Creamy, comforting, and packed with Tuscan-inspired flavors, this Marry Me Chicken Soup is a delightful twist on classic chicken soup. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, pasta, and a rich broth infused with cream and parmesan cheese, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or as a hearty meal any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The addition of heavy cream and parmesan creates a luxurious texture and flavor.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and spinach for a wholesome meal.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different vegetables, pasta types, or even rotisserie chicken.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes 10 cups, ideal for leftovers or freezing for later.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- olive oil
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper
- carrots, diced
- celery, diced
- onions, diced
- sundried tomatoes, diced
- garlic, minced
- flour
- tomato paste (optional)
- chicken broth
- pasta (6 oz)
- heavy whipping cream
- parmesan reggiano cheese, grated
- fresh spinach
Directions
1. Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic to the pot. Cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Thicken the Soup Base
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables in stages, stirring well after each addition to avoid lumps. If using tomato paste, add it now and stir.
4. Add Broth
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, deglazing the pot as you stir. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Cook the Pasta
- Add the pasta, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and additional salt and pepper. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Finish the Soup
- Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream, spinach, and parmesan cheese. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt.
7. Adjust and Serve
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve warm with crusty bread or a simple salad.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 10 cups
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit chicken and use vegetable broth. Add white beans for protein.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or omit entirely.
- Extra Veggies: Add chopped kale, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more nutrients.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding extra broth or water to adjust consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, add shredded rotisserie chicken at the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
2. How do I prevent pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook pasta separately and add it to individual bowls just before serving.
3. What’s the best pasta for this soup?
Short pasta like ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni works well.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
5. How can I make this soup thicker?
Use less broth, or add an extra tablespoon of flour when thickening the base.
6. Can I omit the tomato paste?
Yes, but the tomato paste enhances the flavor. It’s optional and can be skipped if preferred.
7. What type of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well. Thighs add extra juiciness.
8. Can I add wine to the soup?
Yes, deglaze the pot with ½ cup of dry white wine before adding the broth for added depth of flavor.
9. How do I adjust the soup’s consistency?
Start with 6 cups of broth for a thicker soup and add more as needed.
10. What’s a good garnish for this soup?
Fresh basil, parsley, or extra parmesan cheese make excellent garnishes.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) is a rich, creamy, and hearty dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and pasta in a parmesan-infused broth, this soup is perfect for cozy nights or meal prepping for the week. Try it today for a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
PrintMarry Me Chicken Soup
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 cups 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Fall in love with the creamy, comforting flavors of this Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style). Loaded with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, spinach, pasta, and rich parmesan cheese, it’s the ultimate cozy, hearty soup for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1–1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup diced sundried tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
- 6–8 cups chicken broth
- 6 oz pasta
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2–1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
- 2 1/2–3 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
Sauté the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, about 4–5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add Flour and Tomato Paste (Optional):
- Sprinkle flour evenly over the vegetables in stages, stirring constantly to combine.
- Stir in tomato paste (if using) for extra depth of flavor.
4. Incorporate the Broth:
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Stir to avoid lumps.
5. Simmer with Pasta:
- Bring to a boil and add pasta, the remaining 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, and additional salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Finish with Cream and Spinach:
- Stir in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Let simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the soup is creamy.
7. Adjust and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Thicker Soup: Start with 6 cups of broth and add more to achieve your desired consistency.
- Pasta Tip: Cook pasta separately if you prefer a firmer texture or are making the soup ahead of time.
- Rotisserie Chicken Option: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience; add it at the end to avoid overcooking.
- Reheating Tip: Add additional broth or water when reheating to revive the soup’s texture.
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