I absolutely love sharing this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe because it s one of those dishes that feels like a big warm hug in a bowl. The combination of creamy tomato broth, tender chicken, and fluffy gnocchi makes it comfort food at its finest-and trust me, it s incredibly easy to pull together even on a busy weeknight. I discovered this trick of using sun-dried tomato oil for cooking the chicken, which adds such a lovely depth of flavor you won t get anywhere else.

This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe works perfectly when you want something cozy but also a little special. It s great for family dinners, impressing guests without the stress, or just spoiling yourself with a homemade treat. Once you make it, you ll find yourself coming back to it again and again, especially on chilly evenings when all you want is a comforting bowl of goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, layered flavors: The sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan rind bring amazing depth to the broth.
  • Comforting and hearty: The tender chicken and gnocchi make it satisfying and filling.
  • Simple to make: Easy steps without fancy techniques, yet impressive results.
  • Versatile for diets: Easy to adapt dairy-free or gluten-free without losing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe are straightforward but pack a flavorful punch. Each element plays a specific role, and I love how the combination balances creamy, savory, and spicy notes beautifully. When shopping, try to get sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil-they make all the difference.

  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Oil-packed varieties add richness and flavor; don’t skip the oil in the jar!
  • Chicken breasts: Cubed for even cooking and tender bites throughout the soup.
  • Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
  • Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
  • Garlic: Gives that classic aroma and savory warmth.
  • Tomato paste: Helps create a rich, concentrated tomato base.
  • Italian seasoning: Herbal notes that brighten the soup.
  • Red pepper flakes: A touch of heat to balance the creaminess.
  • Chicken broth: The heart of the soup s liquid base.
  • Gnocchi: Soft little dumplings that soak up the broth perfectly; gluten-free options available.
  • Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess and rounds out the flavors.
  • Parmesan cheese and rind: Umami powerhouses that melt into the soup beautifully.
  • Baby spinach: Fresh greens that add color and nutrition.
  • Fresh basil / parmesan / red pepper flakes: For topping and extra flavor on serving.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the reasons I love this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your liking or dietary needs. Whether I m making it for a crowd or just for us at home, I like to switch things up now and then-it keeps it fresh, and I hope you ll have fun experimenting too.

  • Dairy-Free Version: I use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and olive oil in place of butter, plus nutritional yeast for a cheesy hint-family loves it just as much!
  • Gluten-Free: Dellalo gluten-free gnocchi is my go-to; it holds up well and tastes fantastic in the soup.
  • Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: When I m pressed for time, I skip searing and use shredded rotisserie chicken, just tossing it in with the spinach at the end.
  • Spicy Kick: Add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce if you want more heat; it wakes everything up wonderfully.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken in Sun-Dried Tomato Oil

Start by seasoning your cubed chicken breasts with kosher salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of the sun-dried tomato oil from the jar over medium-high heat in a large soup pot. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until it s golden and mostly cooked through. I like to gently move the pieces around so they brown nicely without sticking. Transfer the chicken to a plate-don t worry if it s not fully cooked, it will finish cooking later.

Step 2: Sauté Onions, Garlic and Build Flavor

Turn the heat down to medium and add a bit of butter to the pot. Once melted, stir in the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook these until they soften and become aromatic, about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently so they don t brown too much. Then mix in the tomato paste, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let everything cook together for a few minutes until the tomato paste takes on a deeper, richer color-that signals you re building a flavorful base for the soup.

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and toss in the parmesan rind if you re using it-that little rind is magical at infusing a subtle cheese flavor without overwhelming the soup. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then lower it to a simmer. Let it gently bubble away for 8-10 minutes; this step helps meld all the flavors together and slightly reduce the broth.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Add the gnocchi to the simmering soup, stirring gently to prevent sticking. It should take just 3-4 minutes for the gnocchi to cook through-when they start floating to the top, you know they re ready. At this point, remove the parmesan rind if you used it (it will have softened quite a bit by now).

Step 5: Finish with Chicken, Cream, Cheese, and Spinach

Return the cooked chicken to the soup pot. Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and chopped baby spinach. Keep the heat on medium-low and cook just until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts fully into the broth, giving it that irresistibly creamy texture. This is also the moment to taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If the soup feels too thick, add a splash more broth or cream to get the perfect consistency.

