Marry Me Chicken Soup

Short Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting dish infused with bold Mediterranean flavors. Featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese in a rich, savory broth, this soup is the perfect union of hearty and elegant—aptly named for being so delicious, it could spark a proposal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and Creamy Texture: Thanks to heavy cream and Parmesan, this soup is lusciously smooth and indulgent.

Bold, Balanced Flavors: The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and cheese creates a deeply savory profile with just a touch of heat.

Easy to Prepare: Comes together in just over 30 minutes with simple, accessible ingredients.

Hearty and Satisfying: A one-pot meal that’s filling enough to stand on its own.

Visually Appealing: With vibrant greens, reds, and creamy tones, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 cup baby spinach, chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Fresh basil and extra Parmesan for garnish

Directions
Sauté the Chicken
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Cook Aromatics
In the same pot, sauté the diced onion until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Add Liquids and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the diced tomatoes and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

Season the Soup
Mix in dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Return the chicken to the pot.

Simmer
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.

Finish with Spinach and Cheese
Stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the cheese to melt fully into the soup.

Thicken (Optional)
For a thicker consistency, add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the soup thickens slightly.

Garnish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Servings and Timing
Servings: 4–6

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving

Variations
Pasta Addition: Add cooked orzo or small pasta for a more filling soup.

Vegetable Boost: Include mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition.

Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast as substitutes for heavy cream and Parmesan.

Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for more heat.

Herb Swaps: Try Italian seasoning or fresh thyme in place of dried basil and oregano.

Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Note that cream-based soups may separate slightly upon thawing; stir well when reheating.

Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to preserve the cream’s texture.

FAQs
Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken Soup”?
The name comes from the popular “Marry Me Chicken” dish, known for being so delicious that it’s said to inspire proposals. This soup is a comforting, spoonable version with the same flavors.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken can be added during the simmering stage to save time.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can substitute with roasted red peppers or omit them entirely, though the flavor profile will change.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream provides the rich, creamy texture, but half-and-half or a plant-based cream can be used for a lighter option.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes. Sauté the chicken, onion, and garlic first, then add all ingredients (except spinach and cheese) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours. Add spinach and cheese in the final 30 minutes.

How do I make the soup thicker?
Use the optional cornstarch slurry or reduce the broth slightly during cooking for a thicker consistency.

Is this soup spicy?
It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but this can be adjusted to taste.

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thawed and drained frozen spinach can be used in place of fresh spinach.

What should I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad make excellent accompaniments.

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