Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

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When chilly evenings call for something cozy yet unexpectedly indulgent, the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe answers beautifully. This soul-warming soup combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious creamy broth enriched with Parmesan and fresh spinach, creating a dish so comforting and flavorful it just might inspire a special moment at your dinner table. It’s a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients and cozy textures that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, vibrant colors, and inviting textures that make this soup truly shine without overwhelming your kitchen pantry.

• 1 teaspoon olive oil: Perfect for sautéeing, it adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
• 1 to 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces: The star protein that becomes tender and juicy with cooking.
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided: A fragrant blend of herbs that infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean warmth.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing every flavor component.
• ½ cup diced carrots: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
• ½ cup diced celery: Brings a fresh, crisp texture and subtle earthiness.
• ½ cup diced onions: Provides a savory base with gentle sweetness once softened.
• ¼ cup diced sundried tomatoes: Packs an intense, tangy depth that brightens the soup’s richness.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: For that classic aromatic layer that elevates every spoonful.
• ¼ cup flour: Used to gently thicken the broth into a creamy, velvety texture.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional): Adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor without overpowering.
• 6 to 8 cups chicken broth: The heart of the soup providing savory liquid and a comforting base—start with 6 cups and add more if you like it lighter.
• 6 oz Italian small pasta shells: Tender little pasta pieces that soak up the broth perfectly.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Brings luxurious creaminess, transforming this soup into a decadent delight.
• ½ to 1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese: Offers a nutty, salty finish that makes the dish irresistible.
• 2 ½ to 3 cups fresh spinach: Adds freshness, a pop of green, and gentle earthiness to balance the creaminess.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Warm the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add the diced chicken along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown on all sides; this usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes and locks in the juices that keep the meat tender in the soup.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pot, toss in the onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook these together until the onions become translucent and the vegetables soften just enough, roughly 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds the aromatic foundation that lends the soup its inviting fragrance and depth.

Step 3: Thicken the Broth

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked veggies and give everything a good stir to combine. Add the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste here if using, stirring well to dissolve it fully. The flour will work as a thickening agent, making your broth creamy and silky without needing a roux made separately.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Simmer

Slowly whisk in 6 cups of chicken broth to avoid lumps and deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Then add your pasta shells, the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer for about 20 minutes. This time lets the chicken cook through gently and the pasta become tender but not mushy.

Step 5: Stir in Cream, Cheese, and Spinach

Open the pot and stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach leaves, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt smoothly into the broth, creating a beautifully creamy finish.

Step 6: Final Seasoning Check

Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning for a perfect balance that suits your palate.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra shavings of Parmesan on top adds a fresh burst of color and that irresistible cheesy hit. For a touch of indulgence, a swirl of cream or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil can elevate presentation and add extra richness.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a warm slice of crusty bread or garlic focaccia that’s perfect for dipping and soaking up all the creamy goodness. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette can brighten the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for an inviting, cozy effect that’s sure to impress your guests. Alternatively, ladle it into pretty bowls with a side of Parmesan crisps or fresh herb sprigs to bring a bit of elegance and visual appeal to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great option for meal prep with delicious results the next day.

Freezing

The creamy nature of this soup means freezing can sometimes change the texture slightly, especially with the cream and spinach. However, if you want to freeze it, do so before adding the cream and fresh spinach. Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months, then add the cream and spinach after thawing and reheating for best quality.

Reheating

Gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If you froze it without the cream and spinach, stir those in once the soup is hot, then simmer a few minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is creamy again.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and more forgiving when cooking, which can add a richer flavor to your Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe. Just dice them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

While the original recipe centers on chicken, you can swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives. Replace chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tofu for a satisfying plant-based twist.

What pasta types work best besides small shells?

Small shapes that cook quickly—like ditalini, orzo, or mini penne—work beautifully here. Just be mindful to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy during simmering.

Can I prepare this soup without using flour?

Yes! If you prefer a gluten-free or lighter version, you can omit the flour. The soup will be more broth-like but still flavorful and comforting. To slightly thicken, try adding a bit of cornstarch slurry or reduce the broth more before adding the cream.

What’s the best way to keep the spinach vibrant and fresh in the soup?

Add the spinach in the final few minutes of cooking and allow it just enough time to wilt gently in the hot broth. Overcooking can dull its color and flavor, so short and sweet is the key.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe that makes it feel like more than just a meal—it’s an experience filled with warmth, flavor, and a little touch of magic that’s perfect for cozy nights or impressing dinner guests. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and discover how simply wonderful comfort food can be when made with care and love.

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