Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup

Cooking often sparks fond memories of gathering around the table with loved ones. One dish that evokes especially joyful moments is Marry Me Chicken Soup. This warm, creamy concoction magically ignites conversation and laughter, drawing family and friends closer together. Picture those chilly evenings when the aroma of savory chicken and soft, pillowy gnocchi wafts through the air, enveloping every corner of the house.

Marry Me Chicken Soup embodies comfort, warmth, and a bit of rich flavor. As you stir the bubbling pot, you can feel the excitement—the anticipation of hearing those familiar cheerful voices alongside a delicious meal. Its delightful blend of tender chicken, earthy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach will have everyone asking for seconds.

Using simple ingredients, you can create a dish so memorable, it almost feels like magic. The creamy texture, enhanced with pesto and Parmesan, elevates this soup to something extraordinary. Creating this dish will not only fill your belly but also your heart, making Marry Me Chicken Soup a perfect addition to any dinner table.

The Magic of Marry Me Chicken Soup

Fundamentals

When it comes to crafting the ultimate Marry Me Chicken Soup, understanding the fundamentals is key. This dish thrives on the balance between the tender chicken and the rich, creamy broth. Cuts of boneless skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and provide the perfect base for building flavor. Seasoning well with kosher salt, oregano, and black pepper enhances the chicken’s taste while ensuring a delightful profile throughout the soup.

The interplay of a variety of ingredients creates depth. Start by sautéing aromatics like diced onion and chopped celery. This foundational step builds flavor, making your soup not just tasty but unforgettable. Sun-dried tomatoes add richness and tang, while garlic infuses warmth into every bowl. Each ingredient has its role, working harmoniously to create a nourishing dish that comforts both body and soul.

Preparation/Setup

Preparation plays a significant role in the success of the Marry Me Chicken Soup. Setting everything up before you start cooking creates a smoother cooking experience. Cut the chicken into one-inch pieces and season them generously, allowing the flavors to meld. Having your ingredients prepped—diced onions, chopped celery, and finely chopped garlic—will make the cooking process streamlined and enjoyable.

Choose a large soup pot or Dutch oven for this recipe, as it should accommodate the entire batch comfortably. Start by heating olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. This combination not only flavors the chicken but also creates a lovely browning effect. When the chicken reaches a golden brown, transfer it to a plate and let it rest while you build the soup base with the aromatics.

Ingredients

To create a hearty Marry Me Chicken Soup, gather the following 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 sticks celery, 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 (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
• 16 oz dried potato gnocchi (or small pasta such as orecchiette)
• ½ – 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 oz fresh baby spinach (feel free to add more)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

Crafting this mouthwatering soup follows a simple yet effective method. Begin by seasoning the chicken in a large mixing bowl, letting the salt, oregano, and black pepper coat the pieces evenly.

Heat the olive oil and butter in your soup pot over medium-high heat. When hot, add the seasoned chicken and brown it on all sides—about 4-5 minutes. Don’t worry; the chicken will continue cooking once returned to the pot.

Next, sauté the aromatics by adding diced onion and finely chopped celery, seasoning them with half a teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir occasionally until they become translucent, releasing a delightful fragrance. Then toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste, blending them well.

Now, pour in the chicken broth, adding the pesto and Parmesan rind if desired. Bring this fragrant mixture to a boil before reducing it to a gentle simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Return the browned chicken to the pot and add the gnocchi. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the gnocchi decorously float to the top. Finally, blend in the heavy cream, fresh baby spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the spinach wilts beautifully.

Adjust seasoning as needed, taste-testing along the way. Serve this delightful Marry Me Chicken Soup immediately for a heartwarming experience.

Techniques That Bring Out the Best

Technique

Marry Me Chicken Soup benefits from a few essential techniques that enhance flavor and texture. The initial browning of chicken serves to lock in moisture. High heat creates a savory crust, while the fat imparts richness to the soup.

