Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
When Cozy Comfort Meets Culinary Brilliance
Imagine a bowl of rich, creamy soup that warms you from the inside out—this is exactly what you get with Marry Me Chicken Soup. This delightful dish has a story of its own; with a name that sparks curiosity, it’s rumored to be so delicious, it could even win the heart of your loved one. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a hug in a bowl, this recipe elevates comfort food to a whole new level. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy evening at home, this soup promises to be a heartwarming addition to your kitchen repertoire.
What Makes This Recipe Special
You might be wondering, what sets Marry Me Chicken Soup apart from your average chicken soup? For starters, it’s more than just a meal. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings together tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant spinach, all swimming in a luscious, creamy broth. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and versatile enough for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
Imagine your family gathered around the table, each bowl brimming with comforting goodness—this dish truly brings people together. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and easy enough that even novice cooks can impress their guests.
"This soup is a total game-changer! It’s the perfect blend of rich flavors and creamy texture. I was WOWed by how quickly it came together!" — A satisfied home cook.
Preparing Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Creating this soup involves a straightforward series of steps that even the most inexperienced chef can handle with confidence. You’ll begin by seasoning and browning the chicken, then move on to sautéing aromatics that lay the groundwork for rich flavor. The broth is then added, followed by gnocchi or pasta, and finally, a splash of cream and freshness from baby spinach. Each step builds on the last, resulting in a dish that’s both hearty and comforting.
What You’ll Need
To whip up this delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1½ tsp Kosher salt, divided
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 2 sticks celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
- 16 oz (1 lb) dried potato gnocchi (or small pasta, like orecchiette)
- ½ – 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach (use more if desired)
- ½ cup Parmesan, grated
Feel free to adjust ingredients, such as substituting chicken with turkey or using fresh herbs instead of dried if that’s what you have on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Season the chicken: In a large bowl, season your cubed chicken with 1 tsp of Kosher salt, 1 tsp dried oregano, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Toss well to coat.
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Brown the chicken: Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil and 2 Tbsp of butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon.
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Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and chopped celery. Season with ½ tsp Kosher salt and cook, stirring often, until the onions are translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste; break up the paste with your spatula to help it dissolve.
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Add the broth: Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, 2 Tbsp of pesto, and add a Parmesan rind if you’re using one. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10-15 minutes.
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Cook the gnocchi: Return the cooked chicken to the pot, along with any juices, then stir in the gnocchi. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender.
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Add cream: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream (up to 1 cup for extra creaminess), fresh baby spinach, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Taste, adjusting seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This soup is as versatile as it is delicious! For an appealing presentation, serve it in rustic bowls topped with freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Pair it with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up all that luscious broth. For an added touch, consider offering a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of homemade pesto on top.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Storing your leftovers properly is key to enjoying this soup for days to come. To refrigerate, allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It should remain fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe bag or container, where it can last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until piping hot.
Pro Chef Tips
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Gnocchi or Pasta: While potato gnocchi adds a delightful texture, you can swap it for small pasta shapes like orecchiette, which works beautifully.
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Fresh Herbs: For a burst of flavor, consider adding fresh basil or thyme when stirring in the spinach.
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Balancing Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, start with ½ cup of cream and gradually increase based on your preference.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Try these variations to keep the dish fresh and exciting:
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
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Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth for a lighter version.
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Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to toss in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to up the nutrition factor.
Your Questions Answered
What’s the prep time for Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Prep time usually takes about 15 minutes, while cooking will take roughly 30 minutes for a total of around 45 minutes.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep. Just store it in the refrigerator or freezer and reheat when ready to enjoy.
What can I use instead of gnocchi?
Small pasta shapes such as orzo, ditalini, or even rice can be substituted in place of gnocchi, offering different textures.
Crafting this Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup will undoubtedly charm everyone at your table, one comforting bowl at a time!
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, season your cubed chicken with 1 tsp of Kosher salt, 1 tsp dried oregano, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Toss well to coat.
- Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil and 2 Tbsp of butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and chopped celery. Season with ½ tsp Kosher salt and cook, stirring often, until the onions are translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste; break up the paste with your spatula to help it dissolve.
- Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, 2 Tbsp of pesto, and add a Parmesan rind if you’re using one. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot, along with any juices, then stir in the gnocchi. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender.
- Stir in ½ cup heavy cream (up to 1 cup for extra creaminess), fresh baby spinach, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Taste, adjusting seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
