Description
Warm, creamy, and packed with Tuscan-inspired flavors, this Marry Me Chicken Soup is a cozy twist on the viral dish that’s earned its romantic nickname for being that good. Tender chunks of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and Italian herbs all come together in a rich, creamy broth that’s hearty, comforting, and downright irresistible. One spoonful, and you’ll know why it’s called “Marry Me” soup!
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Ingredients
For the Soup:
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), diced
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 small yellow onion, diced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
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½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
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4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
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2 cups baby spinach (or chopped kale)
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Optional Add-ins:
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1 cup cooked orzo or small pasta
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1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
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Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper.
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Cook for 5–7 minutes until chicken is lightly browned and cooked through.
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Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
5. In the same pot, add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
6. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Add sun-dried tomatoes and stir to coat with the spices.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
8. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
9. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream. Simmer for 5 minutes.
10. Return the cooked chicken to the pot.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Greens
11. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and the broth thickens slightly.
12. Add baby spinach and let it wilt—about 1–2 minutes.
13. Squeeze in the lemon juice and give everything a final stir.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
14. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili flakes.
15. Ladle into bowls and top with extra parmesan, chopped basil, or parsley if desired.
16. Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast for the perfect finish.
Notes
- Use Chicken Thighs – They stay juicy and tender in soups.
- Don’t Skip the Sun-Dried Tomatoes – They’re key to that signature flavor.
- Low Heat for Cream – Keep the heat low after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Make It Thicker – Add a cornstarch slurry or reduce the broth slightly.
- Want More Carbs? – Stir in cooked pasta, rice, or even gnocchi for a heartier version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian-American