If you are on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy broth, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach for a rich and inviting flavor profile that never fails to impress. Whether you want to cozy up on a chilly day or serve something special for dinner, this recipe brings together simple ingredients with bold, heartfelt taste that makes every spoonful unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a luscious, well-balanced dish with depth, color, and texture that makes your taste buds dance.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a fragrant base and helps brown the chicken for extra flavor.
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed: The hearty protein that becomes tender and juicy in the soup.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a savory foundation once sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with aromatic warmth and depth.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The soul of the soup, delivering comforting, savory liquid.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings creaminess and richness that elevates the soup to a luxurious treat.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Introduces tangy bursts of concentrated tomato flavor and vibrant color.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers subtle earthy notes to complement the herbs.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Enhances the Mediterranean flair with its distinct herbal aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds sweet, slightly peppery flavor that brightens the soup.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves: Fresh green color and gentle texture with mild, slightly sweet notes.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the soup for a savory, nutty finish.
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish: A delightful aromatic touch that elevates appearance and flavor.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook it until every side turns a gorgeous golden brown. This step locks in the juices so the chicken stays moist in the soup. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside for now.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onion softens and both ingredients become fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This fragrant base builds the foundation for the soup’s rich and complex flavor.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Herbs
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with dried thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. These herbs and sun-dried tomatoes gently simmer together to release their aromatic oils and vibrant flavors.
Step 4: Add Chicken Back and Cook
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Let everything simmer together for 10 to 12 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and all the ingredients to meld into a harmonious blend. This is where the good stuff really happens.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Spinach
Reduce heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach leaves. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup turns luxuriously creamy. This step adds indulgence and fresh green vibrancy to the dish.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan Cheese
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it fully melts into the soup, making it irresistibly smooth and savory. Give the soup a final taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed to perfectly suit your palate.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves before serving to add a fresh herbal brightness and beautiful visual contrast. Now your Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) Recipe is ready to delight!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped basil adds color and a fresh aroma that complements the creamy richness of the soup. For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit more grated Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to amp up the flavor.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs perfectly with rustic crusty bread to soak up every creamy drop or a light mixed green salad for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or toasted ciabatta can also enhance the Tuscan vibes and round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, serve the soup in elegant shallow bowls with a fresh basil leaf carefully placed in the center. You can also ladle it over cooked pasta or cooked rice for a heartier presentation that transforms it into even more of a feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its fresh flavor and creamy texture without any sogginess.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Note that fresh spinach may soften slightly after freezing but it still tastes great.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally so the cream doesn’t separate. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up to a perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content, and they hold up well in soups like this Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) Recipe.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
You can swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken, adding hearty beans like cannellini or chickpeas instead to keep it protein-packed and delicious.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh herbs are a wonderful option. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried for bright, vibrant flavors that elevate the soup beautifully.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the soup will be less rich. Coconut cream also works for a dairy-free twist with a subtle sweetness.
How spicy is this soup?
This recipe is not spicy but intensely flavorful and aromatic. If you love heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes when simmering for a gentle kick.
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) Recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of warmth, flavor, and love served in a bowl. Its creamy texture and vibrant ingredients make it a perfect dish to share with family, friends, or even just to treat yourself on a cozy night. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience firsthand how it can quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
