If you are looking for a cozy, rich, and utterly irresistible soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together tender bites of chicken, creamy tomato goodness, vibrant spinach, and delicate orzo pasta all simmered in a luscious broth that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for family dinners or a special weeknight treat, this soup combines hearty ingredients with gourmet touches like sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil that will truly make you fall in love with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a star role in creating the ultimate comforting yet sophisticated flavor, texture, and color of this soup.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1½ lb): Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy, tender bites that soak up all the soup’s flavors.
- Olive oil (1 Tbsp): The perfect base for sautéing chicken and garlic, lending a subtle fruity richness.
- Minced garlic (4 tsp): Offers aromatic depth and a savory kick without overpowering the dish.
- Tomato paste (3 Tbsp): Concentrated tomato flavor that adds a beautiful richness and color to the broth.
- Chopped sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup): Intensely flavored and chewy, they bring a tangy sweetness that livens up the soup.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (8 cups): The flavorful, comforting liquid backbone of the soup that ties all ingredients together.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Adds luxurious creaminess, making every spoonful velvety and indulgent.
- Fresh basil (4 tsp, chopped): A fragrant herb that brightens and lifts the entire soup.
- Kosher salt (2 tsp or to taste): Enhances and balances the flavors without overwhelming them.
- Italian seasoning (1½ tsp): Brings a pleasant herby warmth quintessential to this style of soup.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): For subtle sweetness and depth without the texture of raw onion.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Reinforces the garlic flavor in a smooth, even way.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ tsp): Just a hint of heat to keep things exciting.
- Orzo (¾ cup): Little pasta pearls that add body and soak up the delicious broth.
- Fresh baby spinach (3 cups, chopped): For vibrant color and a mild, fresh flavor with a dense nutrient boost.
- Cream cheese (1 8-oz package, softened): Melts in to add richness and a subtle tangy creaminess.
- Grated parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a savory nuttiness that perfectly complements the creamy broth.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken and Build the Flavor Base
Start by heating olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook them until they are nicely browned on all sides. This caramelization step adds a wonderful depth of flavor that will infuse the entire soup. Just as the chicken finishes cooking, toss in the minced garlic and cook for a quick 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it. Now, stir in the tomato paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing and stirring constantly to release their rich flavors and deepen the color of your soup’s base.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Broth
Once the tomato mixture is bubbling with amazing aromas, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth along with the heavy whipping cream, freshly chopped basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. The cream and seasonings meld here to create a luxurious broth that is so full-bodied and full of personality you’ll want to savor every drop.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo to Perfection
Next up, add the orzo pasta directly to the simmering broth. Let it cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta becomes tender and soaks up the surrounding flavors. This step is key to developing the soup’s hearty texture—each tiny orzo grain bursts with the creamy tomato broth, making every bite satisfyingly wholesome.
Step 4: Add the Spinach and Cheeses for Creamy Finish
Finally, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the chopped fresh baby spinach, softened cream cheese, and grated parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until all the cheeses have melted smoothly into the soup, and the spinach has just wilted. This finishing touch creates a silky, cheesy, and verdantly fresh layer that perfectly balances richness with brightness, making the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe utterly unforgettable.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to elevate this already incredible soup with a few simple garnishes. A sprinkle of extra grated parmesan, a few torn fresh basil leaves, or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes add attractive pops of flavor and color. A drizzle of good olive oil or a swirl of cream can make each serving look like it came from a fancy café.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a complete meal but pairs beautifully with crunchy garlic bread, warm crusty rolls, or a simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette. These add a satisfying textural contrast and help mop up every creamy, luscious spoonful of soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, serve the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe in individual rustic bread bowls or pretty ceramic soup crocks for a charming, inviting presentation. Garnishing each bowl with microgreens or edible flowers will impress guests and add an elegant touch that matches the soup’s depth of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, this soup stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect candidate for weeknight lunches or next-day comfort meals.
Freezing
You can also freeze the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe to enjoy whenever you crave it. Use a freezer-safe container, leaving a little headspace as the soup may expand when frozen. It’s best to freeze it without the orzo included and add fresh cooked orzo when reheating to maintain the pasta’s texture. Frozen soup keeps well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat while stirring often until warmed through. Add extra broth or cream if it thickens too much during storage. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The soup will be just as comforting and flavorful as the first time you made it.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully and add an even richer flavor and tenderness to the soup. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook as directed.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this soup?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The soup will still be creamy and delicious but naturally have a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Definitely. Swap the orzo pasta with a gluten-free pasta or quinoa to keep the texture delightful without gluten concerns. Just adjust the cooking time according to the substitute used.
How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe?
It has just a hint of heat from the crushed red pepper flakes, enough to add warmth without overwhelming the comforting flavors. You can easily adjust the amount or omit it based on your spice preference.
Can I prepare parts of this soup in advance?
Yes! You can brown the chicken and prepare the tomato paste and sun-dried tomato base a day ahead, storing it in the fridge. When ready, simply combine with broth and continue the recipe steps. This can save time on busy days.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is a total game changer in the world of hearty, creamy soups. Whether you’re cooking for family or looking to impress guests, this soup brings the perfect balance of ease, comfort, and gourmet flair that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and make it your new go-to cozy meal—you won’t regret it!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces simmered in a flavorful blend of tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Enriched with cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan, and finished with spinach and orzo pasta, this soup combines richness and freshness for a satisfying meal perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Chicken & Aromatics
- 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 tsp minced garlic
Base & Seasonings
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 tsp chopped fresh basil
- 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
Pasta & Greens
- ¾ cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups chopped fresh baby spinach
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the chicken and sauté garlic: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking while stirring constantly for a minute to develop the flavors.
- Add broth, cream, and seasonings: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Simmer with orzo pasta: Add the orzo to the Dutch oven and reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the orzo is tender but not mushy.
- Finish with spinach and cheeses: Lower the heat to low, then stir in the chopped baby spinach, softened cream cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cheeses are fully melted and the spinach is wilted, forming a creamy, hearty soup.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control salt levels in the soup.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the chicken broth by 1 cup or cook the orzo a bit longer.
- Substitute fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard for varied greens.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier incorporation and a smooth texture.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
