Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is rich, velvety, and packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, sun dried tomatoes, and Parmesan. Plus, it comes together in one pot in just 50 minutes, so it makes a cozy Halloween dinner when chilly evenings call for serious comfort food.
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup brings plenty of comfort without a complicated cooking process. You get juicy chicken, tender gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a creamy Parmesan broth in every spoonful.
Also, you only need one pot. As a result, cleanup stays simple, which always makes dinner a little easier.
Rich, Creamy, and Packed With Flavor
Sun dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy bite, while pesto brings fresh basil flavor. Meanwhile, garlic, Parmesan, and tomato paste give the broth plenty of savory depth.
Then heavy cream turns that flavorful broth smooth and velvety. In fact, the combination tastes rich without hiding the chicken, vegetables, or herbs.
An Easy One-Pot Meal Ready in 50 Minutes
This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to cook. Therefore, you can have six hearty servings on the table in about 50 minutes.
Everything also cooks in one soup pot or Dutch oven. So, you build layers of flavor without filling the sink with dishes.
A Cozy Halloween Dinner for Chilly Nights
Halloween evenings can get busy between costumes, candy, and answering the door. Therefore, I love a warm dinner that feels special but does not demand hours in the kitchen.
This creamy soup fits the mood perfectly. Plus, the rich orange tinted broth, green spinach, and cozy gnocchi make it especially inviting on a cool October night.
Ingredients for Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
You only need familiar ingredients to create the bold flavors in Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup. Moreover, each ingredient adds something important, from savory depth to creamy texture.
Chicken and Seasonings
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts give the soup lean, tender bites of chicken. Meanwhile, kosher salt seasons every layer, dried oregano adds an earthy Italian inspired flavor, and freshly ground black pepper gives the chicken a gentle bite.
Extra virgin olive oil helps brown the chicken. Also, unsalted butter adds richness while giving you better control over the final seasoning.
Aromatics, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Pesto
Sweet onion adds mild sweetness, while celery brings a fresh savory base. Next, finely chopped garlic gives the broth its warm, familiar aroma.
Sun dried tomatoes add concentrated tomato flavor and a pleasant tang. Then tomato paste deepens that flavor, while pesto adds basil, garlic, and herb notes.
Low sodium chicken broth forms the main liquid base. Therefore, you can season the soup gradually without making it overly salty.
Gnocchi, Spinach, Cream, and Parmesan
Potato gnocchi adds soft, tender bites that make this soup especially hearty. However, you can also use a small pasta such as orecchiette.
Heavy cream creates the smooth broth, while fresh baby spinach adds color and freshness. Finally, grated Parmesan melts into the soup and adds salty, nutty richness.
Why a Parmesan Rind Adds Extra Flavor
A Parmesan rind may look simple, but it adds another savory layer as the soup simmers. As a result, the broth develops a deeper cheesy flavor without requiring extra grated cheese.
However, the rind remains optional. If you regularly buy Parmesan wedges, freeze leftover rinds and save them for future soups and stews.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup comes together through a few simple stages. First, you brown the chicken, then build the broth in the same pot so none of those tasty browned bits go to waste.
Season and Brown the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, oregano, and black pepper. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. However, do not cook it completely at this stage. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate because it will finish cooking later.
Sauté the Onion and Celery
Add the diced sweet onion and chopped celery directly to the same pot. Then season them with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and turn translucent. Meanwhile, scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Garlic, and Tomato Paste
Stir in the chopped sun dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste. Next, break up the tomato paste with your spoon so it coats the vegetables evenly.
Cook briefly until the garlic smells fragrant. As a result, the tomato paste and aromatics create a deeply flavorful foundation for the broth.
Add the Broth, Pesto, and Parmesan Rind
Pour in the low sodium chicken broth. Then stir in the pesto until it blends throughout the liquid.
Next, add the Parmesan rind if you have one. Although it remains optional, it gives Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup an extra savory and cheesy note.
Simmer the Soup
Bring the broth to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let everything gently simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
During this time, the onion, pesto, tomatoes, and Parmesan rind flavor the broth. Consequently, this short simmer makes a noticeable difference in the finished soup.
Cook the Chicken and Gnocchi
Return the browned chicken and any juices from the plate to the pot. Next, add the dried potato gnocchi.
Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes. The gnocchi should turn tender and begin floating near the surface, while the chicken should cook completely through.
Stir in the Cream, Spinach, and Parmesan
Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream first. However, you can increase the amount to 1 cup when you want an even richer and creamier broth.
Next, add the baby spinach and grated Parmesan. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts smoothly into the soup.
Taste, Season, and Serve
Remove the Parmesan rind if you used one. Then taste the soup and add more salt or freshly ground black pepper if needed.
Finally, ladle the hot Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup into bowls. Add extra grated Parmesan on top if you like, and serve it right away while the gnocchi stays soft and tender.
Tips for the Best Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
A few simple cooking choices can make a big difference in this recipe. Most importantly, watch your seasoning, chicken, cream, and gnocchi as you cook.
Use Low-Sodium Chicken Broth for Better Seasoning Control
Sun dried tomatoes, pesto, and Parmesan can already contain plenty of salt. Therefore, low sodium chicken broth gives you much more control.
Taste the soup near the end before adding extra salt. This way, you can season it to suit your own kitchen and ingredients.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Brown the chicken only until the outside develops good color. Since it returns to the simmering broth later, it does not need to cook through during the first step.
As a result, the chicken stays juicy instead of becoming dry or tough. Also, cutting it into similar sized pieces helps everything cook evenly.
Add More Cream for an Extra-Creamy Broth
Start with 1/2 cup of heavy cream for a creamy but balanced soup. Then taste the broth and decide whether you want more.
