Honestly, creamy marry me chicken soup has become my go-to hug-in-a-bowl when the weather turns chilly. The first time I made it, my kitchen looked like a tornado had whirled through—chicken bits on the counter, Parmesan shreds in my hair (don’t ask), and the dog was suspiciously eyeing the gnocchi. Yet, even with my chaos, this soup made everything feel just right.
So, if you’re craving something cozy but not interested in fussing over a bunch of pots, you’re in the right place. Creamy marry me chicken soup is the perfect answer for those nights when you want comfort but your energy is somewhere between “meh” and “nope.” The best part? You only need one pot, and there’s enough flavor here to make you forget about every other fall soup.
My Kitchen Story
First, let me confess: I’m not the queen of tidy cooking. My kitchen becomes a zone of wild activity whenever I make creamy marry me chicken soup. There’s always a moment when I realize I forgot to chop the garlic or I’m frantically searching for the Parmesan rind (which I swear was in the fridge yesterday). However, that’s all part of the fun—and honestly, the chaos is worth it when the whole house starts to smell like sun-dried tomatoes and oregano. If you’re like me and love a hearty soup night, you’ll appreciate how this recipe fits perfectly into your lineup of easy creamy dinners.
Then, there’s the magic of the one-pot method. No juggling pans, no mountain of dishes—just a big soup pot and a wooden spoon (which might double as a drumstick if you have kids helping out). You brown the chicken, sauté your veggies, and let everything simmer together. Also, if you’re a fan of comfort food that’s ridiculously simple, this one is for you. The gnocchi cooks right in the broth, soaking up all that creamy, cheesy goodness. So, even if you’ve had a long day or your Instant Pot is already claimed for another fall chowder recipe , this soup’s got your back.
What Makes It Stand Out
Finally, what sets creamy marry me chicken soup apart? It’s the way the sun-dried tomatoes add a pop of flavor, the pesto swirls in like a secret ingredient, and the heavy cream makes everything feel extra special. Even if you make a little mess (and you will), the result is a bowl that everyone will want seconds of. Plus, it’s flexible—toss in extra spinach if you want, or swap the gnocchi for a small pasta. However you cook it, this soup is pure fall comfort.
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 1 lb |
| Kosher salt | 1½ tsp, divided |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Freshly ground black pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 Tbsp |
| Unsalted butter | 2 Tbsp |
| Sweet onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Celery, finely chopped | 2 sticks |
| Sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped | ½ cup |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 4 cloves |
| Tomato paste | 2 Tbsp |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Pesto | 2 Tbsp |
| Parmesan rind (optional) | |
| Dried potato gnocchi (or small pasta) | 16 oz (1 lb) |
| Heavy cream | ½ – 1 cup |
| Fresh baby spinach | 5 oz |
| Parmesan, grated | ½ cup |
Handy Kitchen Helpers
If you’re chasing that cozy vibe for fall soup instant pot recipes, the right pot makes all the difference. For creamy marry me chicken soup, I always grab my favorite Dutch oven or a big soup pot. They help everything simmer gently, which means the flavors develop slowly and the chicken stays tender. If you love slow-cooked goodness, you might want to peek at this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe Easy Dump And Go Crockpot Dinner for a hands-off approach.
Also, a sturdy slotted spoon and a wooden spatula are my go-to tools for browning chicken and stirring up veggies. Sometimes, I swap gnocchi for small pasta if that’s what’s in the pantry. This creamy marry me chicken soup doubles as a wonderful addition to your soup night ideas. For more tips on balanced ingredients, I love checking resources like MyPlate’s nutrition advice to keep things healthy for the family.
Finally, don’t forget a ladle for serving! If you’re craving more hearty dishes, this Easy 5 Star Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Family Approved Comfort Meal is perfect for creamy winter soups season. No matter your kitchen setup, a little flexibility goes a long way in making this soup truly your own.
Step-by-step method for a Instant Pot recipe
Step 1
First, set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Drizzle in the olive oil and add the butter. Once melted, toss in the chicken pieces. Sprinkle with 1 tsp Kosher salt, oregano, and black pepper. Stir well and let the chicken brown for about 4-5 minutes. It doesn’t have to be cooked through yet.
Step 2
Next, add the diced onion and celery. Also, toss in the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste. Stir everything together, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the veggies soften for about 3 minutes. Then, pour in the chicken broth and add the pesto and Parmesan rind if you have one. Stir gently to combine.
