There’s something magical about a bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug, and my Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup recipe does just that. It’s the kind of dish that makes you stop and savor every spoonful—creamy, rich, and packed with hearty flavors. Inspired by the rustic charm of Tuscan cuisine, this soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a touch of cream for a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing someone special, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, one bite and you’ll understand why it’s called “Marry Me” soup!
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
This soup is pure comfort in a bowl, and here’s why you’ll be obsessed:
- Rich, cozy flavor: The blend of garlic, herbs, and creamy broth makes every spoonful irresistible.
- Easy to whip up: Just 45 minutes from chopping to serving—perfect for busy nights.
- Comfort food magic: Hearty chicken and fresh spinach make it satisfying without feeling heavy.
- Versatile: Easy to tweak with what you’ve got (yes, frozen spinach works in a pinch!).
Seriously, it’s the kind of soup that’ll have everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe.
Ingredients for Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Gather these simple ingredients—you probably have most of them already! The magic is in how they come together, so don’t skip anything. I’ve included a few swap ideas too, because life happens.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing—extra virgin gives the best flavor, but regular works fine.
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced: Thighs work too if you prefer darker meat (just trim excess fat).
- 1 onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion, nothing fancy. Dice it small so it melts into the broth.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh is key here—jarred just won’t give the same punch.
- 2 carrots, sliced: Peel them first! About ¼-inch thick so they cook evenly.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Leaves and all—they add extra herby notes.
- 1 tsp dried thyme + 1 tsp dried rosemary: Rub them between your fingers before adding to wake up the oils. Fresh? Use 1 tbsp each.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Juice and all—it adds body. Fire-roasted tomatoes are my sneaky upgrade.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Low-sodium lets you control the salt. Homemade? Even better!
- 1 cup heavy cream: For that luxurious silkiness. Coconut milk works for dairy-free (shake the can first!).
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Packed—it wilts down to nothing. Frozen? Thaw and squeeze dry first.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season as you go, especially at the end.
See? Nothing crazy. Now let’s turn this into the coziest soup ever.
How to Make Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
This soup comes together in a few simple steps, and I’ll walk you through each one. Don’t worry—it’s easy, and the results are totally worth it.
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pot!) and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside—this step adds so much flavor!
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This builds the flavor base, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Stir in the thyme, rosemary, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This lets all those flavors meld into something magical.
Step 4: Finish with Cream and Spinach
Add the heavy cream and cooked chicken back to the pot. Simmer for another 5 minutes, then toss in the spinach. Cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and you’re done!
Tips for the Best Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
After making this soup dozens of times (and tweaking it endlessly!), here are my secret weapons for getting it perfect every single time:
- Brown that chicken like you mean it: Don’t rush the searing step—those golden bits at the bottom of the pot equal flavor gold. Remove the chicken before it’s fully cooked though, since it’ll finish in the broth.
- Fresh herbs make all the difference: If you’ve got fresh thyme and rosemary growing, use them! Three times the dried amount (so 1 tbsp each) and add them at the end with the spinach.
- Low and slow simmer: Once everything’s bubbling, turn that heat way down. A gentle simmer lets the flavors marry without reducing the broth too much.
- Cream last rule: Always add the heavy cream at the very end. Boiling can make it separate (trust me, I learned this the hard way!).
- Spinach timing: Toss it in just before serving—it wilts almost instantly. Leftovers? Store without spinach and add fresh handfuls when reheating.
Follow these, and you’ll have soup that tastes like it simmered all day—even when you’re short on time!
Variations for Your Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
One of my favorite things about this soup? It’s like a blank canvas—so easy to tweak based on what’s in your fridge or what you’re craving. Here are my go-to twists when I want to mix things up:
- Leafy greens galore: Swap spinach for chopped kale (sturdier, so add it with the broth to soften) or Swiss chard. Even a handful of arugula tossed in at the end adds a peppery kick!
- Beans for heartiness: Stir in a can of drained white beans (cannellini or great Northern) with the broth. They add creaminess and protein—perfect for stretching servings.
- Spice it up: Love heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or top bowls with a drizzle of chili oil. My husband swears by this version.
Got leftovers? Toss in cooked pasta or rice to make it even more filling—just add extra broth if it thickens up too much. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
This soup is practically a meal on its own, but I love pairing it with a few simple sides to make it even more special. Here’s how I serve it when I really want to impress—or just treat myself to the ultimate cozy night in:
- Crusty bread is a must: A warm baguette or slice of sourdough is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy broth. Bonus points if you toast it with a little garlic butter!
- Simple green salad: Something light and fresh balances the soup’s richness. My go-to is mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette—it cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
- Parmesan on everything: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan right before serving adds salty, nutty depth. (And yes, I’ve been known to add extra at the table too.)
For a heartier meal, add a side of roasted vegetables—I’m partial to garlicky roasted Brussels sprouts or zucchini. But honestly? A big bowl of this soup with some good bread is all you really need for pure comfort.
Storing and Reheating Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
Okay, let’s talk leftovers—though honestly, there usually aren’t many with this soup in my house! But when you do have some (or if you’re smart like me and double the batch), here’s how to keep it tasting just as amazing tomorrow as it does today.
Airtight is key: Transfer cooled soup to containers with tight-fitting lids. Glass works best (those pasta sauce jars you’ve been saving? Perfect!), but BPA-free plastic is fine too. Leave about an inch of space at the top since the liquid expands as it chills.
Fridge facts: It’ll keep beautifully for 3 days—any longer and the cream starts to separate. Pro tip: If you know you won’t finish it all, store some without spinach and add fresh leaves when reheating so they don’t get soggy.
Reheating gently: Low and slow is the name of the game here to prevent curdling. I microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, or warm it on the stove over medium-low heat. If it looks a little thick, splash in some broth or water to loosen it up.
Freezer? Not ideal: Cream-based soups can get grainy when frozen and thawed. If you must freeze it, leave out the cream and stir it in fresh when reheating. Even then, the texture won’t be quite the same—better to enjoy it fresh if you can!
Nutritional Information for Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
Let’s talk numbers—because let’s be honest, we all want to know what’s going into our bodies, even when we’re indulging in comfort food. Here’s the scoop on what’s in each cozy bowl of this Tuscan chicken soup (and yes, I’ve done the math so you don’t have to!).
Important note: Nutrition can vary based on the brands you use (like full-fat vs. light cream or low-sodium broth), so take this as a general guide. These numbers are per generous serving—about 1¼ cups:
- Calories: Around 350 (perfect for a satisfying meal!)
- Protein: 25g (thanks to all that hearty chicken)
- Fat: 20g (mostly the good-for-you kind from olive oil and cream)
- Carbs: 15g (with 3g fiber from all those veggies)
- Sugar: 6g (natural sugars from carrots and tomatoes)
What I love? This soup packs serious flavor without loading up on empty calories. The protein keeps you full, the veggies give you nutrients, and that creamy broth? Pure happiness in liquid form. Now pass me another bowl!
FAQs About Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
I get questions about this soup ALL the time—here are the answers to everything you might wonder before making it (including some mistakes I’ve made so you don’t have to!).
Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely! Just thaw it completely first and squeeze out all that excess water (a clean kitchen towel works great). Add it at the same time as fresh spinach—it’ll warm through instantly.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Easy swap! Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream—it gives that same luxurious texture. Just shake the can well before opening. Bonus: it adds a subtle tropical note that’s surprisingly delicious with the Tuscan flavors.
My soup looks thin—did I mess up?
No worries! Soups thicken as they cool. If it’s still too thin after simmering, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir it in while bubbling gently for 1-2 minutes. But honestly? I love it brothy—perfect for dunking bread!
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You bet! Brown the chicken and veggies first (don’t skip this—it builds flavor!), then dump everything except cream and spinach into the cooker. Low for 6 hours or high for 3. Stir in cream and spinach right before serving.
Why “Marry Me” soup?
Haha! Because it’s so darn good, someone might propose after one bite. True story: my neighbor’s son made this for his girlfriend on their third date. They’re married now. Coincidence? I think not.
Try this recipe tonight and tag me with your results—I live for your soup pics! #MarryMeSoup
PrintIrresistible 45-Minute Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
A hearty and flavorful soup inspired by Tuscan cuisine, perfect for a comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add thyme, rosemary, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and cooked chicken. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for enhanced flavor.
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg