 2: Build Flavor with Tomatoes and Spices
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes together with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let these ingredients cook together for another 2 minutes so that the tomatoes release their flavor into the oil, creating a rich base with a hint of gentle heat.
Step 3: Simmer in Chicken Broth
Pour in your chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This gives the flavors time to marry and deepen, creating a comforting broth that’s anything but ordinary.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low before stirring in the heavy cream. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it melts completely and creates a creamy, slightly thickened soup base that will make your taste buds dance.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Spinach
Now it’s time to add the cooked shredded chicken along with the baby spinach. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes, or until the spinach is just wilted and the chicken is heated through. This step adds heartiness and fresh color to the soup, making it look as good as it tastes.
Step 6: Season and Serve Hot
Finally, season your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Once perfectly seasoned, ladle the soup into bowls and prepare to enjoy spoonfuls of creamy, comforting goodness.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your soup by sprinkling extra grated Parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves on top before serving. These garnishes add a burst of flavor and a lovely visual appeal that makes every bite feel a little more special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crisp, crusty bread or warm garlic knots to scoop up every last drop. A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich creaminess of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated touch, serve your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe in hollowed-out bread bowls or individual ramekins. You might also drizzle a swirl of pesto or a dollop of sour cream on top to give it a unique twist that will impress guests or delight family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick meals on busy days without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to save the soup for later, you can freeze it in freezer-safe containers. It’s best to omit the spinach before freezing and add fresh greens when reheating to maintain the soup’s vibrant color and texture. Frozen soup will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
When reheating the soup, warm it gently over medium-low heat on the stove to prevent curdling. Stir frequently and add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much during storage. Fresh spinach can be stirred in towards the end of reheating for a fresh finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Parmesan cheese adds a unique nutty, salty flavor essential to this soup, but you can substitute it with Asiago or Pecorino Romano if you want a similar taste profile. Just make sure to use a hard, aged cheese to maintain that creamy texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a creamy plant-based milk, and use nutritional yeast as a cheesy substitute for Parmesan. The soup will still be deliciously creamy and flavorful without dairy.
Can I add vegetables other than spinach?
Yes! Kale, Swiss chard, or even peas work well and add exciting textures and flavors. Just be mindful of cooking times; heartier greens might need a few extra minutes to soften.
How spicy is this soup with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that complements the creamy base without overpowering it. You can always adjust the amount or omit them completely if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?
You can, but it requires adjusting the cooking process. Add raw chicken pieces when you add the broth and cook until fully cooked through before adding cream and cheese. This ensures your chicken is tender and safe to eat.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe—its heavenly blend of creamy textures, rich flavors, and wholesome ingredients comes together beautifully every time. I encourage you to give this recipe a go; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply savoring on your own. Once you try it, this soup might just become your new favorite go-to for cozy, soul-satisfying meals.
Print
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is a rich and savory comfort food that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Featuring tender shredded chicken, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy Parmesan-infused broth with spinach, this soup cooks quickly on the stovetop and offers a delightful blend of Italian-inspired flavors with a gentle hint of spice.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups chicken broth
Creamy Components
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups baby spinach
Seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook the mixture for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts fully and combines smoothly with the broth, creating a creamy texture.
- Incorporate Chicken and Spinach: Add the cooked shredded chicken and baby spinach to the pot. Cook for 5 more minutes, until the spinach wilts and the chicken is thoroughly heated through.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, optionally garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use cooked shredded chicken from leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness according to your preference.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, tangy flavor—soaking them in hot water before chopping can reduce dryness if needed.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but expect a less rich texture.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad for a full meal.
