Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

Warm soup can feel like a comforting hug on a cold day. Marry Me Chicken Soup is a delicious recipe that does just that! This rich and creamy soup is packed with satisfying flavors that will make you feel happy after each spoonful. You will find that making this soup is as enjoyable as eating it.

This soup is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any time you need a cozy meal. Whether you are cooking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe is a fantastic choice. It combines simple ingredients, easy steps, and big flavors.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to consider making Marry Me Chicken Soup. First, it is a simple recipe that is easy to follow. Even if you are not an experienced cook, you will find the steps straightforward and achievable.

Second, this soup is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home. For instance, if you prefer a different type of pasta or want to add more vegetables, you can make those changes without any problem.

Additionally, this soup is a one-pot meal, which means less clean-up for you. All the magic happens in a single pot, making it convenient for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, the flavors deepen as it simmers, creating a delicious meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Lastly, sharing this soup with loved ones can create wonderful memories. The joy of eating a warm bowl of soup with friends or family can bring hearts together and make everyone feel cozy. It’s a dish that is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for more.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Making Marry Me Chicken Soup is a delightful journey. Let’s go through how to prepare this amazing dish step by step, from gathering the ingredients to serving it hot.

Ingredients

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs)
1 tablespoon oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons tomato paste
32 ounces or 2 packages chicken broth
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 teaspoons fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 ½ teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (or more if you like heat)
8 ounces uncooked medium shell pasta
3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed (room temperature)
1 ½ ounces Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (plus more for garnish)

Directions

Sauté the Aromatics
Start your soup by heating 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook these for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.

Build the Base
Next, stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps the tomato paste deepen in color and enhances its flavor.

Simmer the Broth
Now it is time to pour in the chicken broth. Add the heavy whipping cream, fresh basil, kosher salt, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Allow it to simmer for about 12 minutes. This simmering process helps all the flavors combine beautifully.

Cook the Pasta
After simmering, add the uncooked medium shell pasta to the pot. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will cook the pasta until it is tender and perfect for the soup.

Make It Creamy & Delicious
Now we will make the soup creamy. Lower the heat to low and stir in the roughly chopped spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, and finely shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir often for about 5 minutes until the cheeses melt and the chicken is warmed through.

Serve & Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Serve this delicious soup immediately with some crusty bread or a fresh green salad on the side for a complete meal.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup

Serving Marry Me Chicken Soup is easy and can be done in a few delightful ways. This soup is thick and creamy, so it pairs well with different sides. You can serve it in large bowls, allowing everyone to help themselves.

For a special touch, garnish each bowl with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. This not only adds flavor but also makes the presentation beautiful. You can also sprinkle extra crushed red pepper on top for those who like more spice.

When it comes to sides, crusty bread is