Welcome to a truly special dish that might just inspire a proposal or two! This Marry Me Chicken Soup lives up to its name with an incredibly rich, creamy texture and layers of savory flavor. Featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a luxurious broth, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Get ready to fall in love with this unforgettable meal.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup
This irresistible Marry Me Chicken Soup promises to be a new favorite in your recipe rotation. It is the perfect blend of indulgence and ease.
- Enjoy a deep, layered flavor profile that satisfies with every spoonful.
- Savor a perfectly rich and balanced creamy broth that tastes gourmet.
- Delight in tender potato gnocchi that holds its texture beautifully.
- Appreciate a complete, satisfying one-pot meal that simplifies dinner.
- Create a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and joy to your table.
Ingredients
Here is everything you need to create this incredibly comforting and easy chicken gnocchi soup:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1½ 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 sticks celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp pesto, store-bought or homemade
- 1 Parmesan rind, optional
- 16 oz (1 lb) dried potato gnocchi (or small pasta, such as orecchiette)
- ½ – 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach, half of a large bag (feel free to use more!)
- ½ cup Parmesan, grated
Notes & Substitutions
For your Marry Me Chicken Soup, customize ingredients to fit your pantry. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken also works for speed. Choose low-sodium chicken broth for better seasoning control, or opt for homemade broth or vegetable broth. Any pesto, traditional basil or a nut-free version, adds great flavor. If you can’t find dried gnocchi, fresh gnocchi or a small pasta like orecchiette or ditalini are excellent alternatives. For a dairy-free option, use unsweetened plant-based cream and a nutritional yeast-based Parmesan substitute.
Equipment
Gathering your tools before you start makes cooking this creamy chicken soup a breeze. You’ll need just a few essential items to prepare this delicious meal.
- Dutch oven or a large soup pot
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Slotted spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
Instructions
Creating this comforting Marry Me Chicken Soup is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps for a delicious meal.
- Season the chicken. Place cubed chicken in a large mixing bowl. Season it generously with 1 tsp Kosher salt, 1 tsp dried oregano, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Toss everything well until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Brown the chicken. Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil and 2 Tbsp unsalted butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are beautifully browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Don’t worry, the chicken will finish cooking completely in the soup. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the browned chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics. To the same pot, add 1 diced sweet onion and 2 finely chopped celery sticks. Season with ½ tsp Kosher salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Next, stir in ½ cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 4 cloves of finely chopped garlic, and 2 Tbsp tomato paste. Continue stirring, using your spatula to break up the tomato paste and help it dissolve into the vegetables.
- Build the broth. Pour in 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 2 Tbsp pesto, and add the Parmesan rind if you are using it. Bring the entire mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
As many culinary experts suggest, Parmesan rinds enhance soup broth with a rich, nutty, umami flavor.
- Cook the gnocchi. Return the cooked chicken to the soup, along with any juices accumulated on the plate. Stir in 16oz dried potato gnocchi. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi begin to float to the top and are tender to the bite. This is when the Marry Me Chicken Soup truly starts to come together.
- Finish the soup. Stir in ½ cup heavy cream (you can add up to 1 cup if you prefer an extra-creamy texture), 5oz fresh baby spinach, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. The spinach will wilt quickly into the hot soup.
- Adjust seasoning. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more Kosher salt or black pepper until it’s perfect. Divide the delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup among bowls, then serve immediately. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Elevate your Marry Me Chicken Soup with these insights for optimal flavor and texture. A Parmesan rind adds incredible depth; simply drop it into the broth as it simmers and remove it before serving. To make ahead, brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics, then store them separately from the broth until you’re ready to combine and cook the gnocchi. Prevent cheese from clumping by stirring it in off the heat or gradually. Always taste and adjust seasoning incrementally; a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon can make all the difference. Maintain a consistent medium heat throughout cooking to prevent scorching and ensure even simmering.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This inviting Marry Me Chicken Soup pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, a crisp green salad. Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For safe consumption, the USDA provides guidance on storing and reheating leftovers to ensure food safety.
You can also freeze portions without the gnocchi or cream for up to 2 months; add them fresh upon reheating.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Omit chicken and use vegetable broth for a hearty meat-free option.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with unsweetened full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer, and use a plant-based Parmesan.
- Pasta Alternatives: If gnocchi isn’t available, small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or even rice can be used.
FAQ
- What is Marry Me Chicken Soup?
It’s a rich, creamy, and flavorful chicken soup, typically featuring sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and a luxurious broth, designed to be so good it could inspire a marriage proposal!
- Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of dried?
Absolutely, fresh gnocchi works wonderfully. It will likely cook faster, so watch it closely and add it during the last few minutes of simmering.
- How do I prevent the gnocchi from getting mushy?
Add gnocchi only towards the end of cooking and avoid overcooking. Cook until they float and are tender, then serve the delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup immediately.
- Can this soup be made spicy?
Yes, easily! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, or stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
- What does a Parmesan rind do for soup?
A Parmesan rind adds a subtle, salty, umami depth to the broth as it simmers, enhancing the overall flavor without adding extra cheese.
- Is it suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it’s great for meal prepping! Cook the soup without the gnocchi or cream, then add those components when reheating individual portions to maintain texture.
Conclusion
This Rich & Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup with Gnocchi is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of comfort and joy. With its deeply satisfying flavors and simple preparation, it truly lives up to its heartwarming name. We hope you and your loved ones enjoy every luxurious spoonful of this easy chicken gnocchi soup. Don’t hesitate to share your culinary successes and tag us in your creations!
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken: Place the cubed chicken in a large mixing bowl and season with 1 tsp Kosher salt, 1 tsp dried oregano, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Toss well until evenly coated.
- Brown the chicken: Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil and 2 Tbsp unsalted butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add 1 diced sweet onion and 2 finely chopped celery sticks. Season with ½ tsp Kosher salt and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in ½ cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 4 cloves finely chopped garlic, and 2 Tbsp tomato paste. Mix well to break up the paste.
- Build the broth: Pour in 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth and 2 Tbsp pesto, adding the Parmesan rind if using. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes.
- Cook the gnocchi: Return the chicken to the pot along with its juices and stir in 16 oz dried potato gnocchi. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the gnocchi float and are tender.
- Finish the soup: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream, 5 oz fresh baby spinach, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. The spinach will wilt quickly.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings with Kosher salt and black pepper as needed before serving.
