Welcome to your new favorite comfort food, Marry Me Chicken Soup! This delightful dish combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and pillowy gnocchi in a rich, creamy broth. It delivers an impressive, restaurant-quality flavor with surprising ease. Get ready to fall in love with this cozy, satisfying marry me chicken soup that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup
This marry me chicken soup recipe is a must-try for many delicious reasons:
- Quick and Easy Dinner: Whip up this incredible soup in under an hour, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Restaurant-Worthy Flavor: Enjoy a gourmet taste experience right in your own kitchen.
- Hearty and Satisfying: The rich broth, chicken, and gnocchi create a truly comforting and filling meal.
- Versatile for Dietary Adjustments: Easily adapt ingredients to suit various dietary needs or preferences.
- Perfect for Impressing Guests: Its beautiful presentation and delicious flavor are sure to wow everyone at your table.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your unforgettable marry me chicken soup:
- 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 (1 lb) dried potato gnocchi
- ½ – 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup Parmesan, grated
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken thighs or leftover rotisserie chicken work great.
- Pesto: Feel free to use your favorite store-bought pesto or whip up a fresh batch.
- Gnocchi: If you don’t have gnocchi, small pasta like orecchiette or shells makes a good substitute.
- Parmesan Rind: This is an optional flavor enhancer that adds deep umami. Don’t worry if you skip it.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use plant-based butter. Omit the Parmesan cheese.
Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Rich & Creamy Gnocchi Delight
This comforting Marry Me Chicken Soup features tender chicken pieces, sun-dried tomatoes, and potato gnocchi in a rich and creamy Parmesan broth. It’s a delightful and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Preparation
- Place cubed chicken in a large mixing bowl and season with 1 tsp Kosher salt, 1 tsp dried oregano, and ¼ tsp black pepper; toss well to coat.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat, then add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides; transfer chicken to a plate using a slotted spoon.
- Add diced onion and celery to the pot, season with ½ tsp Kosher salt, and cook until translucent for 3-5 minutes; then stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste, breaking up the paste to dissolve.
- Pour in chicken broth and pesto, adding a Parmesan rind if desired; bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken and any juices to the soup, then stir in the dried potato gnocchi; cook for 3-5 minutes until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, baby spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese; taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed before serving immediately with additional Parmesan.
Nutrition
Notes
For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or simmer longer. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Feel free to add more spinach for extra greens!
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Equipment
You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful soup:
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking everything in one pot.
- Mixing bowls: For seasoning the chicken.
- Spatula: For stirring and scraping.
- Slotted spoon: Perfect for transferring cooked chicken.
Instructions
Let’s make this incredible marry me chicken soup! Follow these easy steps for a delicious result:
- Season the chicken. Place your cubed chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl. Season them generously with 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything well to coat.
- Brown the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in your large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remember, the chicken will finish cooking in the soup itself. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the browned chicken to a plate.
- Sauté the aromatics. Return to the pot and add 1 diced sweet onion and 2 stalks of finely chopped celery. Season with ½ teaspoon of Kosher salt. Cook these vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and tender, which takes about 3-5 minutes. Next, stir in ½ cup of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 4 cloves of finely chopped garlic, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Stir well, using your spatula to break up the tomato paste so it dissolves into the vegetables.
- Add the broth. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Stir in 2 tablespoons of pesto and add the Parmesan rind if you are using one. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it gently cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. This step builds the foundation for your rich marry me chicken soup.
- Cook the gnocchi. Return the browned chicken, along with any accumulated juices from the plate, to the simmering soup. Stir in 16 ounces of dried potato gnocchi. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi begin to float to the top of the soup and are tender to the bite.
- Add cream and finish. Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream; you can add up to 1 cup if you prefer an extra creamy soup. Gently fold in 5 ounces of fresh baby spinach until it wilts into the hot liquid. Finally, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more Kosher salt or black pepper to your preference. Divide the delicious marry me chicken soup between bowls and serve immediately, topping with extra Parmesan if desired!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Quality Ingredients: Always start with fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor in your marry me chicken soup.
- Parmesan Rind: Adding a Parmesan rind during the simmer truly deepens the soup’s umami. Remove it before serving.
Sun-dried tomatoes are known for their concentrated flavor and provide a variety of nutrients, including antioxidants. According to WebMD, sun-dried tomatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Prevent Clumping: When adding grated Parmesan, do so slowly and stir continuously to ensure it melts smoothly without clumping.
- Adjust Seasoning: Don’t be shy about tasting and adjusting the seasoning. A little more salt or pepper can significantly enhance the rich taste.
- Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly. Overcooking will make them mushy, so keep an eye on them.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your creamy marry me chicken soup with slices of warm, crusty bread perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- Pair it with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the savory flavors.
- Add a light side salad, like an arugula and Parmesan salad with a lemon vinaigrette, for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate any leftover marry me chicken soup promptly in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to thin it slightly.
Make Ahead & Freezing
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the soup up to the point of adding gnocchi and cream. Store the base, then add the fresh gnocchi, cream, and spinach just before serving.
- Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Be aware that the texture of the gnocchi may become softer, and the creamy base might separate slightly upon reheating.
Nutrition
Enjoying a hearty bowl of this marry me chicken soup offers wonderful nourishment.
| Serving Size | 1.5 cups |
|---|---|
| Calories | 549 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Protein | 29 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 109 mg |
| Sodium | 1267 mg |
| Potassium | 905 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Vitamin A | 3371 IU |
| Vitamin C | 22 mg |
| Calcium | 217 mg |
| Iron | 5 mg |
FAQ
- What is Marry Me Chicken Soup? It’s a rich, creamy, and flavorful chicken soup often featuring sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and gnocchi, inspired by the popular “Marry Me Chicken” dish. Its impressive taste makes it special.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, absolutely! Omit the chicken, use vegetable broth, and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas for a vegetarian marry me chicken soup.
- How long does homemade Marry Me Chicken Soup last? When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this soup remains fresh and delicious for 3-4 days.
- Can I use frozen gnocchi in this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just add them directly to the simmering soup, no need to thaw, and cook until they float and are tender.
- What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use? For the best flavor and texture, use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped. They add a wonderful concentrated tomato essence.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Soup truly lives up to its name, offering an irresistible combination of creamy broth, tender chicken, and delightful gnocchi. It’s incredibly easy to make yet delivers an elegant, restaurant-quality experience right at home. We know you’ll adore every comforting spoonful of this remarkable dish. Give this wonderful marry me chicken soup a try tonight and discover your new family favorite! Please rate and review the recipe, and share your delicious creations on social media!
