Fall in love at first bite with this Marry Me Chicken Soup – a creamy, dreamy delight filled with tender chicken, potato gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Inspired by Tuscan flavors, this hearty soup gets its rich flavor from pesto and Parmesan cheese, finished with heavy cream for that perfect velvety texture. Whether you’re curling up on a cool night or seeking comfort in a warm meal, this one-pot wonder delivers on all fronts. Pair it with a crusty baguette and your favorite white wine for a truly satisfying and complete meal that’s sure to make any dinner feel special.
Full Recipe:
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, such as orecchiette)
- ½ – 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach (about half of a large bag; use more if desired)
- ½ cup Parmesan, grated
Directions:
- Season the chicken pieces with 1 tsp Kosher salt, dried oregano, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same pot, add diced onion and chopped celery. Season with remaining ½ tsp Kosher salt. Sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir to combine and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, pesto, and add Parmesan rind (if using). Bring to a simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the pot, along with any juices. Add the gnocchi and cook for 3-5 minutes until they float to the top.
- Stir in heavy cream, baby spinach, and grated Parmesan. Adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt or pepper. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 549 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Marry Me Chicken Soup, an elevated take on the beloved “marry me chicken” dish, has quickly become a fan-favorite among food enthusiasts and home cooks alike. The name itself sparks intrigue and humor, suggesting that the recipe is so irresistible, anyone who tastes it might just propose to the cook! But beyond its playful title, this dish combines comfort and elegance in a bowl, making it perfect for any occasion – from a cozy night in to a special family gathering. It is a warm, rich, and creamy soup that feels like a loving hug on a chilly day.
A Blend of Comfort and Flavor
Inspired by the flavors of Tuscany, Marry Me Chicken Soup captures the essence of classic Italian comfort food. It blends savory chicken, tender potato gnocchi, aromatic pesto, and a splash of heavy cream to create an indulgent, hearty soup. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes brings a burst of sweet and slightly tangy flavor, balanced by the mild bitterness of fresh spinach and the nutty undertones of Parmesan cheese.
Unlike traditional chicken soups that tend to be broth-based and light, this recipe leans more towards a creamy, velvety texture. The gnocchi acts as a hearty element that complements the shredded chicken, giving each spoonful a delightful combination of textures. Pesto, one of the star ingredients, adds a herby, garlicky richness that sets this soup apart from standard cream-based dishes.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about Marry Me Chicken Soup is its versatility. While the core ingredients create a unique flavor profile, there are many opportunities to make this soup your own:
- Protein Options: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the mainstay, you can easily swap them for chicken thighs, which tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Rotisserie chicken is also a convenient option if you want to cut down on prep time. For those who prefer a meat-free option, omit the chicken and add chickpeas, cannellini beans, or even tofu for a vegetarian take on the dish.
- Gnocchi Substitutes: Potato gnocchi adds a delightful, pillowy texture to the soup, making it feel like a complete meal. However, if you don’t have gnocchi on hand or wish to explore other options, try substituting it with small pasta shapes like orecchiette, ditalini, or even tortellini. For a lower-carb option, you can use cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles (zoodles).
- Add More Veggies: While spinach is the primary green in this soup, you can switch it up by adding other leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula. If you want to boost the soup’s nutritional content and add more texture, diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms make great additions as well.
- Dairy-Free and Vegan Modifications: If you’re looking to make this soup dairy-free, you can swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk, which will still provide a creamy base. You can also use nutritional yeast as a substitute for Parmesan cheese to retain the umami flavor. For a vegan version, use vegetable broth in place of chicken stock and add a plant-based protein like beans or lentils.
The Perfect Soup for Any Occasion
This soup is designed to impress and nourish, making it suitable for a variety of occasions. Its rich, comforting nature makes it ideal for fall and winter months when we crave warmth and comfort from our meals. However, its bright flavors, thanks to the pesto and sun-dried tomatoes, make it enjoyable year-round.
Marry Me Chicken Soup works wonderfully as a main course for weeknight dinners since it’s quick to prepare and doesn’t require multiple side dishes. All you need is a loaf of crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth and perhaps a glass of white wine to elevate the dining experience. For a more elaborate meal, serve it alongside a fresh side salad – something light and crisp like an arugula or mixed greens salad with a lemony vinaigrette to contrast the soup’s creaminess.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
Despite its indulgent flavors, Marry Me Chicken Soup is filled with wholesome ingredients that make it both satisfying and nourishing. The chicken provides a lean source of protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall satiety. Spinach adds a nutritional punch, offering vitamins A and C, iron, and antioxidants.
The soup’s base, made from chicken broth, brings its own set of benefits, particularly if it’s homemade. Bone broth is known for its collagen content and is said to support joint health, digestion, and skin vitality. Even with store-bought broth, you’re still getting a nutrient-rich base to build upon.
While the soup does include heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, which contribute to its richness and creaminess, these ingredients can be adjusted to suit your dietary preferences. For those looking to reduce calories, opt for half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or use less Parmesan for a lighter touch of flavor.
Tips for Storage and Reheating
One of the great things about Marry Me Chicken Soup is how well it stores. You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, as the flavors meld together even more beautifully over time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, be sure to do so gently over low heat to prevent the cream from separating and to preserve the soup’s creamy texture.
If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so before adding the gnocchi and heavy cream. This way, the texture of the gnocchi remains intact, and the cream doesn’t separate upon thawing. When ready to serve, reheat the soup, add the gnocchi, and finish with cream as you bring it back to a simmer.
Why You Should Try Marry Me Chicken Soup
The Marry Me Chicken Soup offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make it both comforting and memorable. It takes the essence of a hearty chicken soup and elevates it with the luxurious creaminess of Parmesan and the aromatic burst of pesto. It’s the kind of dish that feels both homey and special, satisfying even the pickiest of eaters and impressing your guests. Whether you’re looking for a new go-to soup recipe for your family, a dish to serve when entertaining, or simply want to make something cozy and delicious for yourself, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Conclusion:
With its rich, creamy base, tender chicken, and the delightful addition of gnocchi, Marry Me Chicken Soup lives up to its playful name. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again, offering warmth, comfort, and an explosion of flavors in every spoonful. The perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly tangy notes makes this soup an unforgettable experience. Grab a bowl, share it with loved ones, and let this soup sweep you off your feet – who knows, it might just inspire a proposal or two!
