If you have ever craved a comforting bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, then the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This luscious, hearty soup blends tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a velvety cream sauce, making every spoonful an irresistible delight. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe manages to be both simple and spectacular, promising a bowl full of rich flavors that keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because it relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each play a starring role in delivering wonderful texture and taste. From fresh vegetables to rich cheeses, every element contributes something special to your bowl of soup.
- Olive oil: A splash of this adds richness and helps brown your chicken perfectly.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 – 1 1/2 pounds): The heart of the soup, providing tender, juicy protein.
- Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons, divided): Brings a brilliant herbal aroma and depth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Diced carrots (1/2 cup): Adds a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Diced celery (1/2 cup): Offers subtle crunch and freshness.
- Diced onions (1/2 cup): Builds foundational flavor with its savory punch.
- Diced sundried tomatoes (1/4 cup): Infuses tangy sweetness and a hint of umami.
- Minced garlic cloves (3): For that irresistible garlicky warmth.
- Flour (1/4 cup): The secret to creating that delightfully creamy, thickened base.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons, optional): Boosts color and rich tomato flavor.
- Chicken broth (6-8 cups): The comforting liquid foundation that you can adjust for perfect consistency.
- Italian small shell pasta (6 oz): Adds fun, tender bites that soak up all the delicious broth.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Turns the soup into the silky, indulgent treat it’s meant to be.
- Grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese (1/2 – 1 cup): Imparts savory, nutty richness that melts into every spoonful.
- Fresh spinach (2 1/2 – 3 cups): A pop of green with a tender, earthy taste that brightens up the dish.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced chicken along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken brown beautifully on all sides for about 4-5 minutes, sealing in the juices. This step lays the groundwork for all the savory flavors to develop.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, add the diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic into the pot. Sauté these vibrant veggies and aromatic garlic until they become translucent and tender, approximately 3-4 minutes. This process releases their sweetness and deepens the soup’s flavor base in an irresistible way.
Step 3: Add the Flour and Tomato Paste
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture, stirring well to incorporate it. Adding flour gradually avoids drying the mixture too much. If you’re using tomato paste, stir it in at this point to enrich the broth with a deeper tomato essence and a gorgeous hue.
Step 4: Pour in the Chicken Broth
Now for the magic—slowly whisk in six cups of chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Scrape the bottom of the pot with your spoon to deglaze and lift all the flavorful brown bits stuck to the pan, which will add a wonderful depth to your soup.
Step 5: Simmer with Pasta and Seasonings
Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then add the pasta along with the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover your pot and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer gently for about 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through, pasta to soften to perfection, and flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Stir in Cream, Spinach, and Cheese
Finally, open the pot and stir in the heavy whipping cream, fresh spinach leaves, and grated Parmesan cheese. Give it about 5 minutes on low heat for the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt into that luscious creamy broth you’ve been dreaming of.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Finish by tasting your soup and adjusting the salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. This final touch ensures every spoonful bursts with perfectly balanced flavor before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnish elevates the look and taste of your soup. Consider sprinkling some fresh chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes. A little extra Parmesan cheese grated right before serving also takes this dish over the edge.
Side Dishes
This hearty soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm garlic rolls—perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast, making your meal feel balanced and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests by serving the soup in rustic bread bowls, which soak up every bit of that creamy goodness. You can also ladle the soup into pretty bowls and top with a swirl of extra cream or a drizzle of chili oil for an unexpected but delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Freezing
This soup freezes well! To freeze, avoid adding the fresh spinach and cream beforehand as they might change texture. Instead, add those fresh at reheating time. Freeze the soup in well-sealed containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Add the fresh spinach and cream after warming the soup through. Adjust seasoning as needed to refresh the flavors and enjoy that comforting Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe just like new.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a richer flavor and stay tender and juicy, which complements the creamy soup beautifully.
Is it okay to use different pasta shapes?
Yes, feel free to swap in your favorite small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or elbow macaroni. Just keep an eye on cooking times to ensure the pasta remains al dente.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup will be less rich and creamy. For dairy-free, coconut milk works but it will alter the taste slightly.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
While possible, you’ll want to brown the chicken and sauté the veggies first for best flavor. Then add all ingredients except pasta, cream, spinach, and cheese to cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add pasta and dairy last to prevent overcooking.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the pasta separately and add it into the soup just before serving if you plan on leftovers. This way, the pasta won’t absorb too much liquid and turn mushy over time.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe that makes it feel like a labor of love in every spoonful. Simple to prepare yet outrageously delicious, it has all the right ingredients to become a staple in your home cooking. So go ahead and give it a try—you might just find this comforting, dreamy soup becomes one of your absolute favorite ways to warm up your day.
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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is a rich and comforting dish made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, pasta, and a luscious blend of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy meal, combining Italian seasonings, sundried tomatoes, and fresh spinach to create a flavorful and satisfying experience that serves 10.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients
Protein
- 1–1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1 inch pieces
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup diced sundried tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 1/2–3 cups fresh spinach
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dry & Canned Goods
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
- 6–8 cups chicken broth (start with 6 cups recommended)
Grains & Dairy
- 6 oz Italian small shell pasta
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2–1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken along with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Without removing the chicken, add onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Add Flour and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle flour evenly over the mixture and stir well to combine. Add the flour gradually to prevent clumping or drying out. If using tomato paste, add it now and stir thoroughly.
- Incorporate Broth: Slowly whisk in chicken broth to avoid lumps, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and capture any browned bits. Use between 6 to 8 cups depending on desired soup thickness.
- Cook Pasta and Simmer: Bring the soup to a rolling boil. Add the pasta along with the remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the pasta is al dente. Alternatively, cook pasta separately and add later.
- Finish Soup: Remove the lid and stir in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend flavors and wilt the spinach.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed before serving hot.
Notes
- Tomato paste is optional but adds a deeper flavor and richness to the soup.
- Start with 6 cups of chicken broth and add up to 8 cups if you prefer a thinner soup consistency.
- Cooking pasta separately is an option to prevent it from absorbing too much broth if planning leftovers.
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture; baby spinach works well as an alternative.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, noting the soup will be less creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
