Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, cozy slow cooker soup filled with tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, herbs, and a rich tomato-cream broth.
This recipe takes the beloved flavors of “Marry Me Chicken” and turns them into a warm, comforting soup. The sun-dried tomatoes bring deep savory sweetness, the cream makes the broth velvety, and the gnocchi adds a soft, pillowy texture.
It is hearty enough for dinner, elegant enough for guests, and comforting enough to feel like a warm bowl of love.
Why People Will Love Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
It is creamy, rich, and deeply comforting.
The slow cooker makes the recipe easy and mostly hands-off.
Chicken becomes tender and easy to shred.
Gnocchi adds a soft, pillowy texture that makes the soup feel hearty.
Sun-dried tomatoes bring bold, savory, slightly sweet flavor.
Garlic, basil, and Italian seasoning make the broth aromatic.
Tomato paste gives the soup deeper color and richness.
Heavy cream creates a smooth, luxurious texture.
Spinach adds color, freshness, and balance.
Crushed red pepper gives gentle warmth without overpowering the soup.
It feels like a restaurant-style soup made at home.
It is perfect for cold nights, family dinners, or cozy weekend meals.
Key Ingredients
Chicken Breast or Boneless Chicken Thighs:
Chicken gives the soup its hearty protein base. Breasts keep it lighter, while thighs make the soup richer and more tender.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Sun-dried tomatoes add concentrated tomato flavor, savory sweetness, and the signature “Marry Me Chicken” taste.
Olive Oil or Sun-Dried Tomato Oil:
Using oil from the tomato jar gives the soup even more flavor and helps build a rich base.
Yellow Onion and Garlic:
These aromatics create warmth, depth, and a savory foundation for the creamy broth.
Tomato Paste:
Tomato paste deepens the broth and gives the soup a richer, more developed flavor.
Chicken Bone Broth:
Bone broth adds body and savory depth. Bouillon with water also works for a convenient option.
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half:
Cream gives the soup its velvety texture. Half-and-half makes it lighter but still creamy.
Gnocchi:
Gnocchi turns the soup into a filling meal. It cooks directly in the broth and becomes soft and tender.
Spinach:
Spinach adds freshness, color, and a gentle earthy flavor that balances the cream.
Italian Seasoning, Basil, Garlic Powder, and Crushed Red Pepper:
These seasonings create the warm Italian-style flavor that makes the soup cozy and memorable.
Expert Tips
Sauté the onion, garlic, and tomato paste first for deeper flavor.
Scrape the skillet well after adding broth to capture all the browned bits.
Use sun-dried tomato oil instead of plain olive oil for extra richness.
Cut very large chicken breasts in half so they cook evenly.
Use chicken thighs for a more tender, juicy result.
Add gnocchi near the end so it does not become too soft.
Stir in fresh spinach at the very end so it stays bright and tender.
Use frozen spinach if you want a stronger, more cooked-in flavor.
Taste before adding extra salt because broth, bouillon, and sun-dried tomatoes can be salty.
Add more broth if the soup becomes too thick after the gnocchi cooks.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Serve immediately after adding gnocchi for the best texture.
Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil, or oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups chicken bone broth, or chicken bouillon mixed with water
1 to 2 pounds chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs
1 1/2 cups heavy cream, or half-and-half
2 teaspoons dried basil, or 4 teaspoons fresh basil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, plus extra for garnish
1 package gnocchi
1 cup frozen spinach, or 3 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Add the tomato paste and 1 cup of chicken broth to the skillet.
Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Let the mixture cook for about 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Transfer the onion and tomato paste mixture to the slow cooker.
Add the chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, remaining chicken broth, heavy cream, dried basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper.
Stir everything together until well combined.
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Add the gnocchi and frozen spinach to the slow cooker.
Cover again and cook on high for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender.
For fresh spinach, stir it in at the very end so it wilts gently.
Remove the chicken from the soup and shred it with two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Stir the soup well, then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve hot, with extra crushed red pepper or herbs on top if desired.
Important Notes When Making Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Gnocchi continues to absorb liquid as the soup sits.
The soup may thicken after cooling or refrigerating.
Add extra broth or milk when reheating leftovers.
Heavy cream gives the richest texture, while half-and-half creates a lighter broth.
Do not add gnocchi at the beginning of slow cooking, or it may become mushy.
Fresh spinach only needs a short time to wilt.
Frozen spinach should be added earlier with the gnocchi.
Crushed red pepper can be increased for more heat.
This soup is best served hot and fresh.
Leftovers should be reheated gently to keep the cream smooth.
How to Enjoy Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup After Cooking
After the chicken is shredded and returned to the slow cooker, stir the soup well so the creamy broth, tender chicken, gnocchi, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes are evenly combined.
Serve the soup hot in deep bowls. Add extra crushed red pepper, chopped basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for more flavor.
This soup pairs beautifully with garlic bread, crusty Italian bread, toasted sourdough, focaccia, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
For the best bite, make sure each spoonful has a little chicken, gnocchi, spinach, and creamy tomato broth. The texture should be rich and smooth, with soft gnocchi and tender shredded chicken.
If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth, milk, or cream to loosen the soup because the gnocchi will absorb liquid as it rests.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 6 servings:
Calories: 605 kcal | Total Fat: 31 g | Saturated Fat: 16 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.5 g | Cholesterol: 145 mg | Sodium: 980–1,750 mg depending on broth, bouillon, kosher salt, sun-dried tomatoes, gnocchi, and added seasoning | Total Carbohydrates: 40 g | Dietary Fiber: 4 g | Sugars: 8 g | Protein: 38 g
Additional estimate:
Calcium: 180–320 mg | Potassium: 750–1,100 mg | Iron: 3–5 mg | Vitamin A: 3,500–7,000 IU | Vitamin C: 18–35 mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
It is a creamy chicken soup inspired by Marry Me Chicken, made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, cream, spinach, and soft potato gnocchi.
What does this soup taste like?
It tastes creamy, savory, slightly tangy, herb-filled, and rich, with deep tomato flavor and tender chicken.
Is this soup spicy?
It has only mild heat from crushed red pepper. You can add more for a spicier version or leave it out for a gentler flavor.
What should I serve with this soup?
Serve it with garlic bread, crusty bread, focaccia, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes, but the gnocchi will absorb liquid as it sits. Add extra broth or milk when reheating.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes. Boneless chicken thighs work very well and usually make the soup richer and more tender.
Can I add the gnocchi at the beginning?
No. Add the gnocchi near the end so it stays soft and pillowy instead of becoming mushy.
Can I make this soup lighter?
Yes. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and use chicken breast instead of thighs.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen spinach?
Yes. Stir fresh spinach in at the very end so it wilts gently without overcooking.
How do I fix the soup if it becomes too thick?
Add more chicken broth, milk, or a little cream until the soup reaches your preferred consistency.