Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting recipe featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan-infused broth. This delicious soup combines savory flavors with a luscious texture, perfect for cozy meals and delightful gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained and chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Liquids & Dairy
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry Staples & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and Sear Chicken: Season raw chicken breasts or thighs with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add another tablespoon of oil or butter if needed. Cook chopped yellow onion for 5-7 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and sauté for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the sautéed mixture. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.
- Create Soup Base: Gradually pour in chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until smooth and slightly thickened. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Chicken and Seasonings: Return shredded chicken to pot. Stir in Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let simmer gently for 10-15 minutes.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in heavy cream until fully combined. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Add Spinach: Gently stir fresh spinach into the soup until just wilted.
- Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle soup into bowls and serve immediately for optimal flavor and warmth.
Notes
- Using either chicken breasts or thighs works well; thighs offer more tenderness and flavor.
- Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add richness, but rehydrated dry sun-dried tomatoes can be substituted if needed.
- For a thicker soup, increase the flour to 1.5 tablespoons or reduce broth slightly.
- If preferred, substitute Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Red pepper flakes are optional; adjust quantity based on desired heat level.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
