Ready to win hearts with a single spoonful? Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is everything you crave in a cozy, crave-worthy meal—tender chicken, dreamy broth, a burst of sun-dried tomatoes, and pillowy gnocchi, all swirling together in a creamy, cheesy embrace. This is pure comfort in a bowl, and I guarantee everyone at your table will be asking for seconds (and the recipe)!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big, Bold Flavors: Herby chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and a creamy base create a soup that’s anything but ordinary.
- Hearty & Filling: Gnocchi and spinach add satisfying texture, making this the ultimate meal-in-a-bowl.
- Weeknight Friendly: It comes together in under an hour and uses simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Total Crowd-Pleaser: Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup really does get people swooning—perfect for family dinners or impressing guests!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every spoonful of Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is layered with thoughtfully chosen flavors. With just a few pantry and fresh items, you’ll create a soup that’s richly textured, colorful, and totally irresistible.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy chicken forms the foundation—feel free to use chicken thighs for a richer taste!
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These essentials lock in flavor at every stage.
- Dried Oregano: Classic Italian flair helps season the chicken beautifully.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Unsalted Butter: This duo brings depth and helps build a glossy, delicious base.
- Sweet Onion & Celery: These aromatics add natural sweetness and savoriness that round out the broth with subtle complexity.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Their intense tang boosts brightness and brings little pops of umami.
- Fresh Garlic & Tomato Paste: The garlic adds aromatics while tomato paste deepens the overall flavor and adds a gorgeous color.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: The canvas for our soup—choose a quality broth for best results.
- Pesto: Just a spoonful brings basil, garlic, and Parmesan goodness in every bite.
- Parmesan Rind (Optional): Adds a magical, savory punch that infuses the broth as it simmers.
- Dried Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy gnocchi turn this from soup to satisfying supper—small pasta also works!
- Heavy Cream: The key to the “rich, creamy” finish everyone swoons over.
- Baby Spinach: A handful of leafy greens melts perfectly into the soup right at the end.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: For stirring in and for finishing—extra cheese is always the answer!
Variations
One of the things I love most about Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is how customizable it is! Swap in your favorite add-ins, adjust for allergies, or turn up the flavor to fit your mood—it’s almost impossible to go wrong.
- Swap the Gnocchi: Use small pasta shapes like orecchiette, ditalini, or even tortellini for a playful twist.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use full-fat coconut milk in place of the heavy cream, and a good dairy-free Parmesan for a lactose-friendly dinner.
- Add More Veggies: Stir in mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to up the veggie factor without losing that creamy magic.
- Change the Greens: Kale or Swiss chard holds up beautifully if you want something heartier than spinach.
How to Make Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by tossing your cubed chicken breasts in a bowl with salt, oregano, and black pepper. This quick step gives the chicken a herby, savory crust and ensures every bite is seasoned from the inside out—totally worth two minutes of your time!
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven until shimmering, then sear the chicken pieces until golden on all sides. The secret? Don’t crowd the pan—give them space, and let the flavors develop. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate; they’ll finish cooking in the soup later.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Build the Base
In the same pot (don’t wipe it out!), add your chopped onions and celery, sprinkle with a pinch more salt, and sauté until softened and fragrant. Add those glorious sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste, stirring as the tomato paste deepens to brick red—your kitchen will smell incredible.
Step 4: Add Broth, Pesto, and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and spoon in the pesto, followed by the Parmesan rind if you have it. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10–15 minutes—this is where the magic really begins, as all the flavors cozy up together.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi and Reunite Chicken
Add the browned chicken and any juices back into the pot, then stir in the dried potato gnocchi. Let them cook gently for just a few minutes, until they float and turn delightfully tender. Each gnocchi soaks up a bit of that dreamy broth!
Step 6: Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Cheese
Reduce the heat, then swirl in the heavy cream (go for a full cup if you want it ultra-creamy!), handfuls of spinach, and plenty of grated Parmesan. Taste and season as needed, then ladle your Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup straight into bowls—be generous with extra cheese!
Pro Tips for Making Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Sun-Dried Tomato Magic: Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for softer, richer flavor—just drain and pat dry before chopping.
- Don’t Skip the Parmesan Rind: If you have one, toss it in—the depth of flavor it adds is next-level and totally worth it for cheesy soup lovers!
- Cream Last for Silkiness: Add cream only after you’ve turned the heat to low, to keep the soup extra smooth and prevent curdling.
- Customize Thickness: For an even thicker soup (almost like a stew!), stir in more gnocchi or let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
How to Serve Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Garnishes
A finishing shower of freshly grated Parmesan is essential, and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley brings a pop of color and freshness. For maximum wow, add a swirl of extra pesto or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving—it really brings out the “marry me” factor!
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but a slice of crusty bread (warm focaccia, anyone?), buttered garlic toast, or a leafy green side salad are fantastic for soaking up every last drop. If you’re feeling extra, serve with roasted veggies or a citrusy arugula salad to balance out all that richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, ladle Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup into wide, shallow bowls and top with a fancy Parmesan crisp. If you’re serving a family crowd, try a big soup tureen in the center of the table with lots of sides for dipping. Don’t forget extra bowls of cheese and fresh herbs for DIY garnishing fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store cooled Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Know that the gnocchi will continue to soak up some of the broth, making for an even thicker, more velvety texture the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months, but keep in mind that creamy soups sometimes change texture slightly when thawed. For best results, freeze before adding the cream and gnocchi—just stir them in fresh when you reheat the base!
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often (especially if it’s thickened up). If it seems too thick, add an extra splash of broth or cream to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works in a pinch—just use a lower power setting and pause to stir every minute.
FAQs
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Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Absolutely! Shred about 3 cups of rotisserie chicken and add it after sautéing the aromatics, just before adding the broth. This is a great time-saver and still delivers that classic Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup flavor.
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What if I don’t have gnocchi on hand?
No gnocchi? Just swap in an equal amount of small pasta—orecchiette, ditalini, or mini shells are all wonderful. Cook until just tender, and the soup will be just as delicious!
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Is this soup gluten-free?
The soup is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free gnocchi or pasta, and check that your broth and pesto are certified gluten-free. It’s an easy swap, and the soup stays just as rich and creamy!
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Can I make Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Prepare everything up to the point of adding the gnocchi and cream, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently, then add the gnocchi, spinach, Parmesan, and cream—this guarantees tender gnocchi and a silky finish!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a love-at-first-bite kind of supper, Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup promises to sweep you off your feet every single time. It’s the dish I crave when I want to feel extra cozy or need to make dinner feel a little more special. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and savor every last spoonful—here’s to new favorites and happy, full hearts!
Print
Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Marry Me Chicken Soup. This hearty soup is loaded with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a luxurious cream base that will have you coming back for more. Perfect for a cozy night in or special gatherings, this soup is sure to impress!
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
For the Soup:
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 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. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add onion, celery, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste to the pot. Cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the broth: Pour in chicken broth, pesto, and Parmesan rind. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Cook the gnocchi: Return chicken to the pot, then stir in gnocchi. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Add cream: Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Divide between bowls and enjoy!
Notes
- The Parmesan rind adds extra flavor to the soup.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare the soup up to the point before adding gnocchi and cream.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days.
- Freezing may alter the consistency due to dairy content.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
