Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Cozy One-Pot Meal

Welcome to the world of “Marry Me” recipes, where dishes are so incredibly delicious, they’re said to inspire proposals! This Marry Me Chicken Soup is no exception. It’s a remarkably creamy, hearty, and impressive meal, yet surprisingly simple to create. Featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, bright sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a velvety broth, it’s pure comfort in a bowl. Get ready to fall in love with this cozy, easy-to-make dish!

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup

This incredible Marry Me Chicken Soup quickly becomes a household favorite. Here’s why it earns its impressive name:

• Irresistibly Creamy: Enjoy a luscious, velvety broth that truly comforts the soul.
• Bursting with Flavor: Each spoonful delivers savory chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs.
• Hearty & Filling: With tender chicken and soft gnocchi, it’s a complete meal in one delicious bowl.
• Simple to Make: This recipe is surprisingly easy, requiring minimal fuss and just one pot for cleanup.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough to impress guests.
• Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to fit your family’s unique tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Creating this delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup starts with fresh, quality ingredients. We combine tender chicken with a rich, savory base and creamy elements for that signature “Marry Me” taste.

• 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, half of a large bag (feel free to use more!)
• ½ cup Parmesan, grated

Notes & Substitutions

• Chicken: For an even quicker meal, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred and add it in with the gnocchi.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: If using oil-packed, drain them well before chopping to prevent excess oil in the soup.
• Broth: Feel free to swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to alter the flavor profile slightly.
• Pesto: Experiment with different pesto varieties like walnut or arugula pesto for a unique twist.
• Gnocchi: Small pasta shapes like orecchiette, ditalini, or even orzo make great substitutes if you don’t have gnocchi.
• Parmesan Rind: This optional addition significantly enhances the umami depth of the soup. Don’t skip it if you have one!
• Cream: Adjust the amount of heavy cream to achieve your desired level of richness and thickness.

Equipment

You’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful Marry Me Chicken Soup.

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven (at least 6-quart capacity)
• Mixing bowls (one large, one small)
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Slotted spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create a truly irresistible Marry Me Chicken Soup. Each step is designed for beginners to achieve perfect results every time.

• Season the chicken. Place the cubed chicken into a large mixing bowl. Season the chicken generously with 1 tsp Kosher salt, 1 tsp dried oregano, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Toss everything well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.
• Brown the chicken. Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil and 2 Tbsp unsalted butter in your large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil and butter are hot and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned on all sides, which typically takes about 4-5 minutes. The Maillard reaction during browning creates complex flavors that enhance the soup’s richness, as explained in articles about the science of cooking and browning. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage; it will finish cooking later in the soup. Use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the browned chicken to a clean plate and set it aside.
• Sauté the aromatics. Return the pot to the stove. Add 1 diced sweet onion and 2 stalks of finely chopped celery to the residual oil in the pot. Season these vegetables with an additional ½ tsp Kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and softened, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Next, add ½ cup of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 4 cloves of finely chopped garlic, and 2 Tbsp of tomato paste to the pot. Stir well, using your spatula to break up the tomato paste so it can dissolve evenly into the vegetables. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Add the broth. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Stir in 2 Tbsp of pesto and, if you’re using it, add the Parmesan rind to the pot. Bring the entire mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to deepen beautifully and the Parmesan rind to infuse its umami goodness into the broth.
• Cook the gnocchi. Return the reserved browned chicken pieces to the soup, along with any accumulated juices from the plate. Stir in the 16 oz of dried potato gnocchi. Increase the heat slightly if needed to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook the gnocchi for 3-5 minutes, or until they begin to float to the top of the soup and are tender to the bite. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
• Add cream and spinach. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream. If you desire a really creamy soup, feel free to add up to 1 cup of heavy cream. Next, add the 5 oz of fresh baby spinach and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the Parmesan cheese has melted into the soup. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more Kosher salt or freshly ground black pepper to suit your preference. Divide the warm Marry Me Chicken Soup between bowls, and serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired!

Pro Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Soup

Achieving the perfect bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup is easy with these insider tips.

