There’s something magical about a dish that combines comfort, elegance, and heartwarming flavor into a single bowl. Marry Me Chicken Soup does just that. Inspired by the viral Marry Me Chicken recipe, this soup captures the soul of that dish in a way that feels cozier, more inviting, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Picture this: a creamy, rich broth swirling with the bold, tangy notes of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and tender bites of chicken, all balanced by the soft, pillowy texture of gnocchi. Each spoonful delivers the kind of satisfaction that makes you pause and savor the moment. It’s no wonder why this dish has gained a reputation for stealing hearts—it’s simply irresistible.
In my home, this soup has become synonymous with chilly nights, warm blankets, and gatherings around the table. It’s the kind of recipe you make when you want to say “I care,” without needing to say a word. Whether it’s the wholesome ingredients or the comforting familiarity of a creamy soup, there’s something undeniably special about this dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich, Velvety Texture: The blend of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a luxurious broth that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.
- Hearty Enough for Dinner: With chicken and gnocchi as its stars, this soup is a meal in itself. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a feast.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests come calling.
- Aromatic and Flavorful: Pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of garlic infuse the broth with layers of complexity, making each bite exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1½ tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp pesto
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional but recommended)
- 16 oz (1 lb) potato gnocchi
- ½–1 cup heavy cream
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by prepping the chicken. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, dried oregano, and black pepper. This seasoning not only flavors the chicken but also enhances the overall soup.
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken pieces, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken on all sides until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through at this stage—it will finish cooking in the broth. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Build a Flavorful Base
In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the diced onion and celery, stirring occasionally. Let them sauté until they’re soft and fragrant, about 6–8 minutes. This is the foundation of the soup’s flavor, so don’t rush this step!
Next, add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. The smell of the garlic hitting the hot butter is incredible and will fill your kitchen with a Tuscan-inspired aroma. Stir for 2–3 minutes until the garlic is just golden.
Step 3: Enhance with Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for 1–2 minutes until it deepens in color. This small step brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and enriches the broth’s flavor.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits (also known as fond). These tiny bits pack a punch of flavor and are essential to the soup.
Add the pesto and, if you have it, a Parmesan rind. The rind will slowly melt into the soup, infusing it with a nutty, cheesy depth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi and Chicken
Return the chicken and its juices to the pot. Add the gnocchi, stirring gently to prevent them from sticking together. Let the soup simmer until the gnocchi float to the surface, about 3–4 minutes. This is a sure sign they’re cooked to perfection.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Stir in the heavy cream, starting with ½ cup and adjusting to your taste. This is where the soup transforms into something creamy and indulgent. Avoid boiling the soup once the cream is added, as it can cause the broth to curdle.
Add the spinach, folding it in until it wilts. The vibrant green adds a beautiful pop of color and a boost of nutrition.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Gnocchi Tips: If you’re using frozen gnocchi, there’s no need to thaw them before adding to the soup. They’ll cook perfectly in the hot broth.
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Just reheat gently on the stove.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to adjust the consistency.
Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Shred about 3 cups of rotisserie chicken and add it in Step 5 when you return the gnocchi to the pot.
What if I don’t have a Parmesan rind?
No worries! Simply add an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan at the end to achieve a similar depth of flavor.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative. The soup will have a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious.
Related Recipes
If you loved Marry Me Chicken Soup, here are a few other comforting recipes to try:
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a bowl of comfort, connection, and pure joy. Whether you’re preparing it for a special someone or simply treating yourself, it’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. So grab your ladle, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with every bite.
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Marry me chicken soup with sun-dried tomatoes,fresh spinach, and potato gnocchi
Description
There’s something magical about a dish that combines comfort, elegance, and heartwarming flavor into a single bowl. Marry Me Chicken Soup does just that. Inspired by the viral Marry Me Chicken recipe, this soup captures the soul of that dish in a way that feels cozier, more inviting, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Picture this: a creamy, rich broth swirling with the bold, tangy notes of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and tender bites of chicken, all balanced by the soft, pillowy texture of gnocchi. Each spoonful delivers the kind of satisfaction that makes you pause and savor the moment. It’s no wonder why this dish has gained a reputation for stealing hearts—it’s simply irresistible.
In my home, this soup has become synonymous with chilly nights, warm blankets, and gatherings around the table. It’s the kind of recipe you make when you want to say “I care,” without needing to say a word. Whether it’s the wholesome ingredients or the comforting familiarity of a creamy soup, there’s something undeniably special about this dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1½ tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp pesto
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional but recommended)
- 16 oz (1 lb) potato gnocchi
- ½–1 cup heavy cream
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by prepping the chicken. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, dried oregano, and black pepper. This seasoning not only flavors the chicken but also enhances the overall soup.
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken pieces, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken on all sides until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through at this stage—it will finish cooking in the broth. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Build a Flavorful Base
In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the diced onion and celery, stirring occasionally. Let them sauté until they’re soft and fragrant, about 6–8 minutes. This is the foundation of the soup’s flavor, so don’t rush this step!
Next, add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. The smell of the garlic hitting the hot butter is incredible and will fill your kitchen with a Tuscan-inspired aroma. Stir for 2–3 minutes until the garlic is just golden.
Step 3: Enhance with Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for 1–2 minutes until it deepens in color. This small step brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and enriches the broth’s flavor.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits (also known as fond). These tiny bits pack a punch of flavor and are essential to the soup.
Add the pesto and, if you have it, a Parmesan rind. The rind will slowly melt into the soup, infusing it with a nutty, cheesy depth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi and Chicken
Return the chicken and its juices to the pot. Add the gnocchi, stirring gently to prevent them from sticking together. Let the soup simmer until the gnocchi float to the surface, about 3–4 minutes. This is a sure sign they’re cooked to perfection.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Stir in the heavy cream, starting with ½ cup and adjusting to your taste. This is where the soup transforms into something creamy and indulgent. Avoid boiling the soup once the cream is added, as it can cause the broth to curdle.
Add the spinach, folding it in until it wilts. The vibrant green adds a beautiful pop of color and a boost of nutrition.