If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s as luxurious as it is soul-warming, look no further than this Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup. Brimming with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, and a swirl of cream and pesto, this dreamy soup instantly wins hearts—one spoonful at a time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Comfort: Every spoonful is silky-smooth and lush, making cold days (or tough ones) instantly better.
- Loads of Flavor: With zesty sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic pesto, and a hint of Parmesan, there’s depth in every bite.
- One Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes and maximum reward—you can make the whole thing in a single pot!
- Easy to Customize: Whether you crave extra veggies or swap in a different pasta, this recipe is ready to adapt to you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to unforgettable Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is letting each ingredient shine. Every addition—from the pesto to the pillowy gnocchi—brings its own special touch, creating a soup that’s both cozy and restaurant-worthy.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized cubes for quick browning and ultra-tender bites throughout the soup.
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: For perfectly seasoned chicken and layered flavor in every step.
- Dried oregano: A sprinkle of Italian herb goodness that infuses the chicken with savoriness.
- Extra virgin olive oil & unsalted butter: The classic duo to brown the chicken and sauté aromatics, adding richness right from the start.
- Sweet onion & celery: These build a flavorful, aromatic base that’s wonderfully mellow.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: They add a pop of tangy-sweet intensity and rustic color to the broth.
- Garlic: Four cloves may seem bold, but minced garlic adds irresistible warmth.
- Tomato paste: Just a little gives the soup depth and a lovely rosy hue.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The backbone of the soup—choose quality broth for maximum richness.
- Pesto (store-bought or homemade): Herbaceous and fragrant, it’s a game-changing swirl for flavor and color.
- Parmesan rind (optional): Drops in cheesy umami, especially if you love those deep Italian flavors.
- Dried potato gnocchi: Plump, pillowy dumplings that float to the top, making every bowl satisfying and hearty.
- Heavy cream: For that signature creamy, dreamy mouthfeel—use more or less to taste.
- Fresh baby spinach: Brightens up the whole pot, adding freshness and color.
- Grated Parmesan: Finishes each bowl with a nutty, salty accent—you control how cheesy you want it!
Variations
One of my favorite things about Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is just how unfussy and flexible it is. Don’t be afraid to swap, add, or tweak—you’ll still get a craveable meal every time!
- Swap in Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using precooked, shredded rotisserie chicken—just add in after the broth simmers.
- Try Different Greens: No spinach on hand? Chopped kale or Swiss chard holds up beautifully and brings a heartier bite.
- Switch the Pasta: Small shapes like orecchiette, ditalini, or mini shells are equally tasty if gnocchi isn’t your thing.
- Make it Dairy Free: Use a plant-based cream and skip the Parmesan for an equally luscious but dairy-free version.
How to Make Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken pieces in a bowl with kosher salt, oregano, and freshly cracked black pepper. This little step ensures the chicken is flavorful in every bite—not just floating blandly in the soup. Then, heat olive oil and butter in a large soup pot. Once hot, sear the chicken until golden on all sides (just 4–5 minutes). The chicken will finish cooking in the soup, so don’t worry about perfection here. Scoop it out and set aside for now—you’ll want those delicious browned bits left in the pot!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add diced onion and celery straight into the pot, letting them soak up all that leftover chicken flavor. Season with a pinch of salt, then cook until beautifully soft and fragrant, about 3–5 minutes. Next, toss in the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste. Stir everything together, letting the paste dissolve and caramelize—this is where your soup gets its deep, complex backbone.
Step 3: Build the Broth & Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, pesto, and slip in the Parmesan rind if you’re using it. Increase the heat and bring it all to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes. This step allows the flavors to mingle and deepen, creating that signature “marry me” richness we all crave.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi & Return the Chicken
Add the browned chicken (along with any tasty juices) back to the pot, then stir in the gnocchi. Let the gnocchi cook for 3–5 minutes—they’ll float to the top and become tender, transforming your soup from good to unforgettable!
Step 5: Add the Cream, Spinach & Cheese
Turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, and plenty of freshly grated Parmesan. The spinach wilts almost instantly, and the cheese melts right in. Taste and adjust seasoning with another pinch of salt or pepper if it needs it. If you want your Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup extra luxurious, add a splash more cream. Ladle into bowls, serve hot, and watch the magic happen!
Pro Tips for Making Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Golden Sear, Not Overcooked Chicken: Only brown the chicken until golden on the outside—let it finish cooking gently in the hot broth so it’s ultra-juicy.
- Don’t Skip the Parmesan Rind: If you have one, this little trick infuses the entire pot with a next-level, nutty savoriness that’s worth seeking out.
- Cream Swirl—Add Gradually: Start with ½ cup heavy cream and add more to taste, right at the end, until your desired level of richness is achieved.
- Freshly Grate Your Parmesan: For the creamiest result (and best melt), always use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded varieties.
How to Serve Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Garnishes
This soup deserves a finishing flourish! Sprinkle over extra Parmesan, a generous pinch of cracked black pepper, or a few ribbons of fresh basil. A drizzle of olive oil or an extra tiny dollop of pesto creates a gorgeous, aromatic touch your guests will never forget.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs with Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup quite like thick-cut, toasted sourdough (perfect for dunking), or a light, garlicky Caesar salad for freshness. For a cozier meal, a side of roasted veggies or cheesy breadsticks takes things over the top.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle the soup into oversized mugs for a playful dinner, or serve in shallow bowls with an artful swirl of cream and a basil leaf on top. Hosting a party? Try mini soup shooters with crispy croutons as an elegant appetizer for any celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh and delicious for 3–4 days. The flavors even get better as they mingle!
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to three months. However, the creaminess and gnocchi texture might change a little after reheating, so keep that in mind. If you’re planning to freeze, consider adding the cream and gnocchi fresh when you reheat for the best result.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently over medium heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if it needs thinning. If microwaving, reheat in short bursts and stir frequently to keep the soup perfectly velvety and prevent the gnocchi from getting tough.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pasta instead of gnocchi in this soup?
Absolutely! Small shapes like orecchiette, ditalini, or even mini shells work perfectly. Adjust cooking time as needed—fresh pasta will cook quickly, so keep an eye out for doneness.
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What if I don’t have a Parmesan rind?
No worries! Your Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup will still be delicious without it, but if you want extra cheesy depth, simply stir a bit more grated Parmesan in at the end.
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Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free gnocchi or a certified gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your broth and pesto are labeled gluten-free to keep your soup safe and delicious for all.
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How can I make this soup ahead of time for meal prep?
Prepare the soup up through the steps before adding gnocchi and heavy cream. Cool and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the soup, add gnocchi and cream, and let simmer until the gnocchi float to the top and the soup is creamy and piping hot.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall a little bit in love with dinnertime, make a pot of Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup—because comfort, flavor, and happy sighs should always be on the menu. So grab a spoon, pour yourself a bowl, and let this swoon-worthy recipe work its magic in your kitchen. Enjoy every last creamy bite!
Print
Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Marry Me Chicken Soup. This hearty soup features tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious blend of aromatics and seasonings, all simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth. With a touch of creaminess and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this soup is sure to win your heart with every spoonful.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 tsp Kosher salt, divided
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Soup:
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 2 sticks celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 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
- 1/2 – 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Place cubed chicken in a large mixing bowl, then season with 1 tsp Kosher salt, 1 tsp dried oregano, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Toss well.
- Brown the chicken: Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil and 2 Tbsp butter in a large soup pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned. Transfer to a plate.
- Sauté the aromatics: Cook onion, celery, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste until translucent.
- Add the broth: Pour in chicken broth, pesto, and Parmesan rind. Simmer.
- Cook the gnocchi: Return cooked chicken to the pot, add gnocchi and cook until tender.
- Add cream: Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan. Adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
Notes
- The Parmesan rind adds extra flavor to the soup.
- If using fresh Parmesan cheese, save the rinds for future use.
- To make ahead, prepare the soup without gnocchi and cream.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing the soup may alter its texture slightly due to the dairy content.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