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Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

  • Use the Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Cooking the chicken in that flavorful oil adds a richness you simply can t replicate with plain oil.
  • Don t Overcook the Gnocchi: They cook quickly and will get mushy if left too long; watch for them to float to the top.
  • Parmesan Rind Magic: If you can find a rind, it s worth adding for subtle umami-it melts slowly and infuses the broth perfectly.
  • Spinach Last Minute: Adding spinach at the very end keeps it bright green and fresh instead of dull and overcooked.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

A shallow white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a rich orange broth layered with tender, light brown chicken pieces and soft, plump gnocchi that are pale yellow with ridged texture. Bright green spinach leaves add fresh color, scattered through the soup. Red sun-dried tomato chunks and finely grated pale yellow cheese are sprinkled on top, garnished with a few bright green basil leaves. A silver spoon with a wood handle rests in the bowl, holding a mix of chicken, gnocchi, and spinach. Broken pieces of crusty bread with a golden, crispy crust and soft airy inside are placed nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I always top my bowls of Marry Me Chicken Soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan, a few fresh basil leaves, and if I m feeling bold, just a pinch of extra red pepper flakes for that kick. These simple garnishes add freshness and elevate the entire eating experience, making each bite deliciously vibrant.

Side Dishes

For sides, crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette is a no-brainer to scoop up every last bit of the soup s luscious broth. Sometimes, a simple, crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully and keeps the meal light and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

I ve served this Marry Me Chicken Soup in rustic, deep bowls with a basil sprig tied with twine around the handle for a dinner party-it looks charming and anyone would feel special digging in. For family dinners, colorful bowls and letting everyone add their own toppings makes it fun and interactive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen after sitting, which honestly makes the soup taste even better the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

I ve had great luck freezing this soup. After it cools to room temperature, I transfer it to a freezer-safe container leaving about an inch of headspace for expansion. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Keep in mind, the texture of gnocchi can soften a bit after freezing, but the flavor stays amazing.

Reheating

When reheating, I thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm it slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If the soup seems thick, I add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up without diluting the flavor. Stir gently so the gnocchi retains its structure.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of pasta instead of gnocchi in this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe?

    Absolutely! While gnocchi is wonderful because it soaks up the broth and adds creaminess, you can substitute small pasta shapes like shells, orzo, or even mini farfalle. Just note that cooking times may vary, so add the pasta based on package directions.

  2. Is this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe suitable for dairy-free diets?

    Yes, it’s easy to make dairy-free by swapping butter for olive oil or plant-based alternatives, using coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replacing parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. The flavor will still be rich and delicious!

  3. How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe?

    The soup has a gentle heat from the red pepper flakes-just enough to give it a warm kick without overpowering the creaminess. You can always adjust based on your preference by adding more or omitting them.

  4. Can I prepare this soup ahead of time for meal prep?

    Definitely! You can make the soup completely, refrigerate it, and reheat throughout the week. Just keep the spinach fresh and add it during reheating if you prefer it brighter and less wilted.

  5. What if I don t have a parmesan rind?

    Don t worry if you don t have a parmesan rind; simply skip that step. The soup will still be richly flavored from the cheese and other ingredients-the rind is just a bonus that adds subtle umami.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe has become a go-to for me whenever I want something truly satisfying without fussing too much. It s a recipe that feels both special and approachable, perfect for sharing with family or impressing a dinner guest with minimal effort. I m so glad I stumbled upon the combination of sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and gnocchi-it makes a soup that s simply unforgettable. Go ahead, give it a try, and I bet you ll fall in love with it just like I did!

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Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 53 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, tender gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a creamy tomato-infused broth. Perfect for a comforting meal, this soup balances savory notes with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes and an Italian seasoning blend. It’s versatile, easy to make, and ideal for family dinners or meal prepping.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken and Tomato Base

  • 1 (8-ounce) jar sun dried tomatoes, roughly chopped, plus 2 Tablespoons of the oil
  • 1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Soup Liquids and Add-ins

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1216 ounces gnocchi (gluten-free if needed)
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, plus the rind (optional)
  • 5 cups baby spinach, chopped

Toppings (Optional)

  • Fresh basil
  • Extra parmesan cheese
  • Red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Season and Sear Chicken: Season the cubed chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat the oil reserved from the sun-dried tomatoes in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Develop Flavor: Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the pot to melt. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring until the tomato paste coats the onions and develops a richer color.
  3. Simmer Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and add the parmesan rind, if using. Raise the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 8-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Cook Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the simmering soup and cook for 3-4 minutes until the gnocchi float to the surface and are tender. Remove the parmesan rind at this stage if it was added.
  5. Finish Soup with Cream, Cheese, Spinach, and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, and chopped baby spinach. Cook over medium-low heat until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Adjust soup consistency with extra broth or cream, if desired.

Notes

  • Dairy-Free Variation: Substitute plant-based butter or olive oil for butter, use coconut cream in place of heavy cream, and swap parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free gnocchi such as Dellalo brand.
  • Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Instead of searing raw chicken, shred leftover rotisserie chicken and add it at the end with the spinach.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: Cool soup to room temperature and store in freezer-safe containers with headspace for expansion. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Thaw overnight in refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding water or broth to thin if soup has thickened.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

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