Description
Creamy “marry me chicken soup” whispers romance from Italian kitchens with rich sun-dried tomato and herb elegance. Hearty comfort beckons warmth to your soul, promising culinary passion in each comforting spoonful you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Dairy and Cream-Based Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Vegetables, Herbs, and Seasonings:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, julienned
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Warm olive oil and butter in a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature, creating a flavorful base for the Tuscan-inspired soup.
- Introduce cubed chicken pieces into the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sear until edges turn golden brown, developing rich caramelized flavors. Transfer chicken to a separate plate, preserving its perfectly seared exterior.
- Within the same cooking vessel, soften diced onions until translucent and fragrant. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, allowing aromatics to bloom and release their intricate essence.
- Deglaze the pot with chicken broth, carefully scraping accumulated flavor-packed browned bits from the bottom. This process ensures maximum depth and complexity in the soup’s foundation.
- Incorporate heavy cream, sundried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious and creamy texture. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, melding ingredients into a harmonious blend.
- Reintroduce the seared chicken into the developing soup. Sprinkle Italian seasoning throughout, enhancing the overall Mediterranean profile. Maintain a gentle simmer to ensure chicken cooks thoroughly and absorbs surrounding flavors.
- Delicately fold baby spinach into the soup, allowing leaves to wilt and integrate seamlessly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to achieve perfect balance.
- Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or basil. Accompany with crusty artisan bread or serve atop fluffy rice for a complete, comforting meal.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for mild or spicy preferences.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for lighter, dairy-free alternatives that maintain creamy texture.
- Enhance protein content by adding white beans or quinoa for vegetarian protein boost.
- Consider using rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation without compromising rich flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 548
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 43g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 134mg