For a richer Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup, increase the cream to 1 cup. Consequently, the broth becomes thicker, paler, and even more indulgent.
Know When the Gnocchi Is Done
Gnocchi cooks quickly, so watch the pot closely after adding it. Generally, the pieces turn tender and float toward the surface within 3 to 5 minutes.
However, avoid simmering them much longer than necessary. Otherwise, they can become overly soft as they continue sitting in the hot broth.
Easy Substitutions and Variations
You can easily adjust Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup to fit what you already have. Therefore, do not worry if your refrigerator or pantry looks a little different from the ingredient list.
Use Chicken Thighs, Rotisserie Chicken, or Leftover Chicken
Boneless chicken thighs work well when you prefer darker, richer meat. Alternatively, rotisserie chicken makes the recipe even easier.
If you use already cooked chicken, add it later in the cooking process. This way, you only need to heat it through instead of cooking it again for several minutes.
Swap Gnocchi for Small Pasta or Rice
Small pasta works nicely in place of gnocchi. For example, orecchiette gives you tender little cups that catch the creamy broth.
Rice also works when you want a different texture. However, cooking times vary, so follow the cooking time for your chosen pasta or rice and check it often.
Make It Vegetarian
For a vegetarian version, leave out the chicken and use vegetable broth. Then keep the sun dried tomatoes, pesto, gnocchi, spinach, cream, and Parmesan for plenty of flavor.
You can also add extra vegetables for more substance. For instance, mushrooms or white beans would fit naturally with the creamy tomato and herb flavors.
Make It Dairy-Free
Replace the butter with plant based butter and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Also, leave out the Parmesan and Parmesan rind.
Keep in mind that coconut milk changes the flavor slightly. Still, it creates a rich texture and works well with the tomato, garlic, and spinach.
What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Soup
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup already makes a hearty lunch or dinner. Still, a simple side can turn your bowl into an especially satisfying meal.
Crusty Bread and Garlic Bread
Crusty bread makes a natural partner because it soaks up the creamy Parmesan broth. Likewise, warm garlic bread complements the garlic and herb flavors already in the soup.
For Halloween night, I like keeping the sides simple. That way, everyone can grab a bowl and a piece of bread before the evening gets busy.
Simple Salads and Vegetable Sides
A crisp green salad balances the rich broth with fresh flavor. Similarly, roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus can add color without making dinner feel too heavy.
Keep the seasoning simple so the soup remains the star. For example, olive oil, lemon, salt, and pepper work beautifully on most vegetable sides.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup works well for planning ahead. However, gnocchi and dairy need a little extra care if you want the best texture later.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Ahead of Time
Cook the recipe through the broth simmering stage, but stop before adding the gnocchi, spinach, Parmesan, and cream. Then cool the soup and refrigerate it.
When you want to serve it, gently reheat the broth. Next, add the remaining ingredients and cook until the gnocchi turn tender and the chicken reaches a safe doneness.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for 3 to 4 days. Then reheat individual portions gently on the stove or in the microwave.
The gnocchi may absorb some broth while it sits. Therefore, add a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating if the soup becomes thicker than you prefer.
How to Freeze Creamy Chicken Soup
You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months in a freezer safe airtight container. However, dairy can develop a slightly different texture after freezing and thawing.
For the nicest results, freeze the soup before adding the cream when possible. Then thaw it in the refrigerator, reheat gently, and stir in fresh cream before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is It Called Marry Me Chicken Soup?
The name comes from the popular Marry Me Chicken style of dish, which pairs chicken with a rich, creamy sauce featuring ingredients such as sun dried tomatoes and Parmesan.
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken in Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken works especially well when you need a faster dinner.
Can I Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Without Gnocchi?
Absolutely. You can replace the gnocchi with small pasta such as orecchiette or use rice instead.
Can I Use Milk Instead of Heavy Cream?
You can use milk, but the broth will taste lighter and have a thinner texture. Whole milk gives you better richness than reduced fat milk.
How Do I Thicken Marry Me Chicken Soup?
First, use the full cup of heavy cream for a richer consistency. Also, the Parmesan naturally gives the broth more body as it melts.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
If this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup hits the spot, try another warm and comforting dinner next:
- creamy pumpkin ricotta stuffed shells
- cozy Sicilian chicken soup with pasta
- creamy one pot chicken orzo
- rich and creamy potato soup
- creamy crockpot angel chicken with pasta
- easy creamy ranch chicken
Final Thoughts on Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup delivers everything I want from a chilly night dinner. It feels rich and comforting, yet the chicken, spinach, tomatoes, pesto, and tender gnocchi keep every spoonful interesting.
Best of all, you can make six servings in one pot in about 50 minutes. So, whether you serve it before Halloween festivities or simply need a cozy family dinner, this creamy soup deserves a spot in your fall rotation.
Also, you can find more cozy recipe inspiration on Ellie’s Microwave Recipes on Pinterest.
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp pesto, homemade or store-bought
- 1 Parmesan rind, optional
- 16 oz dried potato gnocchi or small pasta such as orecchiette
- 1/2-1 cup heavy cream
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving if desired
Instructions
- Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, oregano, and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Brown the outside without cooking the chicken completely through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Add the onion and celery to the same pot. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste. Break up the tomato paste and stir until it coats the vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Then stir in the pesto and add the Parmesan rind, if using.
- Bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Return the browned chicken and any accumulated juices to the pot. Add the gnocchi and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the gnocchi turn tender and begin floating near the surface.
- Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Add up to 1 cup for a richer, creamier soup. Next, add the spinach and grated Parmesan. Cook until the spinach wilts, the Parmesan melts, and the chicken cooks through.
- Remove the Parmesan rind, if used. Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed. Serve immediately with additional grated Parmesan if desired.
