Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting bowl of soul-soothing goodness, look no further than this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, tender pasta, and luscious cream, all coming together in a hug-in-a-bowl that’s bound to win hearts. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly evening or aiming to impress friends with a flavorful homemade soup, this recipe has got you covered with its rich textures and layers of taste that keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this soup lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a vital role. Fresh vegetables bring color and crunch, the spices add warmth and depth, and the creamy elements round everything off for that smooth, rich finish you’ll love.

• Olive oil: For a gentle sauté that wakes up the chicken and vegetables with flavor.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 to 1 1/2 pounds): Diced into bite-sized pieces, this is the hearty protein base of the soup.
• Italian Seasoning (2 teaspoons, divided): Brings that classic blend of herbs for a rustic Italian flair.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing every bite.
• Diced carrots (1/2 cup): A sweet crunch and vibrant orange hue that brightens the bowl.
• Diced celery (1/2 cup): Adds subtle earthiness and texture contrast.
• Diced onions (1/2 cup): The foundation of savory flavor that melds everything together.
• Diced sundried tomatoes (1/4 cup): Offers a concentrated burst of tangy sweetness and color.
• Minced garlic cloves (3): A punch of aromatic flavor that’s simply irresistible.
• Flour (1/4 cup): Used to thicken the soup to that perfect creamy consistency.
• Tomato paste (2 tablespoons, optional): Enhances depth and richness – feel free to skip or include depending on your mood.
• Chicken broth (6 to 8 cups): The flavorful liquid base that unifies the soup; adjust the amount to your preferred thickness.
• Pasta (6 oz, Italian small shells recommended): Adds a tender bite that soaks up the delicious broth.
• Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): The key to that indulgently creamy texture that hugs every spoonful.
• Grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese (1/2 to 1 cup): Brings a nutty, salty finish that elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
• Fresh spinach (2 1/2 to 3 cups): A touch of green freshness and nutrients, wilted perfectly into the hot soup.

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced chicken along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until every piece develops a lovely golden-brown crust. This step locks in flavor and creates a rich base for the soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Once the chicken is browned, add diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic to the same pot. Let these cook together for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the vegetables smell aromatic. This builds layers of savory flavor that make the soup so satisfying.

Step 3: Thicken with Flour and Tomato Paste

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture, stirring continuously to prevent clumps. Adding flour in stages helps avoid dryness and creates the creamy texture we want. If you’re using tomato paste, stir it in now for an optional punch of richness and depth.

Step 4: Add Chicken Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, starting with 6 cups to reach your desired consistency. As you incorporate the liquid, scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, lifting up all the delicious browned bits that add intense flavor to the soup.

Step 5: Simmer with Pasta and Seasonings

Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then add your choice of pasta (small Italian shells work best) along with the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for around 20 minutes until the chicken is tender and the pasta is perfectly al dente.

Step 6: Stir in Cream, Spinach, and Parmesan

Now for the creamy finale—open the pot and fold in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt into that velvety broth you’ll adore.

Step 7: Final Seasoning Adjustments

Give everything a last taste and tweak the seasoning with salt or extra spices as needed. This ensures every spoonful is perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate the experience, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a burst of green freshness and an appealing pop of color. A little extra grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil can add a gourmet touch that your guests will notice and love.

Side Dishes

This creamy soup pairs beautifully with a crusty artisan bread or warm garlic knots for dipping. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can balance the richness while keeping your meal light and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or oven-safe crocks for impressive individual servings. You can also garnish with toasted pine nuts or a swirl of pesto for a creative flavor boost that’s sure to wow at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully! Just cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that pasta may absorb some liquid, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a little extra cream or broth if the soup thickens too much after storage. Avoid boiling to keep the spinach tender and the cream’s texture silky.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, making the soup even more comforting. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Is tomato paste necessary for the soup?

Tomato paste is optional in this recipe. It adds a subtle depth and richness but you can skip it if you prefer a lighter tomato flavor or want a creamier profile.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?

You can try using half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter alternative, but the soup’s luxurious, velvety texture might be slightly less rich.

What pasta works best in this soup?

Small shapes like Italian shells are perfect as they hold onto the broth well without overpowering the texture. You can also use small elbow macaroni or ditalini if you prefer.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer, and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to keep the cheesy flavor while maintaining creaminess.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like a bowl of this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe to lift your spirits and warm your heart. It’s hearty yet elegant, simple yet packed with flavor, and just waiting to become one of your go-to comfort foods. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for that perfect, creamy spoonful every time.

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is a rich and comforting homemade soup featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, pasta, and a luscious creamy broth enriched with Parmesan cheese and spinach. This flavorful one-pot meal is perfect for cozy dinners and can easily be customized with your choice of chicken cuts and pasta.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Soup Base

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 – 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (divided)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 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
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
• 6–8 cups chicken broth (start with 6 cups)
• 6 oz Italian small shell pasta
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2–1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
• 2 1/2 – 3 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

1. Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic to the same pot. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Add flour and tomato paste: Sprinkle flour evenly over the ingredients, stirring well to combine and prevent clumping. Add flour gradually to avoid dryness. If using tomato paste, stir it in now for added richness and depth of flavor.
4. Deglaze and add broth: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Use your spoon to scrape and deglaze the bottom of the pot, incorporating all browned bits for enhanced flavor.
5. Simmer with pasta: Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then add pasta, the remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, and pasta is al dente. Alternatively, boil pasta separately and add later.
6. Finish with cream, spinach, and cheese: Remove the lid, stir in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and cheese melts fully into the soup.
7. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed before serving hot.

Notes

• Start with 6 cups of broth; add more if you prefer a thinner consistency.
• Tomato paste is optional but adds a deeper tomato flavor and richness.
• You can use either chicken breasts or thighs based on preference; thighs tend to be more flavorful and tender.
• Cooking pasta directly in the soup saves time and adds starch for a thicker texture, but boiling separately prevents it from becoming mushy if reheating leftovers.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano for best flavor.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/creamy-marry-me-chicken-soup-recipe/