This Marry Me Chicken Soup is creamy, hearty, and filled with tender chicken and delicious veggies. It’s the kind of dish that warms you right up and makes you feel cozy!
They say this soup is so good, it might just win you over! I love serving it with a piece of crusty bread; dips make everything better, right? 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner choice, but chicken thighs add more flavor. If you’re vegetarian, consider using diced tofu or chickpeas instead.
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms bring great depth, but button mushrooms or even dried mushrooms rehydrated in broth work well. For a different flavor, try adding a handful of diced bell peppers.
Heavy Cream: This gives the soup its creaminess, but to cut calories, you could substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is perfect for wilting into the soup, but you could also use kale or Swiss chard. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces!
How Do I Ensure the Soup is Creamy and Flavorful?
To achieve that rich, creamy texture, follow these steps:
- Start by sautéing the onions and garlic well—this builds a flavor base.
- Cook the chicken until it’s browned on the outside. This adds great color and depth.
- When adding the cream, do it after simmering the broth. This prevents curdling and ensures smoothness.
- Don’t forget to season at the end! Taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.
Using these tips, you’ll make a Marry Me Chicken Soup that’s sure to impress anyone who tastes it! Enjoy making and sharing it!
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms (such as cremini or button mushrooms)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup cooked tortellini or small pasta shells
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 30 minutes to cook, making a total of about 45 minutes. In no time, you’ll have a delicious and hearty soup ready to warm your heart!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. This will be the base of our flavorful soup!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until softened, which will take about 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell that delicious aroma floating through the kitchen!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the pot, cooking them until they start to brown on the outside (but don’t worry! They won’t be fully cooked yet). This should take about 5-6 minutes.
4. Add More Veggies:
Now, toss in the sliced carrots and mushrooms. Sauté everything for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms soften a bit. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible!
5. Let It Simmer:
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, bringing the soup to a gentle boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and the carrots are tender—approximately 10 minutes.
6. Bring in the Creaminess:
Stir in the heavy cream and your cooked tortellini or small pasta shells. This is where the magic happens!
7. Add Fresh Greens:
Fold in the fresh spinach and cook just until it wilts down (about 2 minutes). Your soup is almost ready!
8. Season to Taste:
Finally, add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure to taste-test—it’s your soup, after all, and you want it just right!
9. Garnish & Serve:
Garnish your lovely soup with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs for a delightful finish. Serve hot, ideally with some crusty bread or your favorite side dish!
Enjoy this rich and comforting Marry Me Chicken Soup that’s packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, creamy broth, and fresh herbs!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. The best way to thaw it is overnight in the fridge or by using the cold water method—seal it in a bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk works wonders for creaminess while adding a hint of tropical flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great for meal prep! When reheating, warm it up gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or diced tofu for protein, and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly. Add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for more flavor!
