Marry Me Chicken Soup
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach come together in a rich broth, creating a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions, this soup is guaranteed to win over anyone lucky enough to taste it. The combination of seasonings, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese creates a decadent, velvety texture that makes each bite irresistible.
Serve it with a crisp green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Marry Me Chicken Soup – Ingredients
The heart of this dish lies in tender, juicy chicken, which provides the perfect base for a rich, creamy broth. Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy, savory depth, balancing the smoothness of heavy cream.
Fresh spinach brings a vibrant pop of color and a mild, earthy flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Parmesan and cream cheese melt together, enriching the soup’s texture and creating a velvety finish.
A blend of aromatic herbs and spices—like basil, Italian seasoning, and a dash of red pepper flakes—infuses the soup with warmth and complexity, turning every spoonful into a flavorful experience.
Marry Me Chicken Soup – Enhanced Guide
Recipe Tips
- Customize the Protein: While boneless skinless chicken breasts are the base for this dish, feel free to swap them for chicken thighs or tenderloins for extra flavor and juiciness. Alternatively, use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for a time-saving twist. Just add the cooked chicken at the end with the spinach for a tender, flavorful result.
- Adjust the Spice Level: The crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, but if you prefer a milder version, feel free to reduce the amount or omit them entirely. If you like more heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder. Experiment with your preferred spice balance!
- Make-Ahead Option: This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to three days. To keep it fresh, store the orzo separately if possible as it may absorb too much liquid. Reheat the soup gently on the stove and add a splash of broth or cream to revive its creamy consistency.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Crisp Green Salad: A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy soup. The crunchiness of the vegetables balances out the smooth texture of the soup, making it the perfect complement.
- Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread is an ideal pairing with Marry Me Chicken Soup. The buttery, garlicky goodness of the bread soaks up the flavorful broth, creating a satisfying bite with each spoonful of soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pairing this soup with roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers adds a hearty, nutritious element to your meal. The caramelized edges of the vegetables provide a savory complement to the soup’s rich, creamy texture.
FAQ
- Can I make this soup in the crockpot?
Yes! For a hands-off approach, you can make Marry Me Chicken Soup in the crockpot. Simply place the raw chicken, garlic, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and seasonings in the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, then add orzo, spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the pasta is tender. - Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While orzo is a great choice for this soup, feel free to use other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or ditalini. These will work just as well and offer a slightly different texture. - Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?
To make this soup dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream and a plant-based cream cheese. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy, dairy-free flavor. - Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Yes, this soup can be frozen. However, keep in mind that the orzo may become mushy upon thawing. To preserve the soup’s texture, consider freezing the soup without the pasta, and cook the orzo separately when you’re ready to serve.
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Ingredients
- 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tsp minced garlic
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 tsp fresh basil chopped
- 2 tsp kosher salt or to taste
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ¾ cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach chopped
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant. Next, incorporate tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring continuously to combine and enhance the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream. Add basil, salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in orzo pasta and reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the soup to cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the orzo becomes tender and fully cooked.
- Lower the heat and add the chopped spinach, cream cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cream cheese and Parmesan have melted into the broth, creating a rich and creamy texture.
Notes
For a slow cooker version, combine raw chicken, garlic, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and spices in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, then add orzo, spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan, cooking until the pasta is tender and the cheese has melted.
Consider adding diced onions or mushrooms for extra flavor. You can also adjust the seasoning by incorporating thyme, dried oregano, or rosemary, depending on your taste preferences.
If storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding extra broth or cream if needed to restore the soup’s creamy consistency.