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Let me tell you about my favorite cozy soup that's so good it just might lead to a proposal! This Marry Me Chicken Soup is pure comfort in a bowl combining tender chicken sun-dried tomatoes and pillowy gnocchi in the most incredible creamy parmesan broth. Every spoonful is a little taste of heaven!
Why You'll Fall in Love
There's something magical about how all these Italian-inspired flavors come together. The rich velvety broth the tender bites of chicken those little potato gnocchi dumplings... it's the kind of soup that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a crusty piece of bread and savor every bite.
Let's Go Shopping
- Chicken: I prefer chicken breasts but thighs work beautifully too!
- Our Flavor Base: Fresh herbs garlic and those amazing sun-dried tomatoes.
- The Aromatics: Sweet onion and celery create our foundation.
- Chicken Broth: The low-sodium kind lets us control the salt.
- My Secret Weapon: A dollop of pesto takes everything up a notch!
- Parmesan Rind: Don't toss those rinds they're liquid gold here!
- Potato Gnocchi: Little pillows of happiness in every bite.
- The Finishing Touch: Heavy cream and fresh baby spinach.
Let's Start Cooking
First let's get that chicken ready! Cut it into bite-sized pieces season it up with salt pepper and oregano then give it a quick sauté until golden brown. Those crispy bits on the bottom of the pan? Pure flavor!
Building Layers of Flavor
In the same pot (because we're not letting any of those tasty bits go to waste!) we'll cook our onions and celery until they're soft and sweet. Then in goes the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes my kitchen always smells amazing at this point!
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The Magic Begins
Now we're adding our broth pesto and if you've got one that parmesan rind (I always keep them in my freezer!). Let everything simmer together getting to know each other. This is where the magic really starts to happen.
Gnocchi Time
Here comes my favorite part - adding those tender potato gnocchi! They only take a few minutes to cook and you'll know they're ready when they float to the top like little dumplings doing a happy dance.
Bringing It All Together
Now for the finishing touches that make this soup incredibly luxurious. In goes the heavy cream fresh spinach and plenty of grated parmesan. Watch how it all comes together into the most beautiful creamy dream.
The Perfect Bowl
I love topping each bowl with an extra sprinkle of parmesan a drizzle of good olive oil and some fresh cracked pepper. Sometimes I'll add a squeeze of lemon too it brightens everything up beautifully.
My Best Tips
- One-Pot Wonder: Keep all those flavors in one pot trust me!
- Save Those Rinds: Parmesan rinds are kitchen gold.
- Fresh is Best: Fresh gnocchi makes such a difference.
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Keep It Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating just warm it gently on the stove. Sometimes I'll add a splash of cream or broth to loosen things up. Want to freeze it? Go ahead just know the texture might change a bit when thawed.
Perfect Pairings
You absolutely need some good crusty bread with this soup - those last bits of broth are too good to waste! I love serving it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. It cuts through the richness perfectly.
Make It Your Own
- Veggie Version: Skip the chicken double the veggies it's still amazing!
- Dairy-Free: Coconut milk works surprisingly well here.
- Pasta Swap: No gnocchi? Try small pasta shapes instead.
Why Gnocchi?
Let me tell you why I'm obsessed with gnocchi in this soup - they stay tender without getting mushy like pasta can. Plus those little potato dumplings just soak up all that amazing flavor!
Spice It Up
Like it with a kick? Add some red pepper flakes or extra black pepper. Want it extra rich? Double up on the pesto. This soup is so flexible it's hard to go wrong!
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Good For You Too
While this soup feels totally indulgent it's actually packed with goodness! You've got protein from the chicken tons of veggies and those leafy greens. It's comfort food you can feel good about.
Special Occasion Star
I love making this for date nights or when friends come over. There's something about a big pot of homemade soup that makes everyone feel special and cared for. Plus it's just fancy enough to impress!
Try It With Meatballs
Sometimes I'll switch things up and use little chicken meatballs instead of chunks of chicken. Just roll seasoned ground chicken into tiny balls and drop them right into the simmering broth. So good!
Prep Ahead Tips
Want to get ahead? Make the base without the gnocchi and cream then refrigerate. When you're ready to serve just heat it up add the gnocchi and finish with cream and spinach. Dinner solved!
Pure Comfort
This soup has become my go-to when I need something cozy comforting and absolutely delicious. Whether you're cooking for someone special or just treating yourself it never fails to bring smiles to the table!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the soup up until adding the gnocchi and cream. When ready to serve, reheat to simmer, then add gnocchi, spinach, Parmesan, and cream. This keeps the gnocchi from getting too soft.
- → What can I substitute for gnocchi?
You can use any small pasta like orecchiette or small shells. Tortellini would also work well, or you could use regular diced potatoes for a different texture.
- → Why add a Parmesan rind to the soup?
The Parmesan rind adds deep, rich flavor to the broth as it simmers. While optional, it's worth saving your rinds in the freezer for soups like this.
- → How long will leftovers keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. While you can freeze the soup, the creamy texture might change slightly when thawed.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can skip the chicken cooking step and add shredded rotisserie chicken when the recipe calls for returning the chicken to the pot. This is a great time-saving option.