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This one-pot Marry Me Chicken Soup transforms the viral TikTok pasta dish into a comforting soup that blends creamy textures with Italian flavors. It marries tender chicken, sundried tomatoes, and spinach in a rich parmesan broth for a meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing.
I first made this during a particularly busy week when I needed something that would impress but wouldn't keep me in the kitchen all evening. The rich aroma filled my house, and my family was hovering around the kitchen before I even called them for dinner.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Diced into 1-inch pieces provides protein and satisfying texture while absorbing all the wonderful flavors
- Italian seasoning: Creates that classic Mediterranean flavor profile with minimal effort
- Sundried tomatoes: Add intense umami and tangy sweetness that makes this dish special
- Heavy whipping cream: Creates the signature velvety texture that makes this soup irresistible
- Parmesan reggiano cheese: Brings nutty depth and helps thicken the broth naturally
- Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and slight bitterness that balances the rich cream
- Pasta: Preferably small shells that capture the sauce in their crevices
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. This step creates a flavor foundation as the browned bits will infuse the entire soup.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic to the pot with the chicken. Cook until vegetables soften and become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. The vegetables should start to release their aromas and slightly caramelize.
- Create the Roux:
- Gradually sprinkle flour over the vegetable-chicken mixture, stirring constantly to prevent clumping. If using tomato paste, add it now and stir to coat everything. This roux will give the soup body and help emulsify the cream later.
- Build the Broth:
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to ensure no lumps form. Use your spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot, releasing all those flavorful browned bits. This deglazing step captures all the developed flavors.
- Cook Pasta and Chicken:
- Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then add pasta and remaining Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until chicken is tender and pasta reaches al dente texture.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese:
- Stir in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan. Allow the soup to simmer gently for about 5 minutes more. The spinach will wilt, the cheese will melt, and the flavors will marry together into creamy perfection.
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The sundried tomatoes are truly the secret ingredient here. I learned this from an Italian neighbor who taught me that their concentrated flavor adds depth that fresh tomatoes simply cannot achieve. They remind me of summer harvests preserved for winter comfort.
Making Ahead and Storage
This soup actually improves with time as flavors continue to develop. You can make it up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. The pasta will continue absorbing liquid, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating to maintain the desired consistency.
Smart Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute half and half for heavy cream, though the soup won't be quite as silky. Plant-based alternatives like cashew cream can work for those avoiding dairy. If sundried tomatoes aren't available, roasted red peppers provide a similar sweet-tangy profile. For gluten-free needs, use rice pasta or other gluten-free varieties and substitute cornstarch slurry for the flour.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this luxurious soup with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. Crusty bread is non-negotiable for soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth. For wine pairings, choose a medium-bodied white like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino that complements the creamy texture without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
The "Marry Me" Legend
The name "Marry Me Chicken" originated from the idea that this dish is so delicious it could prompt a marriage proposal. The original version was a skillet chicken dish popular on food blogs around 2018, featuring similar ingredients like cream, parmesan, and sundried tomatoes. This soup adaptation maintains all those proposal-worthy flavors while transforming them into a comforting bowl perfect for sharing with someone special.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute the chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this soup. Just ensure you cut them into small pieces for even cooking.
- → Can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make this soup dairy-free, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or any unsweetened plant-based milk. Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- → What type of pasta works best?
Small pasta shapes, such as Italian shells, ditalini, or orzo, are perfect for this soup as they cook evenly and complement the creamy texture.
- → Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add fresh spinach and Parmesan just before serving for the best flavor.
- → Is it possible to freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup. However, it's best to freeze it before adding the cream and Parmesan for better texture. Add those ingredients after reheating the soup.