A Warm Hug in a Bowl (And Maybe a Proposal Too)
Soup season is in full effect, and if there’s one dish you’ll want on repeat, it’s this Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi Soup from @_cookingwithkiana. Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, this bowl gives cozy vibes, comfort food magic, and that “put a ring on it” energy.
Inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken” trend and infused with soul, this version features seared chicken thighs, bacon, spinach, Parmesan, and pillowy gnocchi in a velvety broth that hugs every spoonful. It’s the perfect soup to warm your belly and impress anybody at the table.
Whether you’re cooking for the fam, your boo, or just yourself, this is a one-pot wonder that’ll keep you coming back all fall and winter long.
Ingredients
- 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Bacon, chopped
- Olive oil or butter
- Onion, diced
- Carrots, chopped
- Celery, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 7 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Bundle of fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, etc.)
- Garlic & herb seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season & Sear the Chicken
- Season chicken thighs with garlic herb seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper.
- Set aside. In a large pot, cook chopped bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
- In the same pot with bacon fat, sear the chicken thighs on both sides until golden but not fully cooked through.
- Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot.
- Sauté until soft, then stir in the garlic last to prevent burning.
4. Build the Base
- Stir in tomato paste and let it caramelize for a minute.
- Add flour and stir to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to avoid lumps.
5. Simmer the Soup
- Add the chicken thighs back into the pot along with a bundle of fresh herbs.
- Simmer for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the broth is flavorful.
6. Add Cream, Gnocchi & Spinach
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and set aside.
- Gradually add heavy cream, gnocchi, and spinach to the pot.
- Let the gnocchi cook through and the spinach wilt (about 2–3 minutes).
7. Finish & Serve
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, then return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Serve hot and top with crispy bacon and fresh basil for the ultimate finish.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Don’t skip the tomato paste—caramelizing it deepens the flavor base.
- Use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time; just skip the searing step.
- Homemade gnocchi? Go for it if you’re feeling fancy—but store-bought works perfectly.
- Double the batch—this soup stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
About the Creator
This recipe is by Kiana, the soup queen behind @_cookingwithkiana. Her viral soup series blends cozy comfort with bold flavor, giving you seasonal meals that taste like love in every bite.
Kiana | @_cookingwithkiana