If you’re looking for a comforting yet elegant soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, the Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) Recipe is just the thing to try. This dish marries tender chicken, creamy Parmesan, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes with fragrant herbs and fresh spinach, creating a harmonious blend that’s both hearty and indulgent. Once you make this soup, it’s going to be a go-to favorite, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends without too much fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun with the Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) Recipe. Each component is simple yet essential, bringing out a perfect balance of richness, freshness, and that signature Tuscan vibe.
- Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil to create a flavorful base for sautéing the chicken and aromatics.
- Chicken breast, cubed: Tender, lean protein that soaks up the herbs and creamy broth beautifully.
- Small onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when softened.
- Garlic, minced: Brings warmth and a fragrant kick to the soup.
- Chicken broth: The liquid heart of the soup, providing rich, savory notes.
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess for that silky Tuscan touch.
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Deliver a burst of tangy sweetness and chewy texture.
- Dried thyme: Offers an earthy herbal aroma that rounds out the flavors.
- Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that enhances the soup’s savory profile.
- Dried basil: Brings a sweet, aromatic hint that ties in fresh basil garnish later.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and elevate all the ingredients.
- Baby spinach leaves: Add a tender green element that wilts perfectly into the creamy broth.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the soup for a nutty, rich finish with great depth.
- Fresh basil, chopped: A bright, herby garnish that makes each bowl inviting and fragrant.
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. Toss in the cubed chicken, cooking it until it’s golden brown on all sides. This step locks in the chicken’s moisture and adds a wonderful toasted flavor that forms the foundation of the soup. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest—this keeps it nice and tender for later.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cooking them until softened and fragrant releases their natural sweetness and aroma, creating a delicious base layer of flavor. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes, and you’ll notice the kitchen beginning to smell like a cozy Italian trattoria.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour the chicken broth into the pot with the sautéed onion and garlic. Bring it to a gentle simmer before stirring in your chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the dried herbs: thyme, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This herbaceous broth is where the soup gets its Tuscan soul—the sun-dried tomatoes add vibrant color and a subtle tang that complements the creamy broth perfectly.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken
Return the browned chicken pieces back into the pot. Let everything simmer together for about 10 to12 minutes. This allows the chicken to fully cook and soak in the aromatic broth, marrying the flavors into a tender, savory filling that makes this dish so irresistible.
Step 5: Cream and Spinach
Now it’s time to stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach. The cream enriches the soup, giving it that luxurious, silky texture we all crave. The spinach wilts gently into the warm broth, adding a fresh burst of green and a mild earthy flavor that brightens the dish.
Step 6: Add Parmesan
Take the pot off the heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. This step is the magic touch that makes the soup creamy and cheesy without being overwhelming. The cheese melts smoothly, adding depth and a pleasant nuttiness that pulls all the flavors together into one harmonious bowl.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) Recipe with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped basil. Not only does it add a splash of color, but that fresh herb flavor truly elevates the entire experience. Serve hot and watch everyone dig right in!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a classic topping that brings vibrant color and herbal brightness to the creamy soup. For extra flair, try a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a touch of heat. A few shavings of Parmesan on top also add a special finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crunchy, crusty bread like a baguette or garlic focaccia, perfect for soaking up every bit of that luscious broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast and lightens the meal beautifully. For something heartier, roasted vegetables or a classic Caesar salad make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) Recipe in rustic bowls to enhance its homestyle appeal. For an elegant touch, garnish each bowl with a sprig of basil and a Parmesan crisp standing tall. Want to impress? Serve individual portions in mini bread bowls for a fun, edible presentation that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can refrigerate any leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making reheated portions taste even better. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the cream and cheese.
Freezing
Freezing this creamy soup can be a bit tricky because of the dairy, but it’s still doable. Cool the soup completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. When thawing, do so gently in the fridge overnight to prevent separation.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of broth or cream can help restore the original consistency if it’s a bit thick or separated. Avoid boiling as this can make the soup curdle.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and juiciness thanks to their higher fat content. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
You can easily swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Adding hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas will help keep it filling and flavorful.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream for a similar richness. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan to keep that cheesy flavor without dairy.
What’s the secret to wilted spinach without overcooking?
Adding the spinach towards the end of cooking and only letting it sit in the hot broth for a few minutes ensures it softens without turning mushy or losing its bright green color.
Does the soup get better the next day?
Definitely. Like many soups, the Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) Recipe develops deeper and more harmonious flavors after resting overnight, making leftovers a true treat.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) Recipe is like inviting a little piece of Tuscany into your kitchen. Its combination of creamy, savory, and herbaceous flavors creates a soup that is as comforting as it is impressive. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or simply craving a hearty meal, this recipe delivers warmth and joy in every spoonful. Give it a go, and I promise it will become one of your beloved go-to dishes.
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Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) is a creamy, flavorful soup featuring tender chicken breast simmered with sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and baby spinach. Enriched with Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, this comforting Tuscan-inspired soup offers a delightful mix of savory and creamy textures perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken to the pot and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Add Cream and Spinach: Stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can use homemade chicken broth.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain them before chopping to avoid an oily soup.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though it may be less creamy.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure your chicken broth contains no gluten additives.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.