Step 3
Now, cancel sauté mode. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 6 minutes. Once the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining steam. Open the lid carefully. Add the gnocchi, stir, and set to sauté mode again. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top. Finally, stir in the heavy cream, baby spinach, and grated Parmesan. Let the creamy marry me chicken soup sit for a minute to wilt the spinach, then taste and adjust seasoning.
Tips and tricks to make this Instant Pot recipe shine
For best results, always brown the chicken first. This step adds so much flavor to your creamy marry me chicken soup . If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a few gnocchi with a spoon before serving. Also, if you need dinner ideas for soup night , this is a real crowd-pleaser. For more cozy meals, check out our Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe Made Easy In Your Slow Cooker Crockpot and the Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken Recipe For Tender And Flavorful Dinner. Don’t be afraid to add extra spinach or swap gnocchi for small pasta, making it flexible for all your fall chicken soup recipes needs. And if you forget the Parmesan rind, no worries—the soup will still be delicious.
What to serve with this Instant Pot recipe
First, let’s talk about what pairs well with creamy marry me chicken soup. Crusty bread is always a winner—think a warm baguette or some homemade garlic knots. Next, a crisp green salad adds freshness and a bit of crunch. If you’re planning a cozy Soup Night Idea, roasted veggies or simple steamed green beans bring balance to the meal. For those seeking a heartier spread, you can serve this soup with a scoop of herbed rice or even over fluffy mashed potatoes. Also, if you’re inspired to try more chicken dishes, check out our Pan Fried Chicken Piccata Meatballs With Lemon And Capers Recipe and the Pan Fried Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe For Easy Weeknight Dinner for more weeknight ideas!
How to store and reheat
Storing creamy marry me chicken soup is a breeze, especially if you’ve made it in the Instant Pot. After it cools, pop it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When you’re ready for leftovers, simply reheat right in the Instant Pot on the sauté function, stirring often for even warmth. You can also warm portions gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens. Freezing works, too—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The Instant Pot method keeps the chicken tender, even after reheating, making leftovers taste just as good as day one!
FAQ
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the cream for unsweetened coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy alternative. This keeps it creamy without any dairy.
What’s the best chicken cut to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs add extra flavor and tenderness.
Can I add extra veggies?
Absolutely. Toss in spinach, kale, or diced carrots for more color and nutrition. It’s a great way to use up produce and boost those Creamy Winter Soups vibes.
How do I thicken the soup?
Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water, then stir it in at the end and let it simmer for a few minutes.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Definitely! Make a batch ahead and enjoy it for easy lunches or dinners all week. The flavors get even better after a day or two.
Print
creamy marry me chicken soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Heart Healthy
Description
A rich and comforting creamy chicken soup loaded with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and gnocchi, enhanced with Parmesan and pesto for depth of flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 medium sweet onion, diced
2 sticks celery, finely chopped
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp pesto, store-bought or homemade
1 Parmesan rind, optional
16 oz dried potato gnocchi (or small pasta such as orecchiette)
1/2 – 1 cup heavy cream
5 oz fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
Instructions
1. Season the chicken by placing cut pieces in a bowl; add 1 tsp kosher salt, oregano, and black pepper, toss to coat.
2. Heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat in a large soup pot. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes; remove with a slotted spoon.
3. Add onion and celery to the pot, season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt, cook until translucent about 3-5 minutes.
4. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste until well combined.
5. Pour in chicken broth, add pesto and Parmesan rind if using; bring to boil, then simmer 10-15 minutes.
6. Return chicken and any juices to the pot, add gnocchi, cook 3-5 minutes until gnocchi float and are tender.
7. Stir in heavy cream starting with 1/2 cup, then add spinach and grated Parmesan; adjust seasoning to taste.
8. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use store-bought pesto for convenience or homemade for fresh flavor.
Parmesan rind adds depth but is optional.
Adjust cream amount for richer or lighter soup.
Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Finally, creamy marry me chicken soup is the perfect cozy dish for chilly evenings or when you want something comforting and simple. If you love Fall Soup Easy recipes, this one will quickly become a favorite in your rotation. Also, don’t forget to try our Pan Fried Chicken Piccata Meatballs and the Pan Fried Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata for more dinner inspiration. If you’re a fan of the Instant Pot Cooking Method board, this soup is a must-try. For more comforting soups and easy dinner ideas, follow us on Pinterest and join our cozy kitchen community!