Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy and comforting dish combining tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup blends Italian-inspired seasonings with smooth creaminess for an irresistible comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained and chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the chicken: Season raw chicken breasts or thighs with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon 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 set aside to cool, 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, stirring occasionally, until translucent (5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic and drained, chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 2 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.
- Incorporate broth: Gradually pour in chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer with chicken and seasonings: Return shredded chicken to the 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.
- Add cream and cheese: Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in heavy cream until fully incorporated. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Wilt spinach: Add fresh spinach to the pot and stir gently until wilted.
- Final seasoning and serving: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for maximum flavor and richness.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter option.
- If preferred, omit red pepper flakes for a milder soup.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
