Description
This creamy and flavorful Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting Tuscan-style dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and baby spinach in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is elevated by Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, offering a delightful balance of savory and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
Liquids & Dairy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until it turns golden brown on all sides. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients until they become softened and fragrant, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Simmer with Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with dried thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine the flavors.
- Cook Chicken in Broth: Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for 10 to 12 minutes so the chicken becomes tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Add Cream and Spinach: Stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach leaves. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the soup becomes creamy.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the soup, creating a rich and creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh basil. Serve hot for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or reduced-fat cream.
- You can use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor; adjust quantities accordingly.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil will add extra richness; drain some oil if desired to control fat content.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
