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Cozy Date Night Marry Me

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This dish brings together tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs in a creamy soup that's both comforting and elegant. Hearty yet refined, it's a perfect centerpiece for a cozy date night or special evening at home. Fragrant basil and Parmesan blend with a luscious broth for irresistible flavor. Pair it with crusty bread or serve over rice, and garnish with fresh herbs for an extra touch. Gentle, simple steps and accessible ingredients yield a warming, memorable meal, ideal for sharing with someone special.

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Updated on Sat, 20 Sep 2025 14:50:36 GMT
Cozy Date Night Marry Me Chicken Soup in a creamy bowl, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan. Pin
Cozy Date Night Marry Me Chicken Soup in a creamy bowl, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan. | grillandbites.com

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well. They may add richer flavor and remain tender.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk can be used for a dairy-free version, though it adds a subtle coconut note.

→ Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure Parmesan cheese is certified gluten-free if needed.

→ How can I make this soup spicier?

Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to intensify the heat.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently before serving.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or spooned over cooked rice for a heartier meal.

Cozy Date Night Marry Me

Creamy chicken soup with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and basil. Cozy, flavorful, and perfect for a special night.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
35 min
Overall duration
55 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements No gluten

Components

Proteins

01 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables

01 1 medium yellow onion, diced
02 3 garlic cloves, minced
03 2 medium carrots, sliced
04 2 celery stalks, sliced

Flavorings & Pantry

01 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
02 1 teaspoon dried oregano
03 1 teaspoon dried thyme
04 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
05 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Liquids

01 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
02 1 cup heavy cream

Cheese & Herbs

01 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
02 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish

Oils & Fats

01 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Phase 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Phase 02

Incorporate Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 03

Sear Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the pot and sear for 2 minutes on each side to develop flavor; chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.

Phase 04

Build Flavor Base: Add sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, optional crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir to evenly coat the vegetables and chicken with seasonings.

Phase 05

Simmer Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Phase 06

Shred and Return Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring to combine.

Phase 07

Finish with Cream and Cheese: Add the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring continuously until the soup becomes creamy and well blended.

Phase 08

Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as desired.

Phase 09

Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with extra fresh basil and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.

Tools needed

  • Large soup pot
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare providers if you're uncertain about any components.
  • Contains dairy from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
  • Contains celery.
  • Verify that broth and cheese are gluten-free when gluten is a concern.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 420
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Protein: 34 g