Pin it
Let me share my absolute favorite soup that makes everyone fall in love! I discovered this recipe when trying to transform that famous 'Marry Me Chicken' into a cozy soup for a rainy evening. The combination of tender chicken sun-dried tomatoes and that rich creamy broth with fresh spinach creates pure magic in a bowl. The first time I made this my husband proposed all over again that's when I knew we had a winner!
Why This Soup Works Magic
This isn't your ordinary chicken soup! Those Tuscan flavors with the perfect balance of cream sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan create something absolutely irresistible. Last week when I made this for my sick neighbor she said it was better than any medicine. Even my picky kids who usually avoid anything green devour the spinach in this!
What You'll Need
- For The Base:
- Fresh chicken breasts or thighs diced
- Good olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh vegetables onion carrots celery
- Lots of garlic
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- For That Amazing Broth:
- Rich chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Fresh Parmesan
- All-purpose flour for thickening
- The Finishing Touches:
- Your favorite pasta
- Fresh spinach or kale
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Let's Start Cooking
- Building Our Base
- First we brown that chicken with Italian seasonings getting all those flavors started. Then comes the veggie magic sautéing them until they're perfectly tender. The kitchen already smells amazing!
- Creating That Creamy Broth
- Making the sauce is like conducting a delicious symphony. A little flour to thicken then slowly adding broth and cream watching it become silky smooth. My daughter always helps stir she says it's like making magic potion!
- The Final Touches
- When we add the pasta and spinach everything comes together beautifully. Watching those greens wilt into the creamy broth while the pasta cooks to perfection pure kitchen joy!
Pin it
Making It Perfect
Want to know my secrets for the best marry me soup? Brown that chicken really well those crispy bits add so much flavor! Don't rush the vegetables they need time to soften and release their goodness. And here's my favorite tip add the spinach right at the end it keeps its bright color and nutrients!
Serving It Up
I love serving this in big bowls with plenty of extra Parmesan on top. Some crusty bread on the side is absolutely essential for soaking up every last drop of that amazing broth! For dinner parties I'll keep it warming on the stove everyone always goes back for seconds. The way their faces light up with that first spoonful makes my heart so happy!
Making It Last
This soup actually gets better the next day! The flavors have time to really develop together. I often make a double batch and freeze portions without the cream and pasta perfect for busy nights. Just add fresh pasta and cream when reheating it's like having a homemade meal ready to go!
Mix It Up
Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own! Sometimes I'll add mushrooms for extra earthiness. My spice-loving son adds red pepper flakes to his bowl. Once I used tortellini instead of regular pasta absolute game changer! That's what makes cooking fun finding your perfect combination.
Pin it
Why This Recipe Matters
This soup has become our ultimate comfort food! There's something so special about a recipe that brings people together and makes them feel loved. My kids are learning to cook helping chop vegetables and watching how simple ingredients transform into something magical.
The best part isn't just how delicious it is it's seeing everyone's faces when they taste it! Whether you're making it for someone special sick friend or just because you need some comfort this soup never disappoints. And maybe just maybe it'll make someone fall in love with you too!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but cook the pasta separately and add it when serving. The soup base can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Any small pasta shape works well. Just adjust cooking time according to package directions to avoid mushy pasta.
- → How can I make this lighter?
You can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. The soup won't be as thick but still tasty.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, add pre-cooked rotisserie chicken at the end, just long enough to warm through. This saves time and adds extra flavor.
- → How do I prevent the soup from being too thick?
Start with less broth and add more as needed. It's easier to thin out a thick soup than to thicken a thin one.
Conclusion
A delightful soup that brings together the rich flavors of Tuscan-style cooking with the comfort of a hearty chicken soup. Perfect for cozy dinners and family meals.