Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup – A Creamy Bowl of Love
They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, and nowhere is that truer than with a steaming bowl of Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup. This creamy, comforting creation has all the soul-satisfying flavors of the beloved “Marry Me Chicken” dish but in a cozy, spoonable form. Imagine tender chicken, velvety broth infused with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, wilted spinach, and a splash of cream that makes every bite feel indulgent. It’s the kind of soup that earns its romantic name—perfect for impressing a date, warming your family on a chilly night, or just treating yourself to something heavenly.
Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup strikes that magical balance between rustic and elegant. It’s deeply flavorful yet simple to make, with every spoonful tasting like it simmered for hours. What makes it special isn’t just the creamy texture or the golden color—it’s that hint of sun-dried tomato tang mingling with Parmesan richness that feels downright irresistible. Whether you serve it with crusty bread, garlic knots, or over a bed of orzo, this soup will absolutely make hearts melt.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions:
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add diced chicken breasts to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. These add a rich, tangy depth that balances the creaminess of the soup later on.
- Pour in the Broth: Add chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes so the flavors begin to blend beautifully.
- Thicken (Optional): For a slightly thicker soup, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of flour and stir well to incorporate. Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to let it thicken slightly.
- Creamy Finish: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it warm through, but avoid boiling. Stir frequently to ensure a smooth texture.
- Add Spinach & Parmesan: Once the soup is hot and creamy, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Add fresh spinach leaves and let them wilt gently in the hot soup.
- Taste & Adjust: Give the soup a taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Parmesan as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy Tuscan chicken soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and serve with warm crusty bread.
Tips & Tricks
- Use rotisserie chicken to make this even faster—just add it after the broth step and skip the sautéing.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, add a small slurry of cornstarch and water instead of flour.
- Low-fat option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version that still tastes delicious.
- Want it spicy? Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a cozy, fiery kick.
Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil and butter in a pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken, seasonings, and cook until browned.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in chicken broth and simmer 10 minutes.
- Add flour (optional) to thicken, then stir in cream.
- Add Parmesan and spinach, stirring until cheese melts and spinach wilts.
- Serve warm with fresh basil and crusty bread.
Notes
Variations
- Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Add a package of potato gnocchi during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a heartier meal.
- Keto-Friendly Version: Skip the flour and replace sun-dried tomatoes with fresh cherry tomatoes sautéed in olive oil.
- Vegetarian Twist: Use vegetable broth and replace the chicken with white beans or chickpeas for a protein-rich meatless version.
- Pasta Addition: Add small pasta like ditalini, orzo, or penne for extra comfort and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is rich enough to stand on its own, but it shines brightest when paired with something to dip into that luscious broth. Serve it with:
- Garlic butter baguette slices
- Rosemary focaccia bread
- A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Crispy baked Parmesan twists
- A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon
For a special dinner, pair it with a candle-lit table and some soft Italian music. After all, it’s called Marry Me Soup for a reason.
Storage Information
Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm gently over low heat to prevent curdling. If the soup thickens too much, stir in a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to its velvety consistency.
For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs will make it even richer and more tender.
Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or coconut cream can work in a pinch, though the flavor will change slightly.
Q: How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Keep the heat low after adding the cream and avoid boiling. Stir frequently for a silky texture.
History / Fun Facts
The name “Marry Me Chicken” first appeared in viral internet recipes around 2016, celebrated for its rich, creamy sauce that supposedly could make someone propose after one bite. This soup version takes all the flavors of the original dish—creamy garlic sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan—and transforms them into a spoon-worthy comfort food. It’s a modern love story told through flavor: Italian-inspired, homey, and just a little bit indulgent.
The addition of spinach brings color and balance, while sun-dried tomatoes contribute a romantic rustic charm reminiscent of Tuscan countryside meals. Whether you’re cooking it for your sweetheart or simply craving something cozy, this recipe promises warmth, comfort, and maybe even a few extra “I love yous.”
