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Cozy Marry Me Chicken Soup for Chilly Nights

marry me chicken soup - featured image

A rich, creamy chicken soup with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and tender chicken, perfect for cold weather. This comforting one-pot meal comes together in about 45 minutes and is sure to become a winter favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large breasts)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or orzo)
  • 3 cups fresh spinach (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate (chicken will not be fully cooked).
  2. Cook the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook 1 minute.
  4. Build the broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil, scraping up browned bits. Return chicken and any juices to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
  5. Remove and shred chicken: Transfer chicken to a cutting board, let rest 2-3 minutes, then shred with two forks.
  6. Cook the pasta: Bring broth back to a gentle boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions (about 8-10 minutes).
  7. Finish the soup: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Add shredded chicken and spinach (if using); stir until spinach wilts (1-2 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve and garnish: Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley, thyme leaves, and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

The soup will thicken as it sits because the pasta absorbs liquid. For make-ahead, cook pasta separately and add just before serving. To prevent cream from curdling, keep heat low when adding cream and do not boil after adding. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; add a splash of broth when reheating. Freeze without pasta and spinach for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: marry me chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, sun-dried tomato soup, comfort food, winter soup, easy chicken soup