• Sear Chicken for Flavor: Don’t skip browning the chicken. This crucial step creates a flavorful fond at the bottom of the pot, adding depth to your soup.
• Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: Keep an eye on the gnocchi; they cook quickly. Remove them from the heat as soon as they are tender to maintain their delicate texture.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts more smoothly and offers a superior, richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving. Salt and pepper levels are personal, so feel free to add more until it’s perfect for you.
• Incorporate Parmesan Rind: A discarded Parmesan rind adds incredible depth and umami to the broth without overpowering the dish.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: While substitutions are fine, using fresh garlic, quality chicken, and vibrant spinach truly elevates this creamy chicken soup.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

This versatile Marry Me Chicken Soup shines on its own but also pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this hearty chicken soup with warm, crusty bread or a sliced baguette for dipping.
• A light arugula and Parmesan salad makes a refreshing side, balancing the richness of the soup.
• Consider pairing your meal with a dry white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Note that the gnocchi texture may become a bit softer after freezing and thawing.
• Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of fresh broth, cream, or a handful of fresh spinach to refresh the texture and flavor.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken entirely and use vegetable broth for a delicious meat-free version.
• Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream for a plant-based cream alternative (like full-fat coconut milk) and use dairy-free butter and Parmesan.
• Additions: Enhance your creamy chicken soup with sautéed mushrooms, chopped kale, or diced bell peppers.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will give your soup a delightful kick.
• Different Proteins: Try using cooked turkey, Italian sausage, or even white beans for a different protein source.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup. Please note these are approximate values and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient preparations. Sun-dried tomatoes are a good source of antioxidants and other nutrients, contributing to the overall health benefits of this soup, according to WebMD’s nutritional information. This soup offers a good balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates for a fulfilling meal.

FAQ about Marry Me Chicken Soup

• What does “Marry Me” mean for this recipe? “Marry Me” implies the dish is so incredibly delicious and irresistible that it could inspire a marriage proposal from anyone who tries it! It’s all about creating an unforgettable meal.
• Can I prepare this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the base of the soup a day in advance. Simply add the gnocchi, cream, and spinach just before serving to maintain the best texture.
• What kind of gnocchi is best to use? Dried potato gnocchi is recommended for this recipe as it holds its shape well and cooks quickly in the broth. Fresh gnocchi can also work, but keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
• Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Absolutely! If you use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, simply skip the browning step and add the shredded chicken to the soup when you add the gnocchi.
• How can I make this soup thicker? For a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth, increase the heavy cream, or simmer the soup longer before adding the gnocchi. A cornstarch slurry can also be used, but add it slowly.

Conclusion

This Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup truly lives up to its name, offering a deeply satisfying and impressive meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. Its combination of tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a velvety broth creates a comforting experience you’ll want to revisit often. Perfect for busy parents and beginners, it brings gourmet flavors to your kitchen without the fuss. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe soon! Let us know how your Marry Me Chicken Soup turns out by sharing your comments and photos below.

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Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Cozy One-Pot Meal

This one-pot “Marry Me Chicken” soup combines tender chicken pieces with gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan in a rich, creamy broth for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings 4 bowls

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

Main 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 dried potato gnocchi (1 lb) (or small pasta, such as orecchiette)
• ½ – 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 oz fresh baby spinach half of a large bag (feel free to use more!)
• ½ cup Parmesan grated

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Place cubed chicken in a mixing bowl and season it with kosher salt, dried oregano, and black pepper, then toss to combine.
• Heat olive oil and butter in a soup pot, then brown the seasoned chicken for 4-5 minutes until golden on all sides, transferring it to a plate afterward.
• Sauté diced onion and celery with salt in the same pot until translucent (3-5 minutes), then add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste, stirring until the paste dissolves.
• Pour in chicken broth, pesto, and an optional Parmesan rind; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
• Add the browned chicken and dried gnocchi to the soup, cooking for 3-5 minutes until the gnocchi float and become tender.
• Stir in heavy cream, baby spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese; taste and adjust seasonings, then serve immediately with extra Parmesan.

Notes

For an even creamier soup, increase the heavy cream to 1 cup. Feel free to add more fresh spinach if desired. Always taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper) before serving.

Amelia Johnson

Amelia Johnson is a 28-year-old chef from New Orleans, Louisiana, known for her innovative take on traditional American cuisine. Growing up in a family that celebrated food, she developed a passion for cooking early on, experimenting with recipes from her grandmother. After graduating from culinary school, Amelia honed her skills in top restaurants, where her talent quickly gained acclaim for its creative dishes. With a focus on seasonal ingredients and bold flavors, she inspires others through cooking workshops, sharing her love for food and the rich diversity of American cuisine.