Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor. Combining tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, hearty pasta, and fresh spinach in a velvety broth, this soup gets a flavor boost from sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, and herbs. Perfect for chilly nights or whenever you need a cozy, filling dish that still feels special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is the ultimate comfort food with a luxurious texture and bold, balanced flavors. The sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and parmesan deliver an Italian-inspired taste, while the cream cheese adds depth and creaminess. With a mix of gnocchi, pasta, and chicken, each bite is satisfying and hearty—ideal for feeding a hungry crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• olive oil

• yellow onion

• sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)

• garlic

• tomato paste

• fresh basil

• Italian seasoning

• red pepper flakes

• salt

• black pepper

• chicken breasts

• chicken broth

• cream cheese

• whole milk

• red vinegar

• parmesan cheese

• gnocchi

• small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)

• fresh spinach

• more fresh basil and parmesan (for topping)

Directions

1. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.

3. Roughly chop sun-dried tomatoes and add to the pot with 2 tablespoons of their oil. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.

4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

5. Stir in tomato paste, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

6. Place uncooked chicken breasts on top of the sautéed mixture, then pour in the chicken broth.

7. Bring to a boil and cook the chicken for about 12 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

8. Remove chicken and set aside to cool slightly.

9. Add chunks of softened cream cheese, whole milk, vinegar, and grated parmesan to the soup.

10. Whisk the mixture until the cream cheese is melted and the broth is smooth. Simmer for a few minutes.

11. Shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.

12. Return chicken to the pot. Add gnocchi and pasta.

13. Bring the soup to a boil again, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring frequently.

14. Add in fresh spinach and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

15. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh basil and parmesan cheese.

Servings and timing

Yield: 12 (1-cup) servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Low-Carb Version: Omit the pasta and use cauliflower gnocchi or extra spinach.

• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and omit chicken, replacing it with white beans or mushrooms.

• Spicy Twist: Increase red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.

• Herb Swap: Try oregano or thyme in place of basil for a different herbaceous note.

• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded mozzarella or fontina for a cheesier finish.

• Slow Cooker Friendly: Sauté onions, tomatoes, and garlic, then add all ingredients (except dairy, pasta, and spinach) to a slow cooker. Cook on low 6 hours, then stir in remaining ingredients to finish.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The gnocchi and pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so the soup will thicken slightly.

Freezer: For best texture, freeze the base of the soup (before adding pasta or gnocchi), then add fresh when reheating. Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk if it’s too thick. Microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Why is it called “Marry Me” Chicken?

The rich flavor and creamy texture of the original Marry Me Chicken recipe earned its name because it’s “so good, it could get you a marriage proposal.” This soup brings the same flavor profile in cozy, comforting soup form.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great—just skip the cooking step and add the shredded chicken after the broth and cream cheese mixture is ready.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the soup in place of fresh spinach.

What type of gnocchi should I use?

Shelf-stable, refrigerated, or homemade potato gnocchi all work well. Just avoid frozen gnocchi that may fall apart in soup.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese, milk, and parmesan alternatives. Coconut milk can also substitute for creaminess.

What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

Small shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or orzo are ideal. They cook quickly and fit well with the soup’s texture.

Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It stores well and reheats nicely, making it great for weekly lunches or dinners.

Can I use other proteins?

Yes.  turkey can be used instead of chicken, or try plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.

How can I make the soup thicker?

Let it simmer longer after adding the gnocchi and pasta, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) for a thicker broth.

Can I cook the pasta separately?

Yes, especially if planning to freeze leftovers. This helps maintain the texture of the pasta when reheated.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup is everything you want in a cozy, satisfying meal—rich, creamy, full of texture, and packed with bold flavors. It’s a crowd-pleasing soup that feels indulgent yet balanced with protein, greens, and warming spices. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping meals for the week, or looking for a comforting bowl to enjoy on a cold day, this recipe is a keeper.

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