Another crucial method lies in sautéing the aromatics until soft. This step releases their natural sugars, creating a sweetness that balances the soup’s overall flavor. Adding sun-dried tomatoes and garlic at this stage allows their flavors to infuse the broth during cooking.

When introducing the liquid ingredients, pour the chicken broth slowly. This helps combine the flavors already created, forming a cohesive base for the soup. The use of heavy cream at the end contributes a velvety texture that makes each spoonful irresistible.

Tips/Tricks

Some helpful tips ensure your Marry Me Chicken Soup turns out perfectly every time. Don’t skimp on the seasoning; seasoning at each stage builds layers of flavor. Taste throughout the cooking process to adjust as needed.

If you enjoy experimenting, consider customizing with vegetables like carrots or mushrooms. These additions can enhance both nutritional content and flavor complexity. Additionally, incorporating fresh herbs like basil or thyme at the end can further elevate the soup.

For a thicker consistency, allow the soup to simmer longer after adding the cream. This process allows flavors to deepen and meld together beautifully.

Perfecting Your Rich and Creamy Dish

Perfecting Results

Getting the most out of the Marry Me Chicken Soup is all about mastering the elements involved. The creaminess stems from both the heavy cream and the Parmesan cheese. Add these ingredients gradually, allowing everything to meld beautifully for rich results. A gentle simmer can help create a nice thickness as well.

If you find the soup too thick, simply adjust with extra chicken broth or cream until you reach the perfect balance.

Troubleshooting/Variations

Be prepared for any variations in flavor or texture depending on your ingredients. If you prefer a lighter version, try replacing heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.

Should you wish to enhance the dish, consider integrating different spices. A pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika can impart depth and warmth.

If the soup ends up too salty, adding a diced potato can help absorb excess salt. After simmering, remove the potato to achieve the desired flavor balance without compromising taste.

Serving and Enjoying

Serving/Presentation

Serving Marry Me Chicken Soup is an opportunity to add a personal touch. Divide the soup into cozy bowls and sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top for a delightful garnish. The contrasting colors of the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes create an appealing plate.

Using fresh herbs like basil or parsley for garnish also adds a splash of color and enhances the dish’s presentation. Pair with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal that everyone will adore.

Pairings/Storage

While this soup stands strong on its own, pairing it with a fresh green salad or cheesy garlic bread enhances the dining experience. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a satisfying meal.

Storage is easy too! Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. Should the soup thicken, simply add a bit of broth or cream when reheating.

For long-term storage, consider freezing the soup in individual portions. This way, you can conveniently enjoy a warm bowl of this comforting dish any day, reminding you of the magic that happens around the dinner table.

Marry Me Chicken Soup is more than a meal. It’s a heartfelt connection to those we love, bringing warmth and richness to any gathering. Nothing compares to the satisfaction of that first spoonful, a moment that lingers well beyond the last bite. Embrace the joy of cooking this delightful dish and sharing it with others—it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Marry Me Chicken Soup

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• Author: cov3
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A rich and creamy chicken soup filled with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and gnocchi that warms the heart and brings loved ones together.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 sticks celery, 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 (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
• 16 oz dried potato gnocchi (or small pasta such as orecchiette)
• ½ – 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 oz fresh baby spinach (feel free to add more)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

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Instructions

1. Season the chicken with kosher salt, oregano, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
3. Add the seasoned chicken and brown it on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
5. Add diced onion and finely chopped celery to the pot with half a teaspoon of kosher salt, sautéing until translucent.
6. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste until combined.
7. Pour in the chicken broth, adding pesto and Parmesan rind if desired. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10-15 minutes.
8. Return the browned chicken to the pot and add gnocchi. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until gnocchi float to the top.
9. Blend in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the spinach wilts.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve hot.

Notes

For a thicker soup, simmer longer after adding cream. You can also customize with additional vegetables or herbs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: chicken soup, creamy soup, comfort food, gnocchi, family recipe