Imagine cozying up to a big bowl of pure comfort—delicate chicken, soft pillows of gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, wilted spinach, and a luscious, velvety broth loaded with creamy goodness. That’s Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup in all its glory! This irresistible dinner brings together everything you crave from the beloved “Marry Me Chicken” but transforms it into a soul-warming soup that’s ready in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Layers of Irresistible Flavor: Every spoonful is bursting with herb-crusted chicken, garlicky sun-dried tomatoes, and a dreamy, creamy broth.
- Ultra-Comforting and Hearty: Potato gnocchi make this soup extra filling, turning it into a complete one-bowl meal.
- Easy Weeknight Perfection: You can whip up this Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup in under an hour, with minimal fuss!
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you want to impress guests or treat yourself on a chilly night, this recipe never fails to wow.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I absolutely adore about this soup is how the ingredients—simple as they are—work together like magic. From the rich, tender chicken to the sun-dried tomato’s umami punch, each element brings its own pop of flavor and texture to your bowl.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender, lean protein that soaks up all the savory herbs and creamy broth.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for properly seasoning and layering flavor from start to finish.
- Dried oregano: Gives that signature Italian herb taste, tying all the savory notes together.
- Extra virgin olive oil & unsalted butter: The dream team—olive oil for searing, butter for luscious richness.
- Sweet onion & celery: Classic aromatics that get soft and sweet as they cook, setting the scene for all other flavors.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: The not-so-secret star! They add depth, tang, and a beautiful color to the soup.
- Garlic: Four cloves! Because there’s just no such thing as too much garlic in a soup like this.
- Tomato paste: For that concentrated, savory sweetness that boosts the broth to luscious heights.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The backbone of that cozy, drinkable soup base. Opt for low-sodium so you can control the salt.
- Pesto: Just a bit infuses the soup with basil magic and extra complexity.
- Parmesan rind (optional): Adds a nutty, cheesy dimension throughout as it simmers—highly recommended!
- Dried potato gnocchi: These pillowy dumplings make every spoonful satisfying—sub small pasta if you like.
- Heavy cream: Responsible for the “rich, creamy” part—it makes the broth absolutely dreamy.
- Fresh baby spinach: Stirred in at the end for bright color and fresh flavor.
- Parmesan, grated: A generous sprinkle (or two) to finish for that irresistible salty-savory kick.
Variations
One of the best things about rich, creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is how easy it is to make it truly your own. Don’t be afraid to tweak and experiment based on what’s in your pantry, your personal dietary needs, or even just a craving for something different!
- Use rotisserie chicken: Save even more time by shredding up leftover or rotisserie chicken in place of cooking fresh breasts.
- Make it dairy-free: Substitute your favorite unsweetened non-dairy cream and skip the parm rind, or use a plant-based alternative.
- Swap the greens: Kale, chard, or even arugula work brilliantly if you’re out of spinach.
- Try a different pasta: If you’re not into gnocchi, small pasta shapes like orecchiette or ditalini are equally comforting.
- Veggie-loaded version: Stir in chopped carrots, roasted red peppers, or zucchini to pack in extra goodness.
How to Make Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken breast pieces in a bowl with kosher salt, oregano, and black pepper. This first layer of seasoning infuses the meat with savory flavor while it browns. Get your pot hot with olive oil and butter, then add the chicken. Let it get golden on all sides (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked). Remove the pieces to a plate—they’ll finish cooking later in the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add your diced onion and celery with a sprinkle of salt. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant—this should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Now, add your sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a big spoonful of tomato paste. Break up the paste well; it’ll dissolve into the veggies and create an aromatic, savory base that makes the soup absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in your chicken broth and stir in the pesto for that hint of basil magic. If you have a Parmesan rind, drop it in now—it’ll stew away gently, infusing every drop with nutty, umami goodness. Bring the whole pot to a boil, then lower the heat to keep it at a simmer for around 10 to 15 minutes. This is when the flavors truly come together.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Gnocchi
Return the browned chicken (along with any juices on the plate) to the pot. Stir in your gnocchi (or pasta if you’re swapping), and let the soup gently simmer. As soon as those little gnocchi pop up to the top and turn tender—about 3 to 5 minutes—you’re ready for the grand finale.
