If you’re searching for a soul-soothing, flavor-packed meal, look no further than this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe. This vibrant concoction combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy Parmesan in a luscious broth that feels like a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. Whether you need a reliable weeknight dinner or something special to impress loved ones, this soup delivers irresistible taste with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can follow.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe are refreshingly simple yet perfectly curated for maximum flavor and texture. Each one plays an essential role, from the aromatic onion and garlic to build the soup’s base, to the richness of heavy cream and sharpness from Parmesan that make it utterly decadent.
- Olive oil: The perfect light fat to sauté aromatics and add a subtle fruity note to the soup.
- Onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and a depth of flavor as it softens during sautéing.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adding a fragrant punch that elevates the entire dish.
- Chicken breast, cubed: Tender protein that takes center stage and absorbs all those savory spices.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings an Italian flair and warmth.
- Paprika: Adds gentle earthiness and a touch of color.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that unites all ingredients in one delicious pot.
- Heavy cream: Gives the soup a luxurious creaminess and smooth mouthfeel.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These little bursts of sweet-tart intensity brighten the soup beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese: Salty and nutty, it melts into the soup, creating irresistible richness.
- Fresh basil: The bright, herbaceous garnish that adds freshness and a stunning pop of green color.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
To kick off the magic, heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat before adding your chopped onion and minced garlic. As they gently cook for 3 to 4 minutes, they release a fragrant sweetness that forms the flavor foundation for the soup—this step brings your kitchen alive with the promise of comfort ahead.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next up, add the cubed chicken breast right into the pot. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and paprika, coating each piece to infuse those irresistible savory and smoky notes. Allow the chicken to brown and cook through over 5 to 7 minutes—this not only seals in juices but also adds lovely color and texture to the soup.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Pour in the chicken broth and let everything come to a gentle simmer. This part is important as the simmering allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender and juicy—about 10 to 15 minutes of patient cooking will have your soup headed to deliciousness.
Step 4: Add the Cream & Cheese
Here’s where the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe truly shines: stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Keep the soup on low heat and let these ingredients mingle for 5 minutes, thickening the broth and layering on a rich, creamy texture dotted with the sweet-tart burst of sun-dried tomatoes.
Step 5: Serve
Finally, ladle your piping hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh basil leaves for that fragrant finish. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up every last flavorful drop, and you have a bowl of joy that’s impossible to resist.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the classic choice that adds a fresh, herbal brightness to the creamy soup. You can also consider a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, or even a pinch of cracked black pepper to personalize your bowl.
Side Dishes
This soup begs to be accompanied by crunchy, crusty bread—think rustic baguettes or sourdough. You could also offer a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe in charming soup crocks or even hollowed-out bread bowls for an Instagram-worthy presentation. Garnish with a basil leaf placed delicately on top, and watch your guests’ eyes light up with anticipation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the fresh basil should be added fresh after reheating to maintain its bright flavor and color.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent curdling of the cream. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to make sure they are fully cooked and tender before adding the cream and cheese.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast to maintain the cheesy depth without dairy.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
You sure can! Brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer all ingredients except cream and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, adding cream and cheese last before serving.
How spicy is this soup?
This recipe is mildly spiced with paprika and Italian herbs. If you like a bit more heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper during step 2.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t available, roasted red peppers or chopped sundried tomato pesto can provide a similar sweetness and tang that complements the creamy broth well.
Final Thoughts
There is something deeply satisfying about this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe that feels both special and effortlessly cozy. Its perfect balance of flavors and textures makes it the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your ingredients, dive in, and get ready for the kind of soup that might just steal your heart—and maybe even inspire a special proposal moment at your table!
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
Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup Magic is a creamy, comforting soup that combines tender chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant herbs in a rich broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is enhanced with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, delivering a flavorful Italian-inspired dish ready in just 30 minutes.
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, sautéing them until they become softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast to the pot. Season it with Italian seasoning and paprika, then cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes to ensure the chicken becomes fully cooked and tender, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the Cream & Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Continue simmering for another 5 minutes until the soup thickens slightly and all flavors blend beautifully.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil provide the best flavor; if using dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
