Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup with Gnocchi

Welcome to a truly special soup recipe that’s sure to steal your heart! This marry me chicken soup brings together tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a luxuriously creamy broth bursting with Italian-inspired flavors. It’s surprisingly simple to make, yet it delivers impressive results, perfect for any meal.

Inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken,” which originated from a 2016 Delish recipe, this hearty soup is your next go-to for comfort and flavor. The “Marry Me Chicken” dish gained viral popularity due to its delicious flavor, rumored to inspire marriage proposals.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup

This delightful marry me chicken gnocchi soup offers so much to adore, making it an instant favorite in your kitchen.

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Enjoy a warm, hearty bowl that feels like a hug on a chilly evening.
  
  
• Easy Weeknight Prep: This recipe is straightforward, perfect for busy evenings without sacrificing flavor.
  
  
• Effortlessly Impressive: Its rich taste and beautiful presentation will wow family and guests.
  
  
• Tender Chicken & Gnocchi: Savor succulent chicken and pillowy gnocchi in every spoonful.
  
  
• Savory Italian Flavors: Sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and Parmesan create an irresistible aroma and taste.
  
  
• Hearty & Satisfying: It’s a complete meal in one pot, leaving you feeling perfectly content.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic marry me chicken soup recipe:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  
  
• 1½ tsp Kosher salt, divided
  
  
• 1 tsp dried oregano
  
  
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  
  
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  
  
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  
  
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
  
  
• 2 sticks of celery, finely chopped
  
  
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
  
  
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  
  
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  
  
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  
  
• 2 Tbsp pesto, store-bought or homemade
  
  
• 1 Parmesan rind, optional
  
  
• 16 oz (1 lb) dried potato gnocchi (or small pasta, such as orecchiette)
  
  
• ½ – 1 cup heavy cream
  
  
• 5 oz fresh baby spinach, half of a large bag (feel free to use more!)
  
  
• ½ cup Parmesan, grated

Ingredient Substitutions for Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless thighs for richer flavor or shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.

• Broth: Choose low-sodium chicken broth or substitute with vegetable broth.

• Pesto: Replace store-bought with homemade or try other nut-based pestos.

• Gnocchi: Swap with small pasta shapes like orecchiette, ditalini, or farfalle.

• Dairy-Free: Use full-fat coconut milk and plant-based butter; skip the Parmesan.

• Cheese: Always grate fresh Parmesan for smooth melting (avoid pre-shredded).

Equipment

Gather these essential tools to make your marry me chicken soup:

• Large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed soup pot
  
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  
  
• Cutting board and a sharp knife
  
  
• Slotted spoon
  
  
• Whisk or wooden spoon
  
  
• Grater (for fresh Parmesan)

How To Make This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Let’s make this delightful marry me chicken soup recipe together, step-by-step:

1. Season the chicken. Place cubed chicken in a large mixing bowl. Season it generously with 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Toss the chicken well to ensure it’s evenly coated with the seasonings.
   
   
2. Brown the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the fat is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is beautifully browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remember, the chicken will finish cooking within the soup. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the browned chicken to a clean plate and set it aside.
   
   
3. Sauté the aromatics. Return the pot to the stove. Add 1 diced onion and 2 stalks of finely chopped celery to the residual fat in the pot. Season with ½ teaspoon of Kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become translucent, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Stir in ½ cup of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 4 cloves of finely chopped garlic, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Continue to stir, breaking up the tomato paste with your spatula to help it dissolve and coat the vegetables.
   
   
4. Add the broth. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Stir in 2 tablespoons of pesto and add the Parmesan rind if you are using one; it adds incredible depth of flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
   
   
5. Cook the gnocchi. Return the cooked chicken, along with any accumulated juices from the plate, to the soup pot. Stir in 16 ounces of dried potato gnocchi. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi begin to float to the top and are tender. Taste a gnocchi to ensure it’s cooked through.
   
   
6. Add cream and finish. Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream; you can add up to 1 cup if you prefer an extra creamy chicken soup recipe. Incorporate 5 ounces of fresh baby spinach, stirring until it wilts into the soup. Finally, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more Kosher salt or black pepper if desired. Divide the rich, creamy soup between bowls and serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired!

Pro Tips For The Best Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe

• Perfectly Brown Chicken: Don’t rush this step! Browning the chicken creates a deeply flavorful crust, adding a crucial layer of taste to your marry me chicken gnocchi soup.
  
  
• Parmesan Rind Power: A real Parmesan rind infuses the soup with incredible umami and depth. Just remember to remove it before serving.
  
  
• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Always use freshly grated Parmesan. To ensure smooth melting, stir it in off the heat or at a very low simmer, never a rolling boil.
  
  
• Adjust Creaminess: The beauty of this soup is its flexibility. Start with ½ cup of cream and add more gradually until you reach your desired richness.
  
  
• Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly. Watch it closely and remove from the heat as soon as it’s tender to prevent a mushy texture.
  
  
• Intensify Tomato Flavor: Cooking the tomato paste with the aromatics helps to deepen its flavor, creating a richer base for your delicious soup.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this creamy marry me chicken soup with warm, crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping.
  
  
• A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich soup.
  
  
• Pair it with a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage

• Refrigerate: Store leftover marry me chicken soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  
  
• Freezing: This soup freezes well, especially if you undercook the gnocchi slightly or add it fresh after thawing. Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.
  
  
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You might need to add a splash of broth or cream to restore its consistency.

Variations

• Make It Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables like chickpeas or white beans for protein.
  
  
• Dairy-Free Adjustments: Use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, plant-based butter, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
  
  
• Add Other Vegetables: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the aromatics, or stir in chopped kale or bell peppers with the spinach.
  
  
• Different Pasta Shapes: Experiment with other small pasta varieties like stelline, acini di pepe, or even broken spaghetti.
  
  
• A Touch of Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle kick.

Nutrition Information

This marry me chicken soup crockpot is satisfying, offering a good balance of protein and carbohydrates.

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

This creamy chicken soup recipe with gnocchi is truly a culinary delight. Its comforting warmth and impressive flavors make it a perfect choice for both everyday dinners and special occasions. We encourage you to try this easy-to-follow recipe and experience the joy it brings to your kitchen. Share your creations with us and let us know how much you loved this heartwarming soup!

The Best Marry Me Chicken Soup – 6 Easy Steps

This rich and creamy chicken soup features tender chicken pieces, hearty potato gnocchi, and a flavorful broth infused with sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and Parmesan, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• spatula

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1½ tsp Kosher salt divided
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 medium sweet onion diced
• 2 sticks celery finely chopped
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 Tbsp pesto store-bought or homemade
• Parmesan rind optional
• 16 oz dried potato gnocchi (1 lb) (or small pasta, such as orecchiette)
• ½ – 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 oz fresh baby spinach half of a large bag (feel free to use more!)
• ½ cup Parmesan grated

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Season cubed chicken with 1 tsp Kosher salt, 1 tsp dried oregano, and ¼ tsp black pepper; toss well to coat.
• Heat olive oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides (4-5 minutes), then transfer to a plate.
• Sauté diced onion and celery in the same pot with ½ tsp Kosher salt until translucent (3-5 minutes). Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste, breaking up the paste to dissolve.
• Add chicken broth, pesto, and Parmesan rind to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
• Return the cooked chicken and any juices to the soup. Stir in dried potato gnocchi and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float and are tender.
• Stir in heavy cream, baby spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

A Parmesan rind can add a wonderful depth of savory flavor to the broth as it simmers, so don’t skip it if you have one!

Nutrition

Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g

Keyword comfort food dinner, creamy chicken soup, easy chicken dinner, gnocchi soup, marry me chicken soup

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