Step 5: Finish Creamy & Serve
Time for the magic! Stir in the heavy cream (start with ½ cup, add more if you love it extra creamy!), baby spinach, and plenty of grated Parmesan. The spinach will wilt and the cheese will melt into the dreamy broth. Give your Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Now, all that’s left is to ladle it into bowls and shower it with extra Parmesan. Heaven!
Pro Tips for Making Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Golden Crust on Chicken: Don’t rush browning the chicken—it adds an incredible savory depth you’ll taste in every bite.
- Let the Soup Simmer with the Parmesan Rind: If you happen to have a rind, let it bathe as long as possible for an ultra-silky, cheesy base.
- Add Spinach at the End: Stir in fresh spinach right before serving for perfectly wilted greens and vibrant color—never mushy!
- Taste and Adjust Creaminess: Love your soup decadent? Add the full cup of cream! Prefer it lighter? Half a cup will do the trick.
How to Serve Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Garnishes
The simplest way to take your Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup from “yum” to “wow” is with the right garnish. A hefty shower of freshly grated Parmesan is a must, but I also love sprinkling on a handful of freshly chopped basil, parsley, or a grind of black pepper. For extra flair, try a drizzle of good olive oil or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to be the star, but it shines even brighter with some company. Serve it alongside soft, warm bread (think crusty baguette or homemade focaccia) for dunking, or offer a simple mixed green salad topped with a lemony vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving for a crowd? Ladle the soup into wide, shallow bowls and top each with a swirl of pesto or a Parmesan crisp. For a cozy dinner party, offer mini soup tureens with a side of warm, herbed breadsticks. Want to make this Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup extra special? Set out toppings like toasted pine nuts, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or extra cheese and let everyone build their own perfect bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Allow the soup to cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. The flavors only deepen as the soup sits—just note the gnocchi will soften slightly, but it’s still delicious.
Freezing
Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months, but keep in mind: because there’s cream and gnocchi, the texture may change upon thawing, becoming a bit less silky and the gnocchi softer. For the best results, freeze before adding the cream and gnocchi, then finish when you reheat for a just-cooked taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently over medium heat, stirring often so the creamy broth doesn’t separate and the chicken stays tender. If it seems a little thick from the gnocchi soaking up broth, add a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a wonderful alternative—they add an extra level of richness and remain juicy even after simmering in the soup. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook as directed.
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What if I don’t have gnocchi?
No worries! Any small pasta works beautifully—try orecchiette, ditalini, or even mini shells. Just keep an eye on cooking time and stop when al dente.
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Is Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup gluten-free?
It can be! Choose gluten-free gnocchi or pasta, and always double-check the labels on your broth and pesto to avoid any sneaky gluten-containing ingredients.
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Can I make this soup ahead for a party?
Definitely. Prepare the soup up until the addition of gnocchi and cream, then cool and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, bring back to a simmer, add the gnocchi, spinach, cream, and Parmesan, cook until tender, and you’re ready to wow your guests!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for endless comfort and crave-worthy flavor, Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup will sweep you off your feet. It’s cozy, satisfying, and truly has that certain “something” that makes everyone fall in love at first bite. Go on—make a big pot, share a bowl with someone special, and watch the magic happen!
PrintRich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Marry Me Chicken Soup. Loaded with tender chicken, gnocchi, and spinach in a flavorful broth, this soup is sure to win hearts at the dining table.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 tsp Kosher salt, divided
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
For the Soup:
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 2 sticks celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 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)
- 1/2 – 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach, half of a large bag
- 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Place cubed chicken in a large mixing bowl, then season with 1 tsp Kosher salt, 1 tsp dried oregano, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Toss well.
- Brown the chicken: Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil and 2 Tbsp butter in a large soup pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add onion, celery, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste to the pot. Cook until translucent.
- Add the broth: Pour in chicken broth, pesto, and Parmesan rind. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Cook the gnocchi: Return cooked chicken to the pot, then add gnocchi. Cook until tender.
- Add cream: Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Divide between bowls, garnish with Parmesan, and serve.
Notes
- The Parmesan rind adds extra flavor; freeze rinds for future use.
- To make ahead, prepare soup without gnocchi and cream, then add before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days.
- Freezing may alter the consistency due to dairy content.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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