There I was, shivering in the kitchen as the chill of winter settled in, searching for a way to chase away the cold. That’s when I stumbled upon the soul-warming delight of Homemade Marry Me Chicken Soup with Spinach. This creamy concoction is not just a meal; it’s comfort in a bowl. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a rich, velvety texture, it’s the perfect solution for chilly days and impressively easy to whip up! What’s more, this soup is a great way to sneak in those healthy greens without compromising on flavor. Whether you’re looking to impress a loved one or simply seeking a cozy hug in soup form, this recipe is bound to satisfy. Ready to fill your kitchen with warmth and deliciousness? Let’s dive into making this delightful soup!

Why is this chicken soup irresistible?

Warmth, Comfort, and Flavor: This Homemade Marry Me Chicken Soup with Spinach embraces you with every spoonful, making it ideal for chilly nights.

Healthy Twist: Packed with tender chicken and nutrient-rich spinach, it’s the perfect excuse to indulge in a creamy soup while staying on track with your health goals.

Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe won’t keep you in the kitchen for long—perfect for busy weeknights!

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Impress your family or guests effortlessly; who wouldn’t love a bowl of this heartwarming goodness? Consider pairing it with a side of Homemade Green Bean Casserole for a fabulous meal!

Unique Variations: Customize it! Substitute chicken breasts for thighs or swap in fresh herbs and different pasta shapes to suit your taste.

Dive into this uplifting dish today and warm your heart and home!

Homemade Marry Me Chicken Soup Ingredients

For the Base

Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
Onion – Provides aromatic base flavor.
Carrot – Adds sweetness and color.
Celery – Contributes crunch and depth of flavor.
Garlic – Enhances the overall savory taste.
Sundried Tomatoes – Adds intense umami flavor; consider substituting with fresh tomatoes if desired.
Red Pepper Flakes – Provide a hint of heat; adjust based on preference.
Bay Leaf – Imparts aromatic flavor; remember to remove before serving.

For the Soup

Ditalini Pasta – Essential for texture; add it in the last cooking stages to keep it al dente.
Chicken Broth – Serves as the soup’s flavorful base; can use low-sodium variety.
Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese – Provides creaminess without excessive fat; can substitute with full-fat if preferred.
Half and Half – Enhances creaminess; for lighter options, use whole milk or almond milk.
Cooked Rotisserie Chicken – Saves time and adds flavor; substitute with leftover chicken if necessary.
Parmesan Cheese – Offers a salty, nutty depth; reserve some for garnishing.

For the Greens

Baby Spinach or Kale – Adds nutrition; can use other greens like Swiss chard to elevate your Homemade Marry Me Chicken Soup.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Homemade Marry Me Chicken Soup with Spinach

Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, it’s ready for the next step. The oil will begin to smell aromatic, creating a welcoming base for your Homemade Marry Me Chicken Soup with Spinach.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add 1 diced onion, 1 diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This colorful mixture starts the flavor profile of your soup, making it hearty and aromatic.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Flavors
Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and allow them to cook for an additional minute. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned. Next, incorporate ½ cup of sundried tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the veggies. Sauté for one more minute to release the flavors fully.

Step 4: Introduce Key Ingredients
Add 1 bay leaf, 1 cup of ditalini pasta, and 6 cups of chicken broth to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, ensuring the ingredients meld together beautifully as the pasta begins to soften.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Allow the soup to simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is almost tender. The ditalini should still have a slight bite to it, which is essential for the perfect texture in your Homemade Marry Me Chicken Soup with Spinach.

Step 6: Add Creaminess
Lower the heat and stir in 8 ounces of reduced-fat cream cheese along with 1 cup of half and half. Mix well until the cream cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth and slightly thickened. This step is crucial for achieving the rich, creamy foundation of the soup.

Step 7: Incorporate Chicken and Greens
Now it’s time to stir in 2 cups of shredded cooked rotisserie chicken and a generous handful of baby spinach. Cover the pot for a few minutes, allowing the heat to wilt the greens and warm the chicken. You’ll see the vibrant spinach transforming the soup’s color and nutrition.

Step 8: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before ladling the rich, creamy Homemade Marry Me Chicken Soup with Spinach into bowls. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese to elevate the flavors just before serving hot.

Variations & Substitutions for Homemade Marry Me Chicken Soup with Spinach

Feel free to let your culinary creativity shine as you explore these delightful twists on this delectable soup!

Darker Meat: Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a richer, juicier flavor, adding more depth to your soup. The thighs not only provide a more robust taste but also remain tender and succulent.
Fresh Herbs: Toss in fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a bright, aromatic lift. Just a handful can elevate the flavors and make your soup feel even more vibrant and inviting.
Pasta Shape: Replace ditalini with any small pasta shape, such as orzo or macaroni, to customize the texture. This simple switch can change the whole mouthfeel of the dish, creating a fun twist!
Creamy Spin: For a truly indulgent experience, use full-fat cream cheese or a blend of cream cheese and heavy cream for a silkier finish. It adds an extra layer of richness that’s hard to resist.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for plant-based protein like chickpeas or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead to make a comforting vegetarian version. You’ll still capture that cozy essence while keeping it meat-free.
Heat It Up: Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier kick, or include diced jalapeños for an exciting burst of flavor. A little heat can transform this comforting classic into something excitingly fiery!
Additional Greens: Incorporate other greens like Swiss chard or arugula for a varied flavor profile. They bring different textures and nutrients, making it a nutrient-packed bowl of delight.
Zesty Finish: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the soup just before serving. This brightens all the flavors and adds an enjoyable zing that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture.

Enjoy this warm and nourishing experience, and don’t forget to check out our Pretzel Chicken Mustard for a savory roast that’ll complement your soup heartily, or try the Street Corn Chicken for an exciting dish to serve alongside. Your kitchen is your canvas—let these variations inspire your own family favorites!

Make Ahead Options

These Homemade Marry Me Chicken Soup with Spinach options are perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to prep in advance and enjoy delicious warmth with minimal effort! You can chop your vegetables (onion, carrot, celery, and garlic) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Additionally, you can prepare the soup base, excluding the pasta and cream ingredients, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup on the stove until warm, then add the pre-cooked ditalini pasta and cream to maintain that creamy texture and flavor. This way, you will savor a comforting meal just as delicious as when freshly made!

Storage Tips for Homemade Marry Me Chicken Soup with Spinach

Fridge: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore desired consistency.

Freezer: Freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Note that the texture may alter slightly upon thawing, but it will still be delicious!

Reheating: To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat. If the soup has thickened, stir in a little chicken broth to loosen it up for a creamy consistency.

Storage Tip: Make sure to store your Homemade Marry Me Chicken Soup with Spinach properly to maintain its rich flavor and creamy texture.

Expert Tips for Homemade Marry Me Chicken Soup

Perfect Pasta Timing: Add the ditalini pasta only during the last 10-12 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain that delicious al dente texture in your Homemade Marry Me Chicken Soup with Spinach.
Smooth Creaminess: Introduce cream cheese at a gentle simmer instead of boiling; this prevents curdling and ensures a silky, rich consistency in your soup.
Season Gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper towards the end; this allows you to avoid over-salting and keeps each bite balanced and flavorful.
Greens Go Last: Add spinach in handfuls for better wilting control; this step helps maintain vibrant color and nutrients in your Homemade Marry Me Chicken Soup.
Storage Savvy: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; when reheating, add a bit of chicken broth to restore texture, as the soup thickens over time.

What to Serve with Homemade Marry Me Chicken Soup with Spinach

Warm, comforting, and flavorful, this creamy soup opens a world of delightful pairings to create a complete cozy meal.

Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping, a slice of warm sourdough or Italian loaf captures every drop of the rich goodness in your soup.
Fresh Garden Salad: A light, crunchy salad adds freshness and balances the creamy texture, while a zesty vinaigrette brightens the dish.
Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery garlic breadsticks invite you to savor each bite, adding a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
Cheesy Flatbreads: With their gooey cheese and crispy edges, these flatbreads provide a satisfying texture that complements the velvety soup perfectly.
Parmesan Crisps: A sprinkle of homemade or store-bought Parmesan crisps introduces a crunchy element and an additional layer of flavor to every bowl.
Moscato Wine: This lightly sparkling wine’s sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory soup, enhancing every rich mouthful and rounding out the meal.

Create a heartwarming dining experience with these mouthwatering accompaniments!

Homemade Marry Me Chicken Soup with Spinach Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken should I use for this soup?
I recommend using cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience and fantastic flavor. However, if you have leftover chicken from another meal, feel free to shred that instead! Bone-in pieces, like thighs, can offer richer taste, just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the soup.

How should I select fresh spinach for the soup?
When choosing spinach, look for vibrant, bright green leaves free of dark spots or wilting. Baby spinach is particularly tender and quick to wilt, making it ideal for this recipe. If you’re considering alternatives, kale or Swiss chard can bring similar benefits while adding a different flavor profile.

How should I store the leftovers of Homemade Marry Me Chicken Soup?
You can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This allows you to enjoy it again without sacrificing quality! Just reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth as needed to restore its creamy texture.

Can I freeze the Homemade Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Absolutely! You can freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

What if the soup thickens too much when stored?
It’s common for soups to thicken as they cool because of the starches from the pasta. To fix this, simply stir in a little more chicken broth or water while reheating until you reach your desired consistency. This will help restore that lovely creamy texture we all adore!

Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! To make a gluten-free version, simply swap the ditalini pasta for a gluten-free pasta alternative. There are excellent options available that cook up beautifully and maintain a satisfying texture in your Homemade Marry Me Chicken Soup with Spinach!