Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Soulful Bowl (Print Version)

Rich, creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach create a comforting meal. Perfect for a special dinner.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Dairy-Optional

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Flavor Boosters & Creamy Goodness

06 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Seasonings & Finishing Touches

09 - 1 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - 5 oz fresh spinach
12 - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

→ Optional Extras

13 - Crusty bread for serving
14 - Extra Parmesan for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that olive oil glistening in a big pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your diced chicken and let it get a nice sear, just a few minutes until it’s lightly browned. You don't need to cook it through, just give it some color and lock in those juices. Then, scoop out the chicken and set it aside. This is where I always forget to salt the chicken, but a little pinch makes a difference!
02 - Add your chopped onion to the same pot, stirring it around in the leftover chicken bits and oil. Let it soften for about 5-7 minutes until it's translucent and smells sweet. Then, throw in your minced garlic and dried oregano. Stir constantly for about a minute until you can really smell that garlic – don't let it burn, or it'll taste bitter, a mistake I've made more times than I care to admit! This creates a beautiful foundation for your Marry Me Chicken Soup.
03 - Pour in your chicken broth, scraping up any delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon – that's called "fond," and it's pure flavor! Bring it to a gentle simmer, then add your drained, chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the cooked chicken back into the pot. Let everything bubble gently for about 10-15 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld together. The kitchen should smell divine right about now, honestly!
04 - Reduce the heat to low. Now, for the star of the show: slowly whisk in your heavy cream. Stir it until it's fully incorporated and the soup starts to look beautifully opaque and creamy. This is where the Marry Me Chicken Soup gets its signature richness. Don't boil the soup once the cream is in, or it might separate, which is a total bummer. Just keep it at a gentle warmth.
05 - Stir in the fresh spinach and red pepper flakes. The spinach will look like a mountain, but trust me, it wilts down almost instantly into the warm soup. Once the spinach is tender, stir in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning here – maybe a little more salt, maybe a crack of black pepper. Don't be shy with the tasting spoon!
06 - Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in your fresh basil, giving it a quick mix. The heat from the soup will release its aroma. Ladle your glorious Marry Me Chicken Soup into bowls. It should look vibrant with the red tomatoes and green spinach, and smell heavenly. Serve immediately and watch everyone fall in love, just like I did. A little extra Parmesan on top never hurts!

# Notes:

01 - Don't rush the simmering; letting the flavors meld is key for this Marry Me Chicken Soup.
02 - Storage advice that actually works from my kitchen trials: reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid separation.
03 - Substitution I've tried that worked surprisingly well: full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free creaminess (with a subtle coconut flavor).
04 - Serving suggestion that makes this dish extra special: pair with a crusty piece of sourdough bread for dipping.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot or Dutch oven
02 - whisk
03 - cutting board
04 - sharp knife.

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 30g

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