Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this soup combines indulgent creaminess with bold, layered flavors. The sun-dried tomatoes and pesto add depth, while the gnocchi makes it filling enough for a complete meal. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, yet it feels special enough to serve for a cozy dinner or when I want to impress someone.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp pesto
• 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
• 16 oz potato gnocchi
• 1/2 to 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 oz fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

I start by seasoning the chicken with salt, oregano, and black pepper. Then I heat olive oil and butter in a large pot and sauté the chicken until it’s golden. I remove it and set it aside.

In the same pot, I cook the onion and celery until soft. I add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste, stirring until everything becomes fragrant and well combined.

Next, I pour in the chicken broth along with pesto and the Parmesan rind. I bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10–15 minutes.

I return the chicken to the pot and add the gnocchi. I cook until the gnocchi becomes tender and starts to float.

Then I stir in the heavy cream, spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. I let everything heat through until the spinach wilts and the soup turns creamy.

Finally, I taste and adjust the seasoning before serving it warm.

Servings and timing

I get about 6 servings from this recipe.
Prep time takes around 15 minutes, cooking time about 35 minutes, making the total time approximately 50 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes use rotisserie chicken to save time. When I want a lighter version, I reduce the cream or substitute it with a lighter alternative. I also swap gnocchi with small pasta, rice, or even leave it out for a lower-carb option.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stove and add a splash of broth if it thickens too much. If I plan to freeze it, I do so before adding the gnocchi and cream for better texture.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

I often prepare it in advance, and the flavors become even better after resting.

Can I freeze this soup?

I freeze it before adding cream and gnocchi to maintain the best texture when reheating.

What can I use instead of gnocchi?

I sometimes use orzo, rice, or small pasta as a substitute.

How do I make it dairy-free?

I replace the cream with coconut cream and use a plant-based cheese alternative.

Is this soup very heavy?

I find it rich but balanced, and I can adjust the cream to make it lighter if needed.

Conclusion

I keep this Marry Me Chicken Soup as one of my favorite comfort meals because it’s rich, satisfying, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of dish I turn to when I want something cozy that still feels a little special.