Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a rich Parmesan cream broth—this cozy, creamy soup is love at first spoonful.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: ~10 cups
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Dinner, Lunch
- Cuisine: American, Tuscan-Inspired
Ingredients
1 teaspoon olive oil
1–1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup diced carrots
½ cup diced celery
½ cup diced onions
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
6–8 cups chicken broth (start with 6 cups and adjust)
6 oz small pasta shells or your favorite shape
1 cup heavy whipping cream
½–1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
2½–3 cups fresh spinach
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until browned.
Sauté Veggies:
Add carrots, celery, onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until veggies begin to soften.
Build the Base:
Sprinkle in flour and stir to coat. Add tomato paste, if using, and cook for 1 minute more.
Add Broth & Simmer:
Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring to deglaze the pan. Bring to a boil.
Add Pasta & Simmer:
Stir in pasta and remaining Italian seasoning. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until pasta is al dente and chicken is fully cooked. (Alternatively, cook pasta separately and stir it in at the end.)
Finish with Cream & Cheese:
Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan. Simmer for 5 more minutes until spinach is wilted and soup is creamy.
Serve:
Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
Soup thickness: Start with 6 cups broth; add more if needed. The soup thickens as it sits.
Tomato paste optional: Adds richness and color but can be omitted for a whiter, creamier base.
Make it ahead-friendly: Store pasta separately to avoid mushiness during reheating.
Dairy alternatives: Use half-and-half, milk, cream cheese, or full-fat coconut milk as needed.
Slow cooker option: Add all ingredients (except pasta, cream, spinach, and cheese) and cook on LOW 8 hrs or HIGH 4 hrs. Stir in remaining ingredients at the end.
Find it online: https://allrecipesmade.com/creamy-marry-me-chicken-soup/
