There’s something magical about a comforting bowl of soup that warms not just your body but also your heart. Marry Me Chicken Soup is one such dish that combines rich flavors, creamy textures, and a touch of love to create an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re trying to impress someone special or simply treat yourself to a heartwarming dinner, this recipe promises to deliver.
Why Is It Called “Marry Me” Chicken Soup?
The name comes from the dish’s irresistible flavor—so good it could inspire a marriage proposal! Packed with creamy ingredients, savory chicken, and a blend of herbs and spices, this soup offers a delightful combination that’s both comforting and romantic.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather everything you’ll need. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut) | 1/2 cup, drained |
| Oil from sun-dried tomato jar | 1 tablespoon, divided |
| Yellow onion (chopped) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 4 medium (about 4 teaspoons) |
| Tomato paste | 3 tablespoons |
| Chicken broth | 2 (32-ounce) packages |
| Heavy whipping cream | 1 cup |
| Fresh basil (chopped) | 4 teaspoons (plus garnish) |
| Kosher salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Dried Italian seasoning | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Crushed red pepper | 1/4 teaspoon (plus garnish) |
| Medium shell pasta (uncooked) | 8 ounces |
| Baby spinach (fresh, roughly chopped) | 3 cups |
| Rotisserie chicken (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Cream cheese (cubed, room temp) | 8 ounces |
| Parmesan cheese (finely shredded) | 1 1/2 ounces (plus garnish) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, ensure all your ingredients are ready. Chop the onions, mince the garlic, and shred the chicken. It’s always easier to cook when everything is prepped and within reach.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
3. Enhance with Tomato Paste and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to deepen in color and develop its rich flavor.
4. Build the Flavorful Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy whipping cream.
- Add fresh basil, kosher salt, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper.
- Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. This should take about 12 minutes.
5. Cook the Pasta
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the medium shell pasta.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the pasta is al dente, approximately 12 minutes.
6. Add the Final Touches
- Lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the fresh spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the cheese melts and the chicken is heated through.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional basil, Parmesan, and a pinch of crushed red pepper if desired.
- Serve immediately and watch as smiles light up the room.
Pro Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup
Choose the Right Chicken
Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a depth of flavor. For an even richer taste, try using leftover roasted chicken.
Boost the Flavor
Want a smoky kick? Add a dash of smoked paprika to the broth.
Make It Lighter
For a healthier version, swap heavy cream for coconut milk or low-fat cream, and use whole-grain pasta.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the pasta. When reheating, add the pasta to avoid it becoming overcooked.
2. Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Absolutely! Store the soup (without pasta) in an airtight container for up to three months. Add fresh pasta when reheating.
3. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut milk, half-and-half, or even a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter option.
4. How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, omit the chicken, and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas for protein.
5. What pasta works best for this soup?
Medium shells are ideal as they hold the creamy broth beautifully. Alternatives like farfalle or ditalini work well too.
6. Can I make this soup spicier?
Yes! Increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add a few drops of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
A Final Note: Let Love Simmer
Cooking is about creating connections, whether you’re making a dish to share with loved ones or savoring it on your own. With its creamy texture and rich, savory flavors, Marry Me Chicken Soup is more than just a meal—it’s an experience.
Ready to Cook?
Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and create a dish that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. Bon appétit!
Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe: A Comforting, Irresistible Dish
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy, and flavorful “Marry Me Chicken Soup,” a dish so irresistible it might just inspire a proposal! This heartwarming soup combines tender chicken, creamy broth, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and herbs for the ultimate comforting meal. Perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut, drained)
- 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomato jar (divided)
- 1 1/2 cups yellow onion (chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 (32-ounce) packages chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 teaspoons fresh basil (chopped, plus garnish)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (plus garnish)
- 8 ounces medium shell pasta (uncooked)
- 3 cups baby spinach (fresh, roughly chopped)
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed, room temperature)
- 1 1/2 ounces Parmesan cheese (finely shredded, plus garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients
Chop onion, mince garlic, and shred chicken. Ensure all ingredients are ready for cooking. - Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat 1 tablespoon oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add onions and garlic, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. - Add Tomato Paste and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Stir in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes to enhance the flavors. - Create the Broth
Add chicken broth, heavy cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper.
Stir well, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat (about 12 minutes). - Cook the Pasta
Reduce heat to medium-low, add pasta, and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally (about 12 minutes). - Incorporate Final Ingredients
Lower heat to a simmer. Add spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
Stir frequently for 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the chicken is heated through. - Garnish and Serve
Ladle into bowls, garnish with basil, Parmesan, and crushed red pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
- For a smoky twist, add a dash of smoked paprika.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or low-fat cream for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American