If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then you have to try this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe. This soup is pure comfort with its rich, velvety texture, tender chicken pieces, and bursts of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Every spoonful offers a delightful mix of savory herbs, creamy Parmesan, and just the right amount of gentle spice, making it a perfect anytime meal that will quickly become your go-to recipe when you want something both satisfying and elegant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this soup lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create an irresistible blend of flavors and textures. From the tender chicken breasts to the fresh greens and creamy base, each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the comforting complexity of this recipe.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that provides juicy, tender bites throughout the soup.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sear the chicken and gently soften the onions, adding depth and richness.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base for the broth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings that warm, savory kick that enhances every spoonful.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Invokes a Mediterranean freshness that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy complexity that rounds out the herbal flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for highlighting all the flavors evenly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough to give a gentle, exciting warmth without overpowering.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful base that nourishes the soup with savory goodness.
- 2 cups heavy cream: The secret to making the soup irresistibly creamy and luscious.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts smoothly and adds a nutty, savory richness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: For thickening the soup slightly to the perfect consistency.
- 2 tablespoons cold water: Helps create a smooth cornstarch slurry without lumps.
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes: Bursts of tangy sweetness that brighten the creamy soup.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a healthy, mild flavor that complements the creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh herb garnish for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. While the oil warms, season your chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. This simple seasoning sets the foundation for the soup’s layered flavors. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the chicken in the pot and cook each side for about 6 to 7 minutes until beautifully golden and fully cooked through. Removing the chicken after cooking helps keep it tender and juicy.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Using the same pot, add diced onions to the flavorful pan drippings. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent — this slow cooking draws out their natural sweetness. Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir frequently for about a minute. Be mindful not to burn it, as garlic can turn bitter quickly. Sprinkle in the dried basil and oregano, and let these herbs bloom for about 30 seconds; this step intensifies their aromatic qualities, making the broth wonderfully fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Broth and Add Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits sticking to the bottom of the pot — these bits deliver a ton of flavor. Raise the heat just enough to bring the broth to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat so it stays steady but calm. While the broth simmers, chop the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Toss the chicken back into the pot along with chopped sun-dried tomatoes, which add a subtle tangy sweetness that complements the creamy richness.
Step 4: Add Cream and Thicken the Soup
Pour in the heavy cream and stir thoroughly, combining the ingredients into a smooth blend of velvety goodness. Next, whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry — this helps avoid lumps and thickens the soup perfectly. Slowly drizzle the slurry into the pot while stirring constantly. Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens slightly, achieving that creamy and luscious texture everyone loves.
Step 5: Incorporate Fresh Ingredients and Final Touches
Once the soup has thickened, stir in fresh spinach leaves and allow them to wilt, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This adds a lovely burst of color and a healthy touch without overpowering the recipe. Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as you see fit. Lastly, remove the soup from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese — this final addition melts smoothly into the soup, enriching every bite with a savory, cheesy finish.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The best way to elevate this soup is with simple, fresh garnishes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving to add a pleasant herbal note and a burst of color that makes the bowl visually inviting. If you want a bit more texture, crispy bacon bits or toasted pine nuts offer delightful contrast to the creamy soup.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own, but serving it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or warm focaccia invites you to soak up every bit of the creamy broth. A light side salad with vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing balance, especially if you want to keep the meal light yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, try serving this creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe in rustic bread bowls — they make an unforgettable presentation and add an extra layer of deliciousness. Alternatively, pair it with a drizzle of pesto or a splash of truffle oil for a gourmet twist that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover soup to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld beautifully overnight, making reheated portions even tastier. Just be sure to stir well before reheating to recombine any separated cream.
Freezing
Cream-based soups like this one can be frozen, but the texture might slightly change after thawing. To freeze, place the soup in freezer-safe containers leaving some headspace for expansion. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching or curdling of the cream. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating can help restore the soup’s smooth texture if it’s thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a slightly richer flavor and stay juicy even better, but remember to adjust the cooking time slightly since they may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a way to make this soup lighter?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream to reduce fat content. Keep in mind that the soup will be less rich but still delicious. Just avoid boiling it vigorously to prevent curdling.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the chicken and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the broth and seasonings, cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, then stir in cream, cornstarch slurry, spinach, and Parmesan at the end.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, try using roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes for a different but still delightful flavor. Just chop them finely so they blend well in the soup.
How spicy is this soup?
This recipe has a gentle warmth from the red pepper flakes but isn’t overly spicy. You can adjust the amount up or down depending on your preference, or omit it entirely for a milder version.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is a heartwarming dish that’s both simple to make and wonderfully indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing friends with a comforting meal, this soup strikes the perfect balance of creamy texture and robust flavor. I encourage you to give it a try—once you taste it, it just might become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!
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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 40m
- Total Time: 0h 55m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is a rich, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful broth with garlic, herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. The soup is thickened to a luscious consistency with a cornstarch slurry, making it perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Thickener and Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil. Warm the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering.
- Season the chicken. While the oil heats, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook the chicken. Place the chicken breasts into the hot oil and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Set chicken aside. Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and set them on a plate to rest.
- Sauté the onion. In the same pot, add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add herbs. Mix in dried basil and dried oregano and cook for 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Add broth. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits for added flavor.
- Simmer broth. Bring the broth to a simmer, then reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Cut chicken. While the broth simmers, chop the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine chicken and tomatoes. Return the chopped chicken and sun-dried tomatoes to the pot.
- Add cream. Stir in the heavy cream until the mixture is well combined.
- Prepare thickener. Whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth with no lumps.
- Thicken soup. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the soup while stirring constantly to avoid clumping.
- Simmer soup. Continue simmering for 5 to 7 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
- Add spinach. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning. Taste and add extra salt or black pepper as needed.
- Add cheese. Remove the pot from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted into the soup.
- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for vibrant color and flavor; baby spinach works well too.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add depth; use oil-packed varieties for richer taste.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the soup’s spiciness.
- The soup thickens more as it cools; reheat gently with extra broth if needed.
- Parmesan cheese adds saltiness, so adjust final salt accordingly.
