If you’re craving the ultimate cozy dinner, this Marry Me Chicken Soup is about to become your new favorite comfort food. Packed with juicy chicken, savory sundried tomatoes, bright spinach, creamy Parmesan, and plenty of garlic, it’s the soup version of everyone’s favorite viral chicken dish—one spoonful and you’ll be smitten. Honestly, this recipe has magic powers: make it for someone you love, and you just might get a marriage proposal!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Unbelievable Flavor: Every bite is loaded with aromatic veggies, creamy broth, and the irresistible umami from sundried tomatoes and Parmesan.
- Weeknight Friendly: With a few smart shortcuts—like pre-chopped veggies—this showstopper is easy enough for a busy Tuesday night.
- One Pot Wonder: Less cleanup, more time to soak up compliments from everyone at your table.
- Special Enough for Company: The rich, elegant flavors of Marry Me Chicken Soup make it perfect for impressing guests or celebrating at home.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The best part about Marry Me Chicken Soup? Simple, real ingredients that each play a star role. Pull together chicken, mirepoix, sundried tomatoes, and a handful of pantry staples, and you’re halfway to soup heaven—each item brings its texture, color, and flavor to the bowl.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work; thighs will be juicier and richer, but use what you have.
- Onions: The building block of great soup flavor—yellow or white onions are best.
- Carrots: Adds sweetness and beautiful color; grab pre-chopped for a weeknight win.
- Celery: Adds fresh crunch and subtle flavor (Trader Joe’s Mirepoix makes this step a breeze!).
- Garlic: Bold, aromatic punch—pre-peeled cloves are a huge time-saver.
- Spinach: Wilts right into the soup, offering a pop of color and extra nutrition.
- Sundried Tomatoes: The signature “Marry Me” touch—tangy, savory, and just a hint sweet.
- Chicken Broth: Gives the soup its savory backbone—use homemade or store-bought, low-sodium if possible.
- Cream: Adds richness and luxury to every spoonful; substitute half and half for a lighter version.
- Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the broth for a salty, nutty finish—you can use Asiago or Pecorino Romano in a pinch.
- Flour: Helps thicken the soup slightly; use gluten-free flour if needed.
- Italian Seasoning: All your favorite Mediterranean herbs in one blend—easy and so flavorful.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and a big pinch of Italian seasoning, searing until they’re just golden. This step is key—those bits of browning on the chicken mean big, deep flavor later on!
Step 2: Add Veggies & Aromatics
In the same pot, toss in your chopped onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and translucent, and the kitchen smells absolutely heavenly. Don’t rush—this is where the soup starts to build real depth.
Step 3: Thicken the Base
Sprinkle flour evenly over the veggies and stir to coat everything well. If you love a tomato boost, you can also stir in some tomato paste here for extra color and richness.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Gradually pour in your chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Season with more Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then bring it all to a gentle simmer. This is when your kitchen starts smelling like a five-star trattoria!
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add your favorite small pasta and let it cook gently in the soup, soaking up all those gorgeous flavors. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until everything is perfectly tender.
Step 6: Creamy Finish
Stir in the heavy cream, spinach, and a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer just long enough for the spinach to wilt and the Parmesan to melt into silky perfection. Your Marry Me Chicken Soup is now ready to win hearts!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup
Garnishes
Top each steaming bowl with extra grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley, and a quick drizzle of good olive oil. These little touches add color, freshness, and that irresistible restaurant-style finish to your Marry Me Chicken Soup.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup alongside warm, crusty bread or garlic knots for dunking, or keep things cozy with a simple green salad. A glass of chilled white wine always feels just right too!
Creative Ways to Present
For a memorable touch, ladle Marry Me Chicken Soup into individual bread bowls, or serve in pretty soup mugs with a Parmesan crisp perched on top. Hosting a dinner party? Offer toppings bar-style, so guests can personalize their perfect bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftover soup to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers, then refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your second bowl even more delicious!
Freezing
Marry Me Chicken Soup freezes beautifully—just omit the spinach and cream if you plan to freeze a batch, then add them in fresh when you reheat. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to three months for a quick, comforting meal whenever you need it.
Reheating
Gently rewarm soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often. If it’s too thick, loosen with a splash of broth or water, and be sure to toss in a little fresh spinach or cream just before serving to brighten things up.
FAQs
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Can I use rotisserie chicken for Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Add it after sautéeing the veggies so it just warms through without overcooking.
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What kind of sundried tomatoes work best?
Both oil-packed and dry-packed sundried tomatoes are delicious. Oil-packed ones give a bit more richness, but either will add that signature tangy-sweet note.
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Can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the cream for full-fat coconut milk (it won’t taste coconutty with all the herbs), and use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast to finish.
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What’s the best pasta shape for this soup?
Small shapes like ditalini, orzo, or mini shells work best—they hold up in the broth and are easy to scoop up by the spoonful.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you’ve made a batch of Marry Me Chicken Soup, you’ll understand why it inspires so much love. Each ladleful is cozy, creamy, and joyfully satisfying—perfect for making memories around the dinner table. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and let it work its magic in your kitchen!
PrintMarry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 10 cups
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that will warm your soul. With tender chicken, a variety of vegetables, creamy broth, and savory seasonings, it’s a perfect meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken, diced
Vegetables:
- 1 cup onions, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups spinach
Other:
- 6 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp flour
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook until browned.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic to the pot. Cook until translucent.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well to combine.
- Add Broth: Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps.
- Simmer Soup: Add pasta, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Finish Soup: Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer until heated through.
Notes
- Consider adding cooked pasta for a heartier soup.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg