Description
Creamy marry me chicken soup brings comfort and romance to your dinner table. Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken create a delightful meal you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Crusty bread or crackers for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, searing chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown, approximately 6-8 minutes per side. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
- In the same pot, sauté diced onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery until vegetables become tender and fragrant, around 4-5 minutes.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, raising temperature to create a gentle simmer. Incorporate dried thyme, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes for enhanced flavor profile.
- Carefully shred the previously cooked chicken using two forks, then return meat to the simmering broth mixture.
- Introduce heavy cream to the pot, allowing ingredients to meld together for 8-10 minutes at a low simmer, creating a rich and creamy consistency.
- Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the soup, stirring until they wilt completely. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and stir until cheese melts smoothly into the liquid.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Ladle hot soup into serving bowls and accompany with crusty bread or crispy crackers for a complete meal.
Notes
- Chicken Selection: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure tender, easy-to-shred meat that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Cream Swap: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter versions that still maintain a rich, creamy texture.
- Spice Adjustment: Customize heat levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes, catering to individual spice preferences.
- Vegetable Variations: Experiment with additional vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and add extra depth to the soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 312 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg