Oh, honey, let me tell you about this Marry Me Chicken Soup. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl, a little bit of sunshine on a cloudy day, and a whole lot of deliciousness all rolled into one. I remember the first time I made it. My youngest, Leo, was going through a picky eating phase, and I was pulling my hair out trying to find something he’d actually enjoy. I stumbled upon a version of this creamy Tuscan chicken soup online and thought, “Why not give it a try?” The aroma alone was enough to get everyone curious. The creamy sauce with the tender chicken, oh my! It was an instant hit! Even Leo, my little food critic, asked for seconds.
That’s when I knew I had to perfect it and make it my own, adding my little “Delilita” touch. There have been mishaps, of course. One time, I accidentally grabbed powdered sugar instead of Parmesan cheese (don’t ask!), but hey, that’s what makes cooking an adventure, right? It’s become a staple in our house, especially on busy weeknights when everyone’s craving comfort food. It is one of those truly, easy chicken soup meals that you can whip up with minimal fuss. In fact, this Marry Me Chicken Soup has become so popular that my friends are always asking for the recipe! And now, I’m so happy to share my version with you.
Cooking, for me, is all about sharing love and creating memories around the table. It’s about making simple, wholesome meals that bring joy to your family. So, grab your apron, and let’s make some Marry Me Chicken Soup together! You’ll see how easy and flavorful this Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe is, and I promise, it will become a family favorite in your home, too.
What You’ll Need for This Marry Me Chicken Soup
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! I always say that the quality of your ingredients makes all the difference, especially when you’re making something as simple and comforting as Marry Me Chicken Soup.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil I always use extra virgin olive oil for its richer flavor. You can usually find a good quality one at your local grocery store, but I like to get mine from a local Italian market if I can.
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning I make my own blend, but you can easily find a pre-made one at the store.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground is always best!
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped When making Marry Me Chicken Soup, look for firm onions without any soft spots.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced I like to use a garlic press for this to save time.
- 4 cups chicken broth I prefer low-sodium so I can control the saltiness.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream This is what makes it so creamy and delicious!
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped I always buy the ones packed in oil – the flavor is so much more intense.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated is a must!
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil Adds a burst of fresh flavor.
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped spinach For added nutrients.
When making Marry Me Chicken Soup, a little trick I learned from my Nonna is to lightly pound the chicken breasts before cutting them up. It helps them cook more evenly and become extra tender. As for saving money, I like to buy chicken in bulk when it’s on sale and freeze it in individual portions. It’s a real lifesaver on busy weeknights.
And if you happen to have leftover sun-dried tomatoes, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, covered in olive oil. They’ll last for weeks! Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking!
Let’s Make This Marry Me Chicken Soup Together
Okay, friend, let’s dive into making this amazing Marry Me Chicken Soup! Don’t worry, it’s super easy and fun. Think of me as your virtual sous chef – I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is nicely coated. Don’t worry if your seasoning isn’t perfect; we are just trying to add flavor to our Marry Me Chicken Soup.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. I learned the hard way with Marry Me Chicken Soup that overcrowding the pan steams the chicken instead of browning it, so work in batches if needed.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Your Marry Me Chicken Soup should smell like a little piece of Italy right now.
- Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and bring to a simmer. In my kitchen, this *creamy Tuscan chicken soup* usually takes about 15-20 minutes to simmer for the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Return the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together even more. I often use this time to tidy up the kitchen or prep a side dish.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Heat through, but don’t boil. Remember, this is how we make it a truly dreamy, creamy Tuscan chicken soup.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Stir in the chopped fresh basil and spinach (if using). Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Give it a final taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Your Marry Me Chicken Soup should smell incredible by now.
And that’s it! You’ve just made a pot of delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup! See, I told you it was easy. Now, let’s talk about how to serve this beauty.
How I Love to Serve This Marry Me Chicken Soup
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing pot of Marry Me Chicken Soup bubbling away. Now what? Well, let me tell you, serving is just as important as the cooking itself! Presentation can make all the difference, and the right sides can elevate this dish to a whole new level.
My family loves this Marry Me Chicken Soup when I serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping. There’s just something so satisfying about soaking up all that creamy, flavorful broth! A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs perfectly, adding a bit of freshness to balance the richness of the soup. And if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil on top always make it look extra special.
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is perfect for a cozy night in, a casual dinner party, or even a potluck. It’s also a fantastic meal to bring to someone who’s feeling under the weather – it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. I even make this Marry Me Chicken Soup on special occasions like Valentine’s Day.
