When you’re craving a cozy bowl of comfort, nothing beats a rich and creamy soup that warms both your heart and soul. Marry Me Chicken Soup is a delightful concoction of flavors that perfectly blends ingredients like hearty chicken, tender pasta, and fresh vegetables, topped off with creamy goodness. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a feeling—a dish that may just inspire a special someone to pop the question!
Why We Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
This soup is not only incredibly easy to prepare, but it also packs a flavorful punch that keeps you coming back for more. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy cheese will make your taste buds dance. Imagine the laughter and warmth shared over a bowl of this soup, making it the highlight of any weeknight dinner or cozy gathering. Packed with ingredients that thrive together, each spoonful is a reminder of why comfort food is truly special.
Ingredients about Marry Me Chicken Soup
- ½ cup drained julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil with herbs)
- 1 tablespoon oil from the sun-dried tomato jar, divided
- 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
- 4 medium garlic cloves, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 (32-ounce) packages chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 teaspoons chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish, optional)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (plus more for garnish)
- 8 ounces uncooked medium shell pasta
- 3 cups roughly chopped fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed (at room temperature)
- 1 ½ ounces Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (plus more for garnish)
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Directions
To kick off your culinary adventure, begin by clearing your counter and gathering all your ingredients. This ensures a smooth cooking experience. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Wait until the oil shimmers like a glistening lake before adding the chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir often, allowing these vegetables to cook for about 3-4 minutes; you want the onions to soften and become translucent—a sign that they’re ready for the next step.
Now, it’s time to bring in the stars of the flavor show: add the tomato paste and those flavorful, drained sun-dried tomatoes to your pot. Give this mixture a couple of minutes to cook—it’s crucial to deepen the flavors of the tomato paste. This step is like a warm hug for your taste buds.
Next, pour in the liquid gold: chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the chopped fresh basil, kosher salt, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and the touch of heat from crushed red pepper. Increase the heat and let everything come to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally for about 12 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Once your soup is bubbling with excitement, introduce the uncooked medium shell pasta to the mix. Reduce the heat to medium-low and keep stirring frequently. You’ll want to cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which usually takes around 12 minutes. This is where the magic happens—watch as the pasta absorbs those delicious flavors.
Lower the heat once more and gently stir in the chopped spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cubed cream cheese, and finely shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir frequently for about 5 more minutes until the cream cheese and Parmesan have melted, creating a luscious, creamy base that envelops the chicken and veggies. Make sure everything is evenly distributed and well-combined before serving.
Once everything is ready, ladle the soup into cozy bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little extra kick, and enjoy every comforting spoonful of your Marry Me Chicken Soup.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup
Serving Marry Me Chicken Soup is as simple as it is delightful. First, ladle generous portions into warm soup bowls. This soup is rich and hearty, making it a perfect standalone dish, but you can enhance the experience even further. You might consider pairing it with crispy garlic bread or a fresh side salad for a well-rounded meal.
For a special touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh basil and a handful of extra Parmesan cheese on top for that inviting appearance. This small gesture not only elevates the look of your soup but also adds an inviting aroma that will whet everyone’s appetite. Make sure to provide spoons that allow your guests to savor every last drop of this delicious creation.
Expert Tips: Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Cook the pasta separately: To avoid your pasta becoming mushy, consider cooking it separately and then adding it to the soup just before serving. This keeps everything at its best texture.
- Make it ahead: Soups often taste better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. You can prepare Marry Me Chicken Soup in advance and reheat it; this is perfect for meal prepping.
- Adjust spice levels: If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to reduce the amount of crushed red pepper or omit it entirely for a milder version.
- Fresh ingredients matter: Utilize fresh basil and fresh spinach whenever possible, as these will greatly enhance the flavor profile of your soup.
- Creaminess dilemma: If you find that the soup is not as creamy as you’d like, stir in a bit more cream cheese when reheating.
How to Store Marry Me Chicken Soup
Storing your Marry Me Chicken Soup is easy! Let it cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes before transferring it into airtight containers. If you plan to eat it within a few days, the soup can be stored in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for about 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing it! Transfer the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container because the soup will expand as it freezes. The soup can be frozen for up to three months. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it on the stove for a quick meal.
Variation of Marry Me Chicken Soup
Feel free to mix things up with your Marry Me Chicken Soup! Here are some variations you can consider:
- Vegetable Twist: Add more vegetables such as carrots, celery, or zucchini. This not only adds color but also boosts the nutrient content.
- Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for an extra spicy version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the medium shell pasta with a gluten-free pasta. This will help accommodate those with dietary restrictions while still enjoying the delicious soup.
- Creamy Alternatives: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option that still provides creaminess and richness.
- Protein Swaps: Instead of rotisserie chicken, you can use cooked shrimp or even tofu for a plant-based protein.
FAQ
What is Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy and hearty dish made with ingredients such as shredded chicken, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh vegetables, resulting in a rich flavor profile that is perfect for comforting meals.
How long does it take to make Marry Me Chicken Soup?
The total time to prepare and cook Marry Me Chicken Soup is about 40-50 minutes, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup in advance?
Yes! You can prepare this soup ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together.
How do I store leftovers of Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Allow the soup to cool completely and then store it in airtight containers. Refrigerate it for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to three months for a later meal.
What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Soup?
This soup is rich enough to be a meal on its own, but you can serve it with garlic bread or a refreshing salad for a more complete dining experience.
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon oil from the sun-dried tomato jar Divided
- 1.5 cups chopped yellow onion
- 4 medium garlic cloves, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 64 ounces chicken broth 2 packages of 32 ounces each
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 teaspoons chopped fresh basil Plus more for garnish, optional
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1.5 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper Plus more for garnish
For the Pasta and Greens
- 8 ounces uncooked medium shell pasta
- 3 cups roughly chopped fresh baby spinach
For the Protein and Cheese
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 8 ounces cream cheese Cubed, at room temperature
- 1.5 ounces Parmesan cheese Finely shredded plus more for garnish
For Serving
- Fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese For garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes Optional for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Clear your counter and gather all your ingredients.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Building the Flavor
- Add the tomato paste and drained sun-dried tomatoes to the pot and cook for a couple of minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring in fresh basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper.
- Increase the heat and bring to a gentle boil, simmering for about 12 minutes.
Cooking the Pasta
- Introduce the uncooked medium shell pasta to the soup and reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 12 minutes.
Final Touches
- Stir in chopped spinach, shredded chicken, cubed cream cheese, and finely shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Continue to stir frequently for about 5 minutes until the cheeses are melted and well combined.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and crushed red pepper if desired.
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