Italian Chicken Dinner
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Italian Chicken Dinner
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is the ultimate cozy bowl of comfort, crafted from scratch with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luxuriously creamy broth. It comes together in about an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels truly special. The rich, Italian-inspired flavors are guaranteed to become a fast favorite for anyone seeking a deliciously satisfying comfort food soup.
I first fell for the magic of this creamy chicken soup on a chilly autumn evening, and it has been my go-to for impromptu gatherings ever since. The way the creamy base melds with the savory tomatoes and fresh spinach creates a symphony of textures that is simply unforgettable. I often serve it with a side of my favorite Cheesy Garlic Bliss Bread for dipping, making it a complete and utterly comforting meal. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary Tuesday into a warm, memorable occasion, reminiscent of the cozy feeling you get from a classic Chicken Pot Pie.
What Makes This Marry Me Soup Special
- Restaurant-Quality Creaminess: The combination of heavy cream and melted cream cheese creates an irresistibly velvety texture.
- Effortless One-Pot Method: You sear, simmer, and create the entire soup in one Dutch oven for easy cleanup.
- Deep, Savory Flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning build a rich, complex broth that’s anything but boring.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup reheats beautifully, making your weeknight dinners both delicious and convenient.
Your Marry Me Soup Ingredients Checklist
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless for quick cooking and easy shredding.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
- Yellow Onion, Carrots, Celery: The classic aromatic base, or soffritto, for building flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a essential pungent kick.
- All-Purpose Flour: This creates a light roux to gently thicken the soup.
- Chicken Broth: Use a good-quality broth as it forms the foundation of the soup.
- Diced Tomatoes & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The duo that provides a sweet, tangy, and deeply savory note.
- Heavy Cream & Cream Cheese: The heroes behind the soup’s luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Italian Seasoning, Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes: A blend of herbs and a hint of spice for complexity.
- Fresh Spinach & Basil: Added at the end for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: For a salty, umami-rich garnish right before serving.
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Make this creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasonings. Ready in 70 minutes for a comforting meal.
Equipment
- Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- cutting board
- knife
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- whisk
Ingredients
Chicken and Base
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 6 cups chicken broth 48 fluid ounces
Vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 5 ounces fresh spinach roughly chopped
Creamy Components
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes undrained
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes drained and finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream 8 fluid ounces
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened and cut into 1-inch cubes
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until lightly browned. Pour in 1 cup of the chicken broth, cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken to a cutting board, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks, and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a light roux.
- Gradually whisk in the remaining 5 cups of chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream and the softened cream cheese cubes to the simmering soup. Stir constantly for 3 to 5 minutes, until the cream cheese is fully melted and smoothly incorporated into the soup, creating a rich, creamy consistency.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add the roughly chopped fresh spinach and stir until it wilts into the soup, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to your preference.
- Ladle the Marry Me Chicken Soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with fresh chopped basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, before serving hot.
Notes
Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese for serving.
Creative Marry Me Soup Variations
- Gluten-Free Version: Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Add More Greens: Stir in a cup of chopped kale along with the spinach for extra nutrients.
- Make It Spicier: Increase the red pepper flakes to ¾ teaspoon for a noticeable kick.
My Pro Tips for Perfect Soup
- Proper Searing: Get a good golden-brown crust on the chicken breasts to develop a deeper flavor base in the pot.
- Roux Technique: Cook the flour with the vegetables for a full minute to eliminate any raw taste before adding liquid.
- Cream Cheese Integration: Ensure the cream cheese is very soft and cut into small cubes so it melts smoothly without clumping.
- Wilting Spinach: Add the spinach at the very end and stir just until wilted to retain its vibrant color and texture, much like you would for a fresh Stracciatella Soup.
How to Store and Reheat Your Soup
- Store: Cool the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container; it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, though the cream base may separate slightly upon thawing.
- Reheat: Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can chop the vegetables and shred the chicken a day in advance to cut down on active prep time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute. They will add a richer, slightly more robust flavor and remain very tender. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, so always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
For a similar creamy texture, you can substitute with an equal amount of mascarpone cheese. For a lighter option, full-fat Greek yogurt can be stirred in at the very end, off the heat, to prevent curdling.
How can I make this soup less rich?
To lighten it up, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. You could also reduce the amount of cream cheese by half. The soup will be slightly less decadent but still deliciously creamy.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Sear the chicken and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything except the cream, cream cheese, and spinach to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken, then stir in the dairy and spinach until warmed through.
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Why This Chicken Soup Will Win Hearts
With its luxurious creaminess and layers of Italian-inspired flavor, this Marry Me Chicken Soup is more than just a meal, it’s a comforting experience. It’s surprisingly simple to make from scratch and is guaranteed to please a crowd. I hope this recipe brings as much warmth and joy to your table as it has to mine.
