Description
A rich and comforting soup that will have everyone asking for the recipe! Tender chicken, savory bacon, and hearty vegetables come together in a creamy, Tuscan-style broth, infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of fresh herbs. Perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions, this soup is truly “marriage material.”
Ingredients
Scale
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and aromatics.
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized cubes for easy eating.
- 1 medium onion: Chopped, for a savory base.
- 4 cloves garlic: Minced, to provide a fragrant base.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped, these add a rich, tangy flavor to the soup.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat; optional, but recommended for extra flavor.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The liquid base of the soup.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and richness to the soup.
- 1 ½ cups spinach: Fresh spinach adds a beautiful pop of color and a dose of nutrients.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: A classic Tuscan herb that complements the other flavors perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: For an herby, earthy flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season the soup.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For added richness and a touch of umami flavor.
For the Garnish:
- Fresh basil: Chopped, for a fresh and fragrant topping.
- Extra Parmesan cheese: To sprinkle on top for an added burst of cheesy goodness.
Instructions
First Step: Sauté the Chicken and Aromatics
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Second Step: Add the Flavorful Ingredients
- Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pot and stir them into the onions and garlic. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes, which helps release their flavor into the soup base.
- Add the Chicken Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Third Step: Make It Creamy
- Stir in the Heavy Cream: Once the broth is simmering, add the heavy cream to the pot and stir well. This will create a rich and creamy base for your soup. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Parmesan: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine. The cheese will melt into the soup, giving it a velvety smooth texture and a savory depth of flavor.
Fourth Step: Add the Spinach and Chicken
- Return the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back to the pot. Stir to incorporate it into the soup and let everything heat through for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and softens. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Final Step: Garnish and Serve
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each portion has a nice balance of chicken, spinach, and broth.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh basil and a generous amount of extra Parmesan cheese. If you prefer, you can also drizzle a little olive oil on top for added richness and flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve your Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this creamy, delicious soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 35g