Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) brings a little taste of sunny Italy right to your kitchen, swirling together tender chicken, creamy broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and bright greens in every spoonful. This irresistible soup is the ultimate comfort in a bowl—rich, savory, and speckled with Tuscan flavors that keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re hoping to win hearts over at the dinner table or just want to treat yourself to something special, this is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
While Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) looks and tastes spectacular, it’s crafted from beautifully simple ingredients—each one adding its own layer of flavor, coziness, and color. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a tip for getting the very best out of every bite:
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity base note and helps all the flavors bloom together.
- Unsalted butter: Brings creamy richness and a touch of silkiness to sautéed veggies.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Stay tender and juicy, picking up all the bright, herby flavors.
- Salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes: Season every layer and offer a warm, subtle kick.
- Yellow onion: Gives a sweet, mellow background flavor that rounds out the soup.
- Garlic cloves: Add aromatic depth and classic Italian savoriness.
- Dried thyme and oregano: Traditional Tuscan herbs that infuse the broth with fragrance and warmth.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Lend tangy, sweet intensity and a sun-kissed flavor you’ll crave.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Brings everything together in a savory, soulful bath.
- Heavy cream: Makes the soup lush, velvety, and absolutely decadent.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the broth for a nutty, salty finish.
- Baby spinach: Wilts down into bright green ribbons that look and taste fresh.
- Small pasta (like ditalini or orzo, optional): Adds heartiness and turns the soup into a complete meal.
- Chopped fresh basil: Sprinkled at the end for a burst of fresh aroma and color.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil and butter in a generous soup pot over medium heat. Toss the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and a pinch (or more!) of red pepper flakes—this trio guarantees every bite is seasoned and just a touch spicy. Add the chicken pieces into the bubbling fat and sauté until they’re deeply golden and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate so it stays succulent while you build the base of the soup.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot, toss in the diced onion, scraping up any little brown bits left from the chicken. Let the onions cook for 3 to 4 minutes until tender and gleaming. Next, stir in the garlic, thyme, and oregano—when you catch that dreamy herbal aroma, you know you’re on the right track. The soup will quickly start to smell like an Italian villa!
Step 3: Add Sun-dried Tomatoes and Simmer
Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and add them to the pot, letting them sizzle with the onions and herbs for about a minute. They’ll sweeten and release their flavors into the veggies. Pour in the chicken broth and turn up the heat to bring everything to a gentle simmer—this is where the soup starts to come together and deepen in taste.
Step 4: Create a Creamy Tuscan Broth
Once your broth is simmering, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently and watch as the cheese melts right in, creating a creamy, golden broth that’s pure comfort. If you’re using pasta, add it now and cook until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes—stir frequently so nothing sticks!
Step 5: Return Chicken and Wilt the Greens
Finally, add the cooked chicken back to the pot and scatter in the baby spinach. Give everything a good stir, letting the spinach wilt down and infuse the soup with color and life. Taste and adjust your seasonings—the flavors should be vibrant. Ladle into bowls and finish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh basil for that signature Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) flair.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)
Garnishes
This soup really shines with thoughtful finishing touches. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or extra Parmesan right before serving—the basil brings a fragrant, fresh pop while the cheese gives an extra savory boost. A little drizzle of good olive oil can also take things over the top if you want to impress!
Side Dishes
Because Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) is so hearty, you don’t need much on the side, but a crusty rustic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully, or serve alongside roasted asparagus or garlic bread for comfort food heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try serving this soup in oversized mugs for a cozy meal by the fireplace, or pair it with mini grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping. For a more dramatic presentation, arrange basil leaves in a swirl or add a spoonful of pesto on top. Even in its simplest form, this soup brings instant warmth and a feeling of celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool to room temperature before sealing it in airtight containers. Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen with each passing day, making those leftovers a second wave of comfort!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze your soup, skip the pasta (add it after reheating) and let the pot cool fully before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, pour the soup into a saucepan and warm over gentle heat, stirring now and then. If the soup thickens in the fridge, just add a splash of broth or cream to bring back its silky texture. If you’re adding pasta, cook it separately and stir it in at the last moment.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well if you prefer a leaner option. Just be mindful not to overcook it, as breast meat can dry out more quickly than thighs.
Is it possible to make Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) dairy-free?
You can! Substitute coconut cream or a plant-based creamy alternative for the heavy cream, and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan in place of the cheese. The soup will still be luscious and full of flavor.
What can I use instead of spinach?
Kale is a fantastic substitute that holds up well in the broth and adds a slightly earthier, hearty texture. Swiss chard or even escarole are other delicious options to try!
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta or leave out the pasta entirely for a lighter, gluten-free bowl of soup. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free.
What if I want to make it even quicker?
If you’re racing the clock, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken—just add it at the end to heat through. You’ll have soup ready before you know it!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience how cozy, satisfying, and joy-sparking Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) truly is. It’s a guaranteed way to make any meal memorable and to share a little sunshine (Tuscan style!) with someone special. Give it a try—you just might fall head over heels.
PrintMarry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) Recipe
Indulge in the rich flavors of Tuscan-inspired Marry Me Chicken Soup. This creamy and hearty dish is a comforting blend of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy night in!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Soup:
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup small pasta (optional)
- chopped fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a pot, brown chicken pieces, then set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Cook onion until soft, add garlic, thyme, and oregano.
- Add Ingredients: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, broth, cream, and Parmesan. Simmer and add pasta if desired.
- Finish Soup: Reintroduce chicken, add spinach until wilted. Adjust seasoning and garnish with basil before serving.
Notes
- You can use kale or rotisserie chicken as substitutes.
- For a lighter option, swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 130mg