Hearty Marry Me Chicken Soup for Comforting Nights (Print Version)

This creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is a hug in a bowl! Learn my personal recipe, full of warmth and flavor, perfect for any cozy evening.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Dairy-rich, Chicken

# Ingredients:

→ Soup Base Essentials

01 - 2 tbsp olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes)
02 - 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
05 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
06 - 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened

→ Protein & Creaminess

07 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
08 - 1.5 cups heavy cream

→ Aromatic Boosters

09 - 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
10 - 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
11 - 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

→ Finishing Touches

12 - 3 cups fresh baby spinach
13 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
14 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get a nice big pot or Dutch oven on medium heat. Drizzle in a bit of olive oil – or a spoonful of that sun-dried tomato oil, if you're feeling fancy! Toss in your diced onion and let it soften, stirring occasionally, until it's translucent and smelling sweet, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic. Oh, the smell! Cook it for just a minute more, being super careful not to burn it; burnt garlic makes everything bitter, and we don't want that in our Marry Me Chicken Soup.
02 - Now, sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, a good pinch of salt, and some black pepper. Let those spices toast in the pan for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. This really wakes up their flavors, honestly! Pour in your chicken broth and those chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Give it a good stir, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that's pure flavor right there! Bring it to a gentle simmer for a few minutes.
03 - Carefully add your boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the simmering broth. Make sure they're mostly submerged. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded. I always check with a meat thermometer to be sure it hits 165°F (74°C). Overcooked chicken is a tragedy, especially in this Marry Me Chicken Soup, so keep an eye on it!
04 - Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. While it's cooling, whisk your cream cheese into the simmering broth until it's completely melted and smooth. This is where the Marry Me Chicken Soup starts getting that gorgeous creamy base! Shred the chicken using two forks – it should be super easy to pull apart if cooked right.
05 - Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Pour in your heavy cream and stir it all together. Let it gently simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly. You don't want a rolling boil here, just a happy, gentle bubble. This is where the magic happens, transforming it into a truly comforting Marry Me Chicken Soup.
06 - Finally, stir in your fresh spinach. It will wilt down quickly, adding a lovely vibrant green color. Stir in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it's just melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings – maybe a little more salt, or a crack of fresh pepper. Ladle this glorious Marry Me Chicken Soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. So good, it's a hug in a bowl!

# Notes:

01 - Don't boil the cream after adding it; just a gentle simmer to prevent separation.
02 - Storage advice that actually works from my kitchen trials: Reheat gently on the stovetop, not the microwave, to maintain creaminess.
03 - Substitution I've tried that worked surprisingly well: A tablespoon of tomato paste can add depth if you're out of sun-dried tomatoes.
04 - Serving suggestion that makes this dish extra special: Pair with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping and a cozy blanket.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot or Dutch oven
02 - whisk
03 - meat thermometer
04 - ladle

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 35-45g
Total Carbohydrate: 15-20g
Protein: 30-35g

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