Description
Savor hearty marry me chicken soup, a comforting Italian-inspired dish that promises romance in every spoonful. Creamy parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken create a luxurious meal you’ll want to share with someone special.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cubed
Dairy and Cream:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Liquid and Broth:
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Aromatic Foundation
Ignite a large pot with olive oil over medium heat. Introduce chopped onions and transform them into a translucent delicacy, gently stirring for 3-4 minutes. Cascade minced garlic into the pot, allowing its essence to bloom for another minute.
- Protein Preparation
Nestle chicken breasts into the aromatic landscape, embracing them with a robust seasoning of salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Execute a precise cooking technique, searing each side for 6-8 minutes until achieving a golden exterior and fully cooked interior. Extract the chicken and reserve momentarily.
- Liquid Alchemy
Cascade chicken broth into the pot, initiating a gentle boil. Liberate the caramelized remnants clinging to the pot’s base, intensifying the flavor profile. Reduce heat and integrate heavy cream, creating a luxurious base. Allow a 5-minute harmonization of ingredients.
- Chicken Transformation
Deconstruct the cooked chicken into delicate, bite-sized morsels. Reintroduce the shredded chicken to the simmering liquid alongside fresh spinach. Permit a brief 5-minute integration, allowing spinach to gracefully wilt into the soup.
- Elegant Presentation
Transfer the soup into serving vessels. Crown each portion with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a confetti of fresh parsley. Serve immediately, inviting warmth and comfort to the table.
Notes
- Optimize chicken tenderness by pounding breasts to an even thickness before cooking, ensuring uniform cooking and preventing dry edges.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter versions, making the soup more diet-friendly without sacrificing rich flavor.
- Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like diced carrots or zucchini during the base simmering stage, increasing fiber and vitamins.
- Enhance soup’s depth by deglazing the pot with white wine before adding broth, introducing a subtle complexity and restaurant-quality taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 469
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg