Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup

If there’s one soup that can make hearts flutter, it’s this one — Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Inspired by the wildly popular Marry Me Chicken recipe, this cozy bowl takes all the creamy, garlicky, sun-dried tomato flavors you know and love, and transforms them into a soul-warming soup that’s both romantic and ridiculously good.

Imagine tender bites of juicy chicken simmered in a velvety Parmesan cream broth with pillowy potato gnocchi, wilted spinach, and bursts of sun-dried tomato tang. It’s like your favorite Italian comfort dish met the ultimate cozy soup — the kind you crave on chilly nights, date nights, or whenever you need a big bowl of love. ❤️

The name says it all: one spoonful and someone just might propose.

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Why You’ll Love This Soup

1. Inspired by a viral favorite: All the flavors of Marry Me Chicken, now in a comforting soup.
2. Creamy yet light: A luxurious broth that’s rich without being heavy.
3. Ready in 30 minutes: Quick, one-pot magic that feels gourmet.
4. Wholesome comfort food: Protein, greens, and gnocchi all in one satisfying bowl.
5. Romantic + crowd-pleasing: Perfect for a cozy date night or family dinner.

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Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) — cubed
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Broth:

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil, drained)
• 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
• 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for depth)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for brightness)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for a richer broth)
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden on the outside and no longer pink inside — about 6–8 minutes.
Remove and set aside on a plate.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — searing in batches helps the chicken brown beautifully instead of steaming.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — this step builds your soup’s flavor foundation.

3. Build the Creamy Base

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste (if using). Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot — that’s where all the flavor hides!

Bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Add Gnocchi and Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the gnocchi and simmer for 5–6 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and fluffy. They’ll absorb the broth’s flavor as they cook, turning perfectly pillowy.

5. Stir in Cream and Cheese

Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the soup becomes rich and silky.

Taste and adjust seasoning — add more salt, pepper, or a touch of red pepper flakes if you like heat.

6. Add Spinach and Serve

Finally, stir in the spinach and let it wilt into the soup. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of herbs, and warm crusty bread for dipping.

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Flavor Variations

• Bacon Lovers’ Twist: Add crispy bacon bits for smoky flavor.
• Tuscan Style: Mix in ½ cup roasted red peppers and fresh basil.
• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, kale, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

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Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup

1. Use good-quality Parmesan: It melts smoother and deepens the broth flavor.
2. Don’t boil after adding cream: Keep it on low heat to avoid curdling.
3. Taste as you go: Adjust salt and spice based on your broth and cheese.
4. Gnocchi timing matters: Overcooking can make them mushy; 5–6 minutes is perfect.
5. For meal prep: Store broth and gnocchi separately to keep texture ideal.

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What to Serve With

This creamy soup shines on its own but pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic Bread or Focaccia — for soaking up the rich broth.
• Simple Green Salad — with balsamic or lemon vinaigrette for contrast.
• Roasted Veggies — like Brussels sprouts or asparagus.
• A glass of white wine — Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements perfectly.

Storage & Reheating

To Store:

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To Reheat:

• Warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens.

To Freeze:

• This soup freezes best without gnocchi (they can become mushy). Freeze the base and add fresh gnocchi when reheating.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 30 g
• Fat: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 3 g

A hearty, protein-rich comfort meal that still feels balanced and wholesome.

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Common Questions

Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Stir in 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken near the end for a quicker version.

Q2: Can I use shelf-stable gnocchi?
Absolutely — any potato gnocchi works. Fresh or refrigerated gives the best texture.

Q3: How can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Q4: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes. Add all ingredients except gnocchi, cream, and spinach to your slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours. Stir in the last three near the end.

Q5: How do I thicken the soup?
Simmer uncovered a bit longer or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 teaspoon each).

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Why It’s Called “Marry Me Chicken”

The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from the viral idea that this dish is so good, someone might just propose after eating it. The combination of creamy garlic sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese is rich, elegant, and comforting — pure romance in a bite.

Transforming that magic into a soup version makes it cozier, easier to share, and perfect for chilly nights or romantic dinners at home.

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Expert Tip

For restaurant-quality flavor, finish the soup with a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving. It brightens the entire dish and makes the creaminess sing.

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Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup is everything comfort food should be — creamy, savory, and bursting with flavor in every spoonful. With tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and that signature sun-dried tomato-Parmesan cream, it’s the perfect cozy dinner for two… or for anyone who loves a bowl of warmth and indulgence.

Whether you’re cooking to impress, to comfort, or just to enjoy a quiet night in, this soup will deliver all the love your kitchen can hold. ❤️

So grab your pot, light a candle, and let this bowl of creamy goodness work its magic — love really is in the soup.