This Marry Me Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, hearty noodles, and lots of tasty veggies, it’s perfect for cozy nights or when you’re feeling under the weather.
This soup is so good, you might just consider proposing! 😂 I love serving it with some crusty bread for dipping—such a simple pleasure that makes me feel right at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this soup due to their lean meat. If you’re looking for a quicker option, rotisserie chicken can work well—just shred it and add it at the end! It’s a great time-saver.
Olive Oil: I recommend olive oil for its flavor, but you can use vegetable oil or avocado oil if you prefer or if olive oil isn’t on hand. Just keep in mind that the oil you choose can subtly influence the overall taste.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient gives the soup its creamy texture. If you’re looking to cut calories or go dairy-free, you could substitute coconut milk or cashew cream. Both will create a delicious, creamy consistency without the dairy.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a lovely color and nutrients. You can replace it with kale or Swiss chard if you want a more robust green. Just remember that kale will take a bit longer to wilt than spinach.
Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated Parmesan, as it melts beautifully. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is another great choice. Nutritional yeast can also be a good option for a dairy-free twist.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorsome?
Cooking chicken breasts can be tricky, but here are some steps to keep it juicy:
- Season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before cooking. This helps build flavor.
- Don’t rush the browning process; give each side about 5-7 minutes on medium heat to develop a nice golden color.
- Once cooked, always let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before shredding it. This allows the juices to redistribute.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Noodle Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup uncooked egg noodles
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Marry Me Chicken Noodle Soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a bit of time sautéing, simmering, and combining all the flavors into a comforting bowl of soup. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent and soft. Now, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. This will create a tasty base for your soup!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Next, place the chicken breasts in the pot. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it is nicely browned. You want that savory flavor to develop, so don’t rush this step!
3. Simmer with Broth:
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through. This will infuse the broth with all the delicious flavors.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then, return the shredded chicken back into the pot. It’s starting to look good, right?
5. Add Cream and Noodles:
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup back to a simmer. Next, add the uncooked egg noodles and cook them according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. The soup will become rich and hearty as it cooks!
6. Stir in the Spinach:
In the last few minutes of cooking, add in the chopped spinach and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything until the spinach gets wilted and brightens the soup with some freshness.
7. Final Touches:
Remove the pot from heat, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if you feel it needs a little more salt or pepper. You’re almost ready to serve!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy your homemade Marry Me Chicken Noodle Soup—it’s perfect for warming your heart and filling your belly!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it first. The best way to do this is by leaving it in the fridge overnight. For a quicker option, you can place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 1-2 hours. Once thawed, pat the chicken dry before cooking to reduce excess moisture.
What if I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, or use whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour to thicken it up. If you want a dairy-free alternative, try coconut cream or cashew cream for a creamy texture and rich flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to freeze it, be aware that the noodles may become mushy upon thawing. A great tip is to cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup when reheating!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Soup?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with vegetables. Carrots, celery, or peas would be excellent additions. Just chop them up and add them along with the onions in step 1. Ensure they cook until tender before moving on to the next steps!
