Marry Me Chicken Soup is a rich and creamy Tuscan-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a medley of vegetables in a luscious broth. Its name reflects its irresistible flavor—so delicious, it's said to inspire a proposal! This one-pot wonder is perfect for cozy dinners, offering both comfort and gourmet taste in every spoonful.
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup diced onions
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked pasta shells
4 cups chicken broth
1 (8-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: Crumbled bacon or Cajun seasoning for added flavor
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add to the pot and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Deglaze and Add Pasta: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pot, stirring to combine. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil, then add uncooked pasta shells. Reduce heat and simmer until pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes.
Finish the Soup: Stir in cooked chicken, fresh spinach, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook until spinach wilts and the soup is heated through, about 3–5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with optional crumbled bacon or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for an extra kick. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Calories: Approximately 655 kcal
Total Fat: 44 g
Saturated Fat: 21 g
Cholesterol: 188 mg
Sodium: 2247 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 36 g
Dietary Fiber: 3 g
Sugars: 8 g
Protein: 33 g