If you are searching for a dish that wraps comfort, indulgence, and romance all in one bowl, look no further than the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe. This luscious soup is a celebration of tender chicken, rich Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes swimming in a silky, flavorful broth that practically sings with every spoonful. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day yet elegant enough to impress your loved ones. Trust me, once you try this soup, you’ll understand why it carries such a playful, confidence-boosting name.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this soup is simple yet essential, contributing uniquely to create the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the juicy chicken that provides hearty substance, to the bright burst of sun-dried tomatoes, every addition plays its own starring role.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Offers tender, juicy protein and is easy to shred after cooking.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (oil-packed preferred): Adds a tangy sweetness and gorgeous ruby color, elevating flavor depth.
- Onion: Provides a natural sweetness and aromatic base when sautéed.
- Garlic: Brings warmth and pungent savory notes that wake up the palate.
- Chicken Broth (high-quality, low-sodium recommended): The soup’s flavorful liquid base, ensuring richness without overpowering saltiness.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the irresistible creamy texture that makes this dish so comforting.
- Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese: Introduces a nutty, salty depth that enriches each bite.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Adds herbaceous complexity with notes of oregano, thyme, and basil.
- Red pepper flakes: Gives a subtle, pleasant kick that balances the creamy sweetness.
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Offers a fresh, vibrant finish both visually and in flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the soup perfectly, ensuring a luxuriously smooth consistency.
- Optional: Fresh spinach or finely chopped kale: A healthy, leafy addition that adds color and nutrition.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry to achieve the best sear. Then, season well with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a sturdy pot and brown the chicken over medium-high heat, creating a beautiful golden crust. This step develops flavor and seals in juices, but don’t cook it all the way through just yet—this prep stage is key for juicy results.
Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base
Lower the heat and sauté chopped onion until soft and translucent, releasing its natural sweetness. Then add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes with their oil, cooking briefly until aromatic. This combination layers your soup with rich, savory notes and that deep, vibrant sun-dried tomato taste you’ll crave.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir constantly for a minute. This cooks out any raw flour taste and acts as the base thickener, giving the soup its creamy body. The magic here is turning simple flour into a smooth, rich broth foundation.
Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings
Gradually pour in chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for warmth and complexity. Bring everything to a gentle simmer – this allows flavors to meld and prepares the chicken for the next step.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken to Tender Perfection
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot, ensuring they’re mostly covered by the broth. Cover and simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred. This slow simmer is where the soup truly blossoms.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken carefully and shred it using two forks. Bite-sized pieces allow the chicken to soak up all the creamy goodness when returned to the soup. It’s the perfect texture balance between hearty and cozy.
Step 7: Make It Creamy and Dreamy
Increase the heat slightly, then stir in heavy cream and lots of fresh Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the soup becomes irresistibly creamy and velvety. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. If you want extra greens, now’s the moment to fold in fresh spinach or kale and let them wilt to add a touch of freshness.
Step 8: Final Blend and Serve
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and combine everything gently over low heat until warmed through. Ladle your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs for that vibrant finishing touch.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add incredible brightness and a pop of green. A sprinkle of more Parmesan cheese on top gives a salty, nutty accent. For a little extra flair, consider a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup alongside crusty artisan bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette offers balance and contrasts the soup’s creamy texture beautifully. Roasted vegetables also pair well for a hearty, wholesome meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a romantic dinner, serve in beautiful bowls with a small floral garnish on the side. You can also toast baguette slices with melted cheese and place them on top as a crunchy “lid.” Individual bread bowls make for a fun, cozy presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop more overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
While cream-based soups can be tricky, this recipe freezes well without separation if you freeze it before adding cream and cheese. Freeze the base soup and then stir in the cream and Parmesan when reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking or curdling. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup seems too thick upon reheating, bringing it back to that perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well, but thighs tend to stay juicier and shred more easily. Just keep an eye on cooking time to avoid drying out breasts.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace chicken with hearty mushrooms or plant-based protein. The sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan will still provide plenty of flavor.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a cashew cream substitute, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for that umami Parmesan touch.
How spicy is this soup?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that enhances the dish without overwhelming it. You can always adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
Can I add pasta or rice to the soup?
Definitely! Small pasta shapes like orzo or rice can be added after shredding the chicken. Just simmer until the starch is cooked through, but remember this will thicken the soup further.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe. It’s a recipe filled with warmth, love, and simple yet bold flavors that come together like a love story in every bowl. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a date-night surprise, this soup is sure to steal hearts and keep them full. So go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones—this soup is waiting to become your new favorite comfort food!
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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: So Good, He’ll Propose! Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish featuring tender seared chicken simmered with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian herbs, and finished with creamy Parmesan and optional greens. Perfect for cozy dinners that impress with a touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
Chicken and Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed preferred) plus 1 tablespoon reserved oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra as needed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Optional and Garnish
- 1 cup fresh spinach or finely chopped kale (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and Sear Chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken dry and season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes: Lower heat to medium. Add additional olive oil if needed. Sauté chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes with their oil, cooking an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed mixture. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and form a roux to thicken the soup.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Slowly whisk in chicken broth to prevent lumps. Stir in dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Chicken: Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender enough to shred.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken onto a cutting board. Use two forks to shred into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Finish the Soup: Increase heat to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until creamy and smooth. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. If using, stir in fresh spinach or kale and allow to wilt for 1-2 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Return shredded chicken to the soup, stir to combine, and warm through for a couple of minutes. Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and richness.
- Searing chicken adds depth and color but does not fully cook it before simmering.
- The roux made with flour helps thicken the soup to a creamy consistency without adding creaminess only.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Fresh spinach or kale is optional but adds a nice color and nutrition boost.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level effectively.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup will be less rich.
