First Step: Sauté the Chicken and Aromatics

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken pieces. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Second Step: Build the Soup Base

1. Add the Tomatoes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the can of diced tomatoes and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The sun-dried tomatoes will infuse the soup with a rich, concentrated flavor.
2. Pour in the Chicken Broth: Add the chicken broth to the pot, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful browned bits from the chicken and vegetables. Bring the broth to a simmer, allowing it to cook for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Stir in the Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. The cream will give the soup a velvety texture, while the Parmesan adds depth and richness to the flavor profile. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Season the Soup: Add the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed, depending on your preferences.

Third Step: Combine the Chicken and Simmer

1. Return the Chicken to the Pot: Add the cooked chicken back into the pot, stirring it into the soup. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the chicken to reheat and absorb the flavors of the broth.
2. Check for Consistency: If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can add more chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Alternatively, if you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer for a bit longer to reduce the broth.

Final Step: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish the Soup: Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Serve: Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
3. Enjoy: Savor each spoonful of creamy, comforting Marry Me Chicken Soup, and let the flavors melt together in every bite.