Pin it
My kitchen fills with pure romance whenever I make this special soup. The idea sparked after seeing all those viral Marry Me Chicken recipes floating around. Adding sun dried tomatoes and fresh spinach to a creamy broth created such magic that my husband Mike grabbed my hand and said we should get married again right there over steaming bowls.
What Makes This Soup Special
The Tuscan flavors in this soup create something truly amazing. The sun dried tomatoes add little bursts of sweetness while the cream makes everything silky smooth. My friend Sarah who swears her kids hate spinach watched in shock as they asked for seconds last week.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Chicken: Fresh chicken breasts or thighs, diced for tender bites.
- Olive Oil: For browning the chicken and vegetables.
- Vegetables: Onion, carrots, celery, and garlic for a flavorful base.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds sweet, tangy depth.
- Chicken Broth: Creates the rich, savory base.
- Heavy Cream: For that luxurious creamy finish.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated for bold, cheesy flavor.
- Pasta: Your favorite type to add heartiness.
- Spinach: Or kale for a vibrant, nutritious touch.
- Flour: Helps thicken the broth slightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Brown chicken pieces with Italian seasoning until golden and flavorful. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables
- Add diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.
- Create the Creamy Broth
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add Pasta and Spinach
- Return chicken to the pot, add pasta, and cook until tender. Stir in spinach just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Pin it
Kitchen Secrets
Take time to get that chicken nice and golden it makes all the difference in flavor. My daughter Emma loves helping chop veggies we call it building the flavor foundation. Save the spinach for the very end it stays so pretty and fresh that way. A generous shower of Parmesan on top makes everything perfect.
Sharing the Love
Get your biggest soup bowls ready this broth begs to be soaked up with crusty bread. I love keeping it warm on the stove during dinner parties the aroma draws everyone to the kitchen. A little extra Parmesan on top makes each bowl look like it came from a fancy restaurant.
Make It Last
This soup tastes even better the next day once those flavors really mingle. For freezing I leave out the cream and pasta then add them fresh when reheating. My friend Lisa batch cooks it on Sundays for easy dinners all week long.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I toss in mushrooms when they look good at the market. My husband loves it spicy so I add red pepper flakes to his bowl. Last time I made it with cheese tortellini instead of regular pasta pure heaven. The kitchen becomes your playground with this recipe.
More Than Just Soup
This recipe brings such joy to our table. The kids help chop vegetables and learn about building flavors. Nothing beats seeing everyone's faces light up when that first spoonful hits their lips. Simple ingredients creating special moments that's what cooking is all about.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make this soup ahead. Cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating to prevent it from getting too soft.
- → What's the best chicken to use?
- Both chicken breasts and thighs work well in this recipe. Thighs tend to stay more tender, while breasts are leaner. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
- The soup can be frozen before adding cream and pasta. When reheating, add fresh cream and newly cooked pasta for the best texture.
- → How can I make the soup thicker?
- To thicken the soup, you can add more flour at the beginning or use less broth. You can also simmer it longer to reduce the liquid.
- → What can I substitute for heavy cream?
- Half-and-half or light cream can work, though the soup won't be as rich. For a lighter version, you can use evaporated milk, but add it at the very end.