If you have extra Marry Me Chicken Soup, it’s even better the next day! The flavors have had time to meld together even more. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. And if you want to get creative, you can use leftover soup as a sauce for pasta or rice. Trust me, it’s delicious!
Friends always ask for this **Marry Me Chicken Soup** recipe whenever I make it. It’s just that good! And it’s so versatile, too. In the fall, I love adding roasted butternut squash for a touch of sweetness. And in the summer, I might throw in some grilled corn for a smoky flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Your Marry Me Chicken Soup Questions Answered
Alright, let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have about making this dreamy **Marry Me Chicken Soup**. I’ve gathered some of the most common queries from my readers and family, and I’m here to share my wisdom (and a few of my own mishaps!) with you.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this Marry Me Chicken Soup?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give the Marry Me Chicken Soup a richer, more flavorful taste. Just be sure to trim off any excess fat before cooking. I have made this with chicken thighs before, and it turns out great!
Q: Can I make this Marry Me Chicken Soup in a slow cooker?
A: You sure can! Brown the chicken and sauté the onions and garlic as directed in the recipe. Then, transfer everything to your slow cooker, add the chicken broth and sun-dried tomatoes, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream, Parmesan cheese, basil, and spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You know what I do when my Marry Me Chicken Soup is slow cooking? I get to enjoy the day!
Q: Can I freeze this Marry Me Chicken Soup?
A: Yes, but with a little tweak. The cream can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed, so I recommend leaving it out until you’re ready to reheat the soup. Freeze the soup base (chicken, broth, veggies) in an airtight container, and then stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese when reheating.
Q: What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
A: You can use roasted red peppers as a substitute, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. Sun-dried tomatoes add a unique sweetness and tanginess to the Marry Me Chicken Soup that’s hard to replicate.
Q: My soup is too thick! What do I do?
A: No worries! Just add a little more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. I usually add about 1/4 cup at a time until it’s just right.
Q: I’m dairy-free. Can I still make this Marry Me Chicken Soup?
A: Of course! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer. Just be aware that it might slightly alter the flavor. My family has tried it with coconut milk before, and it was still creamy and delicious.
Q: Can I add pasta or gnocchi to this soup?
A: Absolutely! This would make a fantastic hearty chicken soup. For the last 15 minutes of cooking, simply add your favorite pasta or gnocchi and cook until tender. This would be a great easy chicken soup for the cold winter months.
My Final Thoughts on This Marry Me Chicken Soup
Well, there you have it! My take on Marry Me Chicken Soup, a recipe that’s not only incredibly delicious but also holds a special place in my heart. It’s the dish that brought a smile back to my picky eater’s face, and it’s the dish that my friends always request. I just feel like it’s pure comfort food soup. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for my turmeric chicken soup.
Before I let you go, here are a few of my Marry Me Chicken Soup Pro Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough, so make sure to remove it from the pot as soon as it’s cooked through.
- Fresh Herbs are Key: Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor that you just can’t get from dried herbs.
- Taste as You Go: Seasoning is everything, so make sure to taste your soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
As for variations, I’ve tried adding different types of cheese, like mozzarella or provolone, for an even cheesier experience. I’ve also experimented with adding different vegetables, like mushrooms or zucchini, for a heartier soup. My husband, Marco, loves when I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. My oldest daughter, Sofia, prefers hers with a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
No matter how you choose to make it, I hope this Marry Me Chicken Soup brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own. Add your favorite vegetables, spices, or even a splash of wine for an extra layer of flavor.
So go ahead, give this creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup a try. I have a feeling you’re going to fall in love with it, just like my family and friends have. And who knows, maybe it’ll even lead to a proposal! Let me know how it turns out, okay? I can’t wait to hear all about your cooking adventures! You could also try my parmesan mushroom chicken soup. I’m sure you’ll love them! I am also a big fan of this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe – Stay Snatched, and think they do a great job with the recipe. And for another creamy, dreamy option check out my keto crack chicken soup!
I hope you find your version of Marry Me Chicken Soup to be the perfect Italian chicken soup for you. I also know you’ll find a great version of Marry Me Chicken Soup at Allrecipes. And for a great gnocchi version, here’s some inspiration from the ‘Marry Me’ Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Soup | Orchids + Sweet Tea. I hope you enjoy!
Marry Me Chicken Soup
This creamy and comforting Marry Me Chicken Soup is a flavor explosion that’s sure to impress! Loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and tender chicken in a rich broth, it’s the perfect dish to warm your heart and win someone over.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from pot and set aside.
- Add onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken to the pot. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in heavy cream and spinach. Cook until spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For an extra touch of flavor, serve with crusty bread for dipping. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.