Have you ever tasted something so unbelievably delicious that it inspires a grand romantic gesture? That’s the legendary power behind the viral “Marry Me Chicken” dish. Now, imagine all of that rich, savory, and creamy flavor transformed into the ultimate comfort food: a warm, inviting bowl of soup. Consequently, we’ve developed the perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe that captures everything you love about the original. Marry Me Chicken Soup is a decadent blend of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, all swimming in a luscious cream and parmesan broth. In short, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for a date night. Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite soup.
What Makes This Marry Me Chicken Soup So Irresistible?
The original Marry Me Chicken is known for its incredibly savory and rich Tuscan-inspired flavors, and this soup version is no different. In essence, it takes the core components of that beloved dish and adapts them into a comforting, slurpable format. The magic lies in the symphony of ingredients working together. For instance, the sun-dried tomatoes provide a sweet and tangy counterpoint to the rich, creamy base. Meanwhile, fresh garlic and Italian herbs build a fragrant aromatic foundation that makes your entire kitchen smell divine.
Furthermore, what truly sets this recipe apart is its luxurious texture. The combination of heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese creates a velvety smooth broth that coats every piece of chicken and pasta. Unlike a standard chicken noodle soup, this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe feels decadent and indulgent. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug, making it perfect for a chilly evening or whenever you need a little extra comfort. The addition of fresh basil at the end brightens everything up, ensuring the soup is rich but not heavy. As a result, each spoonful is a perfectly balanced bite of creamy, savory goodness.
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Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe: The 12 Ultimate Steps for a Perfect Bowl
A creamy, savory soup inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken” dish, featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and Parmesan in a luscious broth.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
2 tbsp butter, divided
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (reserve oil)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup small pasta like orzo or ditalini (optional)
1–2 handfuls fresh spinach (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden; set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium; add 1 tbsp butter or reserved sun-dried tomato oil to the pot.
5. Sauté chopped onion for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
6. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Deglaze the pot with a splash of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
8. Pour in remaining chicken broth and stir in sun-dried tomatoes.
9. Bring to a simmer; if adding pasta, stir it in now and simmer for 10–12 minutes until al dente.
10. Return chicken to the pot and simmer until fully cooked.
11. Reduce heat to low; slowly stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
12. Stir in spinach (if using) until wilted; remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh basil.
13. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper; serve hot with extra Parmesan and basil.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results, as pre-shredded cheese may affect texture.
Do not boil the soup after adding cream and cheese to prevent curdling.
For extra richness, add 2 oz softened cream cheese with the heavy cream.
Substitute chicken with rotisserie chicken for a faster version—add it after pasta is cooked.
Add-ins like mushrooms or kale work well for customization.
Best served with crusty bread or garlic knots.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat gently over low heat.
For freezing, make without cream and cheese, then add them fresh when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Bowl
To create this proposal-worthy soup, you’ll need a handful of high-quality ingredients. While the list might seem extensive, each component plays a crucial role in building the signature flavor profile. Therefore, gathering these items beforehand will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
The Core Components
- Chicken: About 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs will offer more flavor and moisture, but breasts are a great leaner option.
- Olive Oil & Butter: A combination for searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics for the best flavor.
- Onion & Garlic: The essential aromatic base for nearly any great soup. One medium yellow onion and four cloves of garlic will do.
The Flavorful Broth
- Chicken Broth: Four cups of low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: About a half-cup of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped. Don’t discard the oil; it’s liquid gold for sautéing!
- Italian Seasoning: One teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning for an instant herbal boost.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A quarter-teaspoon for a subtle kick of warmth. You can adjust this to your liking.
The Creamy Finish
- Heavy Cream: One cup of heavy cream is the secret to the soup’s luxurious texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: A half-cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a nutty, salty finish.
- Fresh Basil: A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped, stirred in at the end for brightness.
- Optional Add-in: One cup of small pasta like orzo or ditalini, or a few handfuls of fresh spinach. If you enjoy pasta in your dishes, you might also like this French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole.
Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Marry Me Chicken Soup
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this amazing Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe to life. Follow these simple steps for a flawless result. First, season your chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point. After that, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Next, reduce the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of butter or a spoonful of the oil from your sun-dried tomato jar. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Following this, pour in a splash of the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Those bits are packed with flavor!
Subsequently, add the rest of the chicken broth and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the soup to a simmer. If you are adding pasta, now is the time to stir it in. Let the soup simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Then, return the seared chicken to the pot and continue to simmer until it is cooked through. Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. It is important not to let the soup boil after adding the dairy, as it could curdle. For another creamy soup idea, check out this Creamy Cowboy Soup Recipe.
Finally, continue to stir until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth. If you’re using spinach, stir it in now and let it wilt for a minute or two. To finish, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fresh basil. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Your delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup is now ready to serve.
Expert Tips for a Proposal-Worthy Soup
To elevate your Marry Me Chicken Soup from simply good to absolutely unforgettable, keep a few expert tips in mind. These small adjustments can make a significant difference in the final flavor and texture of your dish.
Use High-Quality Ingredients
First and foremost, the quality of your ingredients matters. For instance, using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of the pre-shredded kind will result in a much smoother, creamier soup. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make the broth gritty. Similarly, using a good-quality, low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish. According to health experts at Healthline, chicken itself is a fantastic source of lean protein, making this a nutritious base for your meal.
Master the Creamy Base
The key to a perfect creamy soup is patience. As mentioned, always add the heavy cream and cheese over low heat and never let the soup boil afterward. This prevents the dairy from separating or curdling. For an even richer soup, you can add two ounces of softened cream cheese along with the heavy cream, whisking until it’s fully incorporated. This adds another layer of tangy creaminess that is truly divine.
Don’t Be Afraid to Customize
While this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to make it your own. For example, you could add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth or some chopped kale instead of spinach for a heartier green. If you don’t have fresh basil, a teaspoon of pesto stirred in at the end can provide a similar fresh, herbaceous flavor. The possibilities are endless, so use this recipe as a canvas for your culinary creativity.
Serving, Storing, and Freezing
Once your masterpiece is complete, serving it correctly can enhance the experience. Moreover, knowing how to properly store leftovers ensures you can enjoy this delightful soup for days to come.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and hearty soup is best served hot, garnished with a little extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. A side of crusty bread or warm garlic knots is almost mandatory for dipping into the incredible broth. For a more complete meal, you could pair it with a simple Caesar salad or some roasted vegetables. For dessert, a batch of Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies would be a delightful and unexpected treat.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can sometimes cause the creamy broth to separate. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to thin it out as it reheats.
A Note on Freezing
Generally, soups with a heavy cream and cheese base do not freeze well. The dairy has a tendency to separate and become grainy upon thawing. However, if you plan to freeze it, you can make the soup base without the cream and cheese. Freeze the chicken, broth, and vegetable mixture. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup base, reheat it on the stove, and then stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese before serving. This method, recommended by food safety experts at the Mayo Clinic, helps preserve the intended texture.
Conclusion About Marry Me Chicken Soup
In conclusion, this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. By combining tender chicken, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and a luxuriously creamy broth, you create a dish that is pure comfort in a bowl. It successfully transforms a beloved chicken dinner into an even more comforting and accessible soup form. Whether you’re making it for a special someone or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Ultimately, its simple preparation and incredible flavor make it a must-try for any home cook looking for a new go-to comfort food. Give this recipe a try and prepare to fall in love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Soup
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half. For a similar richness, you could also use full-fat canned coconut milk, which will add a very subtle coconut flavor. Another excellent option is to create a slurry by whisking a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold broth and adding it to the soup to thicken it before stirring in a smaller amount of milk or cream.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup gluten-free?
Absolutely. The soup base is naturally gluten-free. If you want to add pasta, simply choose your favorite gluten-free variety and cook it according to the package directions. Be sure to check that your chicken broth is also certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden gluten.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe?
Yes, using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saving shortcut. Simply shred the meat from one rotisserie chicken (you’ll need about 3-4 cups) and skip the initial chicken-searing step. You can add the shredded chicken to the soup at the same time you would add back the seared chicken, letting it simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors of the broth.
