This Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe brings comfort and flavor together in the most delicious way. With a velvety broth, tender chunks of chicken, chewy gnocchi, and a balance of savory, herby notes, it’s a soup that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or warming up on a cool evening, this dish offers rich, creamy satisfaction that feels both indulgent and easy.
The best part? Everything comes together in a single pot, making the process smooth and cleanup minimal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a reason this dish is named “Marry Me.” It delivers big on taste and comfort. With ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and basil pesto, every bite is full of Tuscan-inspired flavor. The soft gnocchi make the soup hearty and filling, while a splash of cream rounds it all out with a luscious finish.
It’s a cozy option for weeknights and just as perfect for dinner guests. Plus, it keeps well, so it’s great for leftovers or meal prep. Easy steps, familiar ingredients, and an impressive result make this recipe a keeper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each item in this recipe plays a role in building depth, texture, and flavor.
Chicken breasts (1 lb, boneless and skinless, cut into chunks)
Provides lean protein and absorbs the flavors of the broth beautifully.
Kosher salt (1½ teaspoons, divided)
Used throughout to enhance flavor at every stage of cooking.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
Adds warmth and a classic Mediterranean note to the dish.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon)
Brings subtle spice and depth.
Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons)
Used for sautéing and flavor-building right from the start.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons)
Melds with the olive oil to add richness to the base.
Sweet onion (1 medium, chopped)
Softens into the broth and provides natural sweetness.
Celery (2 stalks, finely diced)
Adds earthiness and texture balance.
Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup, finely chopped)
These add sweet-tangy contrast and bold flavor.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
Essential for layering aromatic richness into the broth.
Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
Adds umami and deepens the soup’s body.
Low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups)
A light, clean base that gives the soup structure.
Pesto (2 tablespoons)
Infuses basil, garlic, and cheese flavors in one easy step.
Parmesan rind (optional)
Simmering with this adds concentrated cheesy depth.
Potato gnocchi (16 oz)
Soft and satisfying, these soak up the creamy broth for a filling bite.
Heavy cream (½ to 1 cup)
Gives the soup its smooth and creamy texture.
Baby spinach (5 oz)
Adds color, nutrients, and a fresh touch near the end.
Grated Parmesan (½ cup)
Melts into the soup, enhancing its savory, umami-packed finish.
How to Make Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup
You’ll begin by seasoning and browning the chicken to build flavor. Then, the vegetables are cooked until soft and aromatic. After that, you’ll simmer the broth with pesto and Parmesan rind, cook the gnocchi, and finish by stirring in cream, spinach, and cheese. The result is a silky, flavorful soup you’ll want to make again and again.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon salt, oregano, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until golden. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add chopped onion and celery to the pot with the remaining salt. Cook for a few minutes until softened. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste. Mix well and cook for 1 minute to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Simmer the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth. Add pesto and Parmesan rind (if using). Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
Step 5: Return Chicken and Cook Gnocchi
Add the chicken back into the pot along with any juices. Stir in the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 6: Add Cream, Spinach, and Cheese
Reduce heat. Stir in the cream, followed by the baby spinach and grated Parmesan. Let the soup simmer gently until the spinach wilts and cheese has melted into the broth.
Step 7: Final Touches
Taste the soup and adjust with additional salt or pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Helpful Tips
For the most flavor, sear the chicken before adding it to the broth.
Add cream only after lowering the heat to avoid curdling.
Use shelf-stable gnocchi for ease, or substitute with small pasta shapes.
Save and freeze Parmesan rinds—they’re great for soups like this.
Details
Flavor: Rich and creamy with herby, savory undertones
Texture: Smooth broth, tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and wilted greens
Occasion: Ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or cold-weather meals
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Notes and Variations
Swap in rotisserie chicken to save prep time.
Use kale or arugula instead of spinach for a different green.
Coconut cream can be used in place of dairy for a non-dairy version.
Skip the Parmesan if needed, but the soup won’t be as rich in flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 549 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Protein | 29 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 109 mg |
| Sodium | 1267 mg |
| Potassium | 905 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Vitamin A | 3371 IU |
| Vitamin C | 22 mg |
| Calcium | 217 mg |
| Iron | 5 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a soup a “Marry Me” Tuscan chicken soup?
It’s the combination of rich cream, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and Parmesan that creates a luxurious flavor that’s hard to resist—hence the name.
Can Marry Me Tuscan chicken soup be made in one pot?
Yes, it’s a one-pot recipe from start to finish, which means less mess and an easier cleanup.
How do you keep Tuscan chicken soup creamy without curdling?
Make sure to reduce the heat before adding the cream and don’t let the soup boil once the dairy is in.
Is Marry Me Tuscan chicken soup good for meal prep?
It stores well for up to four days in the refrigerator. For freezing, leave out the cream and gnocchi until you’re ready to reheat.
Storage Instructions
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
If freezing, do so before adding the gnocchi and cream for better texture when reheated.
To reheat, warm gently on the stove and finish with gnocchi and cream.
Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe | A Creamy Comfort Classic
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, comforting, and packed with Tuscan flavor, this one-pot chicken soup features gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1½ tsp Kosher salt, divided
1 tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, finely diced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbsp tomato paste
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 Tbsp basil pesto
1 Parmesan rind (optional)
16 oz dried potato gnocchi
½ to 1 cup heavy cream
5 oz baby spinach
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Toss to coat.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a soup pot. Add chicken and sear until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Add onion and celery. Cook until soft, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tomato paste.
4. Pour in broth. Add pesto and Parmesan rind. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
5. Return chicken to pot. Stir in gnocchi. Cook until they float, about 3–5 minutes.
6. Reduce heat. Add cream, spinach, and Parmesan. Stir until spinach wilts and cheese melts.
7. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream and skip Parmesan.
Kale or arugula can replace spinach if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 549
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 1267
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0.2
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 29
- Cholesterol: 109
Conclusion
Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is more than just a meal—it’s comfort, elegance, and ease wrapped into one satisfying pot. With layers of flavor and a creamy, hearty base, it’s bound to become a favorite whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself. Don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. It’s cozy, flavorful, and most of all, memorable.