There's nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, hearty Marry Me Chicken Soup on a chilly evening. This recipe takes the rich, creamy flavors of the classic Marry Me Chicken dish and transforms it into a cozy, soul-satisfying soup that's perfect for any night of the week.
I first discovered this twist on a family favorite when I was looking for something lighter than the original but still bursting with flavor. The combination of tender chicken, creamy broth, and fragrant herbs had everyone in my house asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
Why You'll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup
Get ready to add this Marry Me Chicken Soup to your list of go-to recipes. It’s everything you love about creamy comfort food, but in an easy-to-make soup form.
First, it’s quick and simple. With minimal prep and one pot, you can have a steaming bowl of deliciousness ready in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without a ton of effort.
This soup is also incredibly flavorful. Thanks to ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan, every spoonful is packed with the rich and savory flavors that make Marry Me Chicken so popular.
Best of all, it’s family-friendly and customizable. Whether you need to sneak in some extra veggies or adjust the creaminess, this recipe can easily adapt to your preferences. Even picky eaters will ask for another bowl!
Finally, it’s a great make-ahead option. The leftovers taste even better the next day, which means you’ll have a delicious lunch or dinner ready to go.
If you’re craving something comforting, flavorful, and easy to make, this soup checks all the boxes. Now, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make it.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this Marry Me Chicken Soup lies in its combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each element comes together perfectly to create a creamy, cozy bowl of goodness.
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy during cooking, but chicken breasts work just as well. If you’re in a hurry, shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These are the star of the show. Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness of the soup. Look for tomatoes packed in oil, as they’re softer and more flavorful.
Garlic and onion: The combination of garlic and onion builds a flavorful base for the soup. Freshly minced garlic works best, but pre-minced garlic will do in a pinch.
Parmesan cheese: This is where the magic happens. Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the broth, creating a velvety, cheesy texture that makes the soup so irresistible.
Heavy cream: To achieve the creamy consistency, heavy cream is a must. If you prefer something lighter, half-and-half works, but the soup won’t be quite as rich.
Chicken broth: A good-quality chicken broth is essential for flavor. If you’re using low-sodium broth, be sure to taste and adjust the salt as needed.
Italian seasoning: A mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary adds the perfect herbaceous touch to this soup. You can use a store-bought blend or make your own.
Pasta (optional): Adding pasta like orzo or small shells makes the soup heartier and even more satisfying. It’s optional, but highly recommended if you want a complete meal in one bowl.
For equipment, all you’ll need is a large pot or Dutch oven, a sharp knife, and a sturdy spoon for stirring.
How To Make This Marry Me Chicken Soup
Making this Marry Me Chicken Soup is a breeze, and it all comes together in one pot. Let’s walk through it step by step.
Start by preparing the chicken. If you’re using raw chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Season with a little salt and pepper to ensure it’s flavorful from the start. If you’re using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, simply shred it and set it aside.
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and sauté your diced onion for 3-4 minutes, until it’s soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Next, add the chicken to the pot. If you’re using raw chicken, cook it for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. If you’re using shredded chicken, simply stir it into the pot to warm it up.
Now it’s time to build the broth. Pour in your chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
Once the broth is simmering, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup thicken slightly, stirring occasionally. If you’re adding pasta, toss it in now and let it cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
Finish the soup by tasting and adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
From start to finish, you can have this creamy, flavorful soup on the table in about 35-40 minutes. It’s the perfect blend of quick, comforting, and delicious.
Storage Options
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is perfect for making ahead and storing. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: If you plan to freeze it, skip the pasta and cream when cooking, as they don’t freeze as well. Store the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat and add fresh cream and pasta.
To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this Marry Me Chicken Soup is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways to switch it up:
- Add veggies: Stir in spinach, kale, or chopped zucchini for a boost of greens. You can also add carrots or celery for a classic soup base.
- Swap the protein: While chicken is traditional, you can use turkey, shrimp, or even Italian sausage for a different twist.
- Make it lighter: Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version. The flavor will still be rich but a bit less indulgent.
- Go low-carb: Skip the pasta and add cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. You can also stir in a spoonful of pesto for extra flavor.
The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this soup your own. After all, cooking should be fun and delicious!
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re serving it on a cozy winter night or meal-prepping for the week ahead, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Enjoy!
PrintMarry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish packed with tender chicken, flavorful herbs, and hearty vegetables. It’s the perfect easy recipe for any dinner occasion and sure to win hearts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup baby spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the veggies soften, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir in thyme, basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Stir and simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the soup is creamy and spinach wilts.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add pasta or rice for a heartier version.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
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