Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe Under 60 Minutes

Okay, so picture this: you’re craving something seriously comforting, right? Something that hugs you from the inside out. And maybe, just maybe, you wanna impress someone? Well, that’s where this Marry Me Chicken Soup comes in. I’m not kidding, the name alone promises deliciousness! It’s like a creamy, dreamy bowl of Italian-American comfort, but in soup form. The original Marry Me Chicken is amazing, but let’s be real, weeknights call for speed. So, I took all those incredible flavors – the tomatoes, herbs, and Parmesan – and turned it into a super easy soup that’s ready in under an hour. My first time making it? My partner was practically licking the bowl. Seriously, this stuff is magical.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Okay, so why should you make this magical soup? Let me tell you:

• Weeknight Winner: Seriously, from start to finish, it’s ready in under an hour. Perfect for those nights when you just cannot deal.
• Crazy Flavor: That creamy tomato broth, those Italian herbs… it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
• Comfort Food, Elevated: It’s chicken soup, but not like grandma’s (sorry, Grandma!). It’s got that extra cheesy, creamy kick that makes it feel super special.
• Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy here. You probably have most of this stuff in your pantry already.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters love this soup. Trust me, I’ve tested it on the toughest critics (my kids!).
• Makes Great Leftovers: It tastes even BETTER the next day (if there are any leftovers, that is!).

Basically, it’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. What’s not to love?

Ingredients for the Best Marry Me Chicken Soup

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing too crazy here, I promise. We’re keeping it simple but impactful. The key is good quality stuff. It really does make a difference!

• Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon to get things started.
• Onion: One medium yellow onion, chopped.
• Garlic: Two cloves, minced. I always use fresh, but you do you!
• Dried Oregano & Basil: One teaspoon of each. These are your Italian flavor bombs.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Half a teaspoon. Adds just a little kick, but you can skip it if you’re spice-averse.
• Crushed Tomatoes: One (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes. Don’t drain them!
• Chicken Broth: Four cups. Low sodium is always a good idea, so you can control the salt.
• Chicken Breasts: One pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. You could use thighs too, if you prefer!
• Heavy Cream: Half a cup. This is what makes it creamy and dreamy. Don’t skimp!
• Parmesan Cheese: A quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated is always best, trust me.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, of course!
• Fresh Basil: For garnish. It makes it look pretty and adds a little extra flavor.

That’s it! See? Nothing scary. Let’s get cooking!

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s the deal. This is seriously easy, but follow these steps and you’ll have a pot of “Marry Me” magic in no time! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat that olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Throw in the chopped onion and cook it until it’s softened and translucent – should take about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is the WORST.
2. Build the Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir it all together and bring it to a simmer. A simmer is crucial here – not a rolling boil, just little bubbles gently coming to the surface.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the simmering broth. Cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s no longer pink inside. A meat thermometer is your friend here (165°F/74°C).
4. Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir until the cheese is melted and everything is wonderfully creamy.
5. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. And that’s it! Ready to serve and watch the magic happen.

Seriously, that’s all there is to it! So simple, right? Now go forth and conquer that kitchen!

Tips for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup

Okay, you’ve got the basics down, but here are a few extra things I’ve learned along the way to make this soup truly *chef’s kiss* perfect:

• Don’t overcook the chicken! Seriously, nobody likes dry chicken. That’s why I add it to the simmering broth. It stays tender and juicy that way.
• Fresh Parmesan is the way to go. Pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt as nicely and the flavor isn’t as good. It’s worth the extra effort, trust me!
• Taste as you go. Seriously! Before you add that heavy cream, give it a taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking. It’s all about making it *your* perfect bowl of soup.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with a little bit of white wine. Adding 1/4 cup of dry white wine after you sauté the aromatics will add another layer of flavour.

Follow these little tips, and you’ll be golden!

Variations to Try in Your Marry Me Chicken Soup

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic recipe, but what if you wanna mix things up a little? I get it! Here are a few fun variations to try. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

• Veggie Boost: Throw in some chopped spinach, kale, or sundried tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking. Trust me, the extra veggies add a ton!
• Spicy Kick: Add an extra pinch (or two!) of red pepper flakes. Or, if you’re feeling really brave, a chopped jalapeño.
• Creamy Pesto: Swirl in a spoonful of pesto at the end for a burst of herby flavor. Wow, it’s amazing!
• Pasta Power: Add some cooked pasta (like ditalini or small shells) to make it a heartier meal. Now we’re talking!
• Coconut Cream Dream: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version. It changes the flavor profile, but it’s still totally delicious!

Seriously, the possibilities are endless! Just have fun with it and see what you create!

Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Alright, so you’ve got this amazing, creamy soup… what do you serve with it? Here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal! Honestly, my favorite is just a big hunk of crusty bread for dipping, but here are some other thoughts!

• Crusty Bread: Obvious, but essential! Seriously, you need something to soak up all that delicious broth.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Garlic Bread: Amp up the garlic flavor with some homemade garlic bread.

Keep it simple and let the soup shine!

How to Store Leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup

Okay, so you’ve made a big pot of “Marry Me” magic, and maybe, just maybe, you have leftovers (lucky you!). Here’s how to store them so you can enjoy that creamy goodness again later.

• Refrigerating: Let the soup cool down a bit (but not for too long!). Then, pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll be good for about 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freezing is your friend! Again, let it cool, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room at the top (it expands when it freezes!). It’ll keep in the freezer for about 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to reheat, just thaw it out in the fridge overnight (if frozen) and gently heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Easy peasy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Soup

Got questions about this dreamy soup? I got you! Here are a few of the most common things people ask, so you can make the *best* Marry Me Chicken Soup ever!

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I think it tastes even *better* the next day. The flavors just meld together and it’s pure magic. Just store it properly (see above!) and reheat it when you’re ready to eat. You can even prep all the veggies ahead of time to make the cooking process even faster. If you love chicken soup, you should check out my chicken noodle soup recipes—there’s a homemade chicken noodle soup and a creamy chicken noodle soup recipe!

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Okay, so you *can*, but it won’t be quite as rich and creamy. The heavy cream really gives it that signature “Marry Me” vibe. If you’re looking for a lighter option, maybe try using half-and-half or even coconut milk (like I mentioned in the variations!). My vegan chickpea noodle soup is another great dairy-free soup!

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano would be a great substitute! Or, if you’re really in a pinch, a little bit of Asiago. Honestly, any hard, salty Italian cheese will work nicely. But seriously, try to use Parmesan if you can. It just adds the best flavor!

Can I use pre-cut chicken?

Sure! But be sure to check the “use by” date since it goes bad quickly. You can also easily cut up raw chicken breasts or thighs just follow the directions above.

Nutritional Information for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Just a quick note: the nutrition info below is just an estimate! It can totally vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use. So, don’t take it as gospel, okay?

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