If you want to dive into a bowl of comfort that feels both luxurious and heartwarming, then this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender chunks of chicken bathed in a creamy, cheesy broth, uplifted by sun-dried tomatoes and fragrant herbs. It’s a dish that not only satisfies your hunger but also charms your soul, making every spoonful an experience you’ll want to share with someone special. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a moment when you simply need a hug on a plate, this soup hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is a breeze because it relies on simple, quality ingredients that shine on their own and together. Each component brings a unique flavor, texture, or color, making every spoonful rich and memorable.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: The base for sautéing, bringing a rich, fruity undertone and helping to soften aromatics.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth once caramelized gently.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Gives a fragrant kick that awakens the senses.
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed: The star protein providing juicy, tender bites.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that layers in warmth and earthiness.
- 1 tsp paprika: Imparts a subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Creates a flavorful, savory foundation.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes: These deliver bursts of tangy sweetness and chewy texture.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese: Adds umami richness and helps thicken the soup naturally.
- Fresh basil to garnish: Brightens the dish with herbal freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they soften and fill your kitchen with their irresistible aroma. This foundational step is where the magic starts, building layers of flavor you’ll taste in every bite.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken breast to the pot and sprinkle the Italian seasoning and paprika over it. Let the chicken cook until it’s golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in the tenderness and coats the chicken with those lovely aromatic spices.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let the soup cook for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to become fully tender and the flavors to meld beautifully. This simmering infuses the broth with savory goodness and makes the dish hearty.
Step 4: Add the Cream & Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, blending everything together. Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes as the soup thickens slightly and becomes irresistibly rich. Here, the cheese melts and melds with the creamy base, making it all simply divine.
Step 5: Serve the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Ladle this luscious soup into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil. The vibrant green herbs not only brighten the look but also add a fresh, aromatic note that complements the creamy richness. Serve it alongside crusty bread for a perfect, soul-satisfying meal.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the classic choice to top your soup, offering a fragrant lift and pretty color. If you want to experiment, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or even some crispy fried shallots can add exciting new layers to each bowl.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with rustic bread for dipping, like a crusty baguette or garlic toast. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can bring balance and brightness, while roasted vegetables or steamed greens handle the heavier palate beautifully for a full, comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or small ramekins at a dinner party to wow your guests. You could also layer the soup in clear glasses for a visually stunning appetizer, making each layer of ingredients and colors pop into focus before the first spoonful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping or enjoying leftover comfort without any fuss.
Freezing
This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe freezes well but keep in mind that creamy soups can sometimes change texture after freezing. To preserve its creaminess, slightly undercook the chicken and add the cream and cheese only when reheating. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. If it feels too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to restore the perfect consistency. Adding the cheese fresh at this stage can revive the soup’s luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give the soup a slightly richer flavor and stay tender even longer during simmering. Just remember to adjust your cooking time slightly if they are very thick.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy texture without dairy. These options will add a subtle flavor twist, so go with whichever taste you prefer.
How spicy is this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe?
This recipe is mild and comforting, focusing on herbaceous and savory flavors without any heat. However, if you like a little kick, adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper will spice things up nicely.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Add the cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan near the end of cooking.
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes work best?
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes offer a richer, softer texture and more intense flavor, ideal for this soup. If using dry-packed varieties, rehydrate them in warm water before adding to ensure the best texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe that goes beyond taste: it’s the warmth, the cozy vibes, and the way it turns an ordinary meal into a cherished moment. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or surprising a loved one, this soup promises to deliver comfort and joy by the spoonful. Go ahead, treat yourself to this creamy, flavorful delight—you’ll be so glad you did.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy and comforting Marry Me Chicken Soup combines tender chicken breast simmered in a flavorful broth with Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Finished with fresh basil and a touch of heavy cream, this soup offers a rich and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil to garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast to the pot, season with Italian seasoning and paprika. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Add the Cream & Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until the soup thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh basil. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor in garnish.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a rich umami taste; if unavailable, consider roasting fresh tomatoes.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by varying the amount of cream added.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal.
- Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly to avoid undercooking.
