There’s something magical about a bowl of warm, creamy soup on a chilly evening. I still remember the first time I made this Marry Me Chicken Soup—the rich aroma of garlic and Italian herbs filled my kitchen, and with every spoonful, I felt like I had created something truly special. This dish combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a luscious, creamy broth for a meal that is both cozy and satisfying.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even if you’re new to cooking. With simple, fresh ingredients and one pot, you can have a restaurant-quality soup in under an hour. Whether you’re making dinner for yourself, your family, or even to impress someone special, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
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Why This Recipe is Special
- Beginner-Friendly – No complicated steps, just straightforward cooking.
- One-Pot Convenience – Less mess, easy cleanup.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor – A perfect blend of herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and cream.
- Highly Customizable – Swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores well for leftovers, and flavors deepen overnight.
Ingredients and Their Role
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and how each ingredient enhances the dish:
- Chicken – Provides a hearty protein base. Chicken breasts are lean, while chicken thighs add extra richness. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
- Onions, Carrots, Celery – A classic combination known as mirepoix, these veggies build a flavorful foundation.
- Garlic – Adds depth and warmth to the dish.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Brings a tangy, slightly sweet note that balances the creaminess.
- Chicken Broth – Forms the base of the soup, infusing it with savory goodness.
- Flour – Helps thicken the broth, giving it a silky texture.
- Italian Seasoning – A blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary for an authentic Tuscan taste.
- Heavy Cream – Creates the luxurious creamy consistency. Substitutes: Half-and-half, full-fat coconut milk, or cream cheese.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds nuttiness and umami to the soup.
- Spinach – A nutrient-rich green that wilts beautifully into the soup.
- Pasta (Optional) – Small pasta like ditalini, fusilli, or elbow macaroni makes the soup extra hearty.
Ingredient Swaps:
- Use kale instead of spinach for a heartier green.
- Swap chicken for turkey or sausage for a new twist.
- Make it low-carb by omitting pasta and adding extra veggies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and cook until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Step 3: Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to coat the vegetables. If using tomato paste, add it now and mix well to avoid lumps.
Step 4: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine. Scrape the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits for extra flavor.
Step 5: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the pasta (if using), the remaining Italian seasoning, and return the cooked chicken to the pot. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the pasta is al dente.
Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is well incorporated.
Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little extra broth. Serve hot and enjoy!
Beginner Tips and Troubleshooting
- Preventing Mushy Pasta: If making extra for leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving.
- Soup Too Thick? Add a splash of broth or water to thin it out.
- Not Creamy Enough? Stir in a little extra Parmesan or cream cheese for richness.
- Short on Time? Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and pre-chopped mirepoix (onions, carrots, celery).
- Want More Flavor? Try adding crumbled bacon or a splash of white wine while deglazing the pot.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Tuscan Chicken Soup with:
- Crusty Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
- Side Salad – A simple arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness.
- Roasted Vegetables – Serve with roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: If freezing, leave out the cream and pasta. Add them fresh when reheating to prevent curdling and mushy texture.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove, adding extra broth if needed to loosen up the soup.
Final Thoughts – Try It and Share Your Experience
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe is foolproof and full of comforting flavors. Try it for your next cozy night in and let me know how it turned out in the comments!
What’s your favorite twist on this recipe? Would you add more spice, extra veggies, or a different protein? Let’s chat in the comments below!
FAQ About Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Chicken Soup
Yes! Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Thighs add more flavor and tenderness, while breasts are leaner. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving. This prevents it from soaking up too much broth and becoming too soft.
Yes, but leave out the cream and pasta before freezing. Add them fresh when reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
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Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 cups
Description
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Chicken Soup is a one-pot comfort meal packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, creamy Parmesan broth. Perfect for weeknights, this easy soup is loaded with flavor and comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- Olive oil: 1 teaspoon
- Italian seasoning: 2 teaspoons, divided
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Onions: ½ cup, diced
- Carrots: ½ cup, diced
- Celery: ½ cup, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Sun-dried tomatoes: ¼ cup, diced
- Flour: ¼ cup
- Chicken broth: 6-8 cups
- Pasta: 6 ounces (small pasta like shells or ditalini)
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese: ½ – 1 cup, grated
- Fresh spinach: 2 ½ – 3 cups
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.
- Thicken the Base: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine. If using tomato paste, add it at this stage. Stir continuously to prevent lumps and allow the flour to cook for about a minute.
- Add the Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Pasta and Chicken: Add the pasta, remaining Italian seasoning, and the browned chicken back into the pot. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the pasta is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate the Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. Let the soup cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the flavors to meld together.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the consistency is too thick, add extra broth. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add crumbled bacon or a splash of white wine.
- If making ahead, cook the pasta separately and add it when serving to prevent it from soaking up too much liquid.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze without the cream and pasta for up to 3 months.
- Substitute half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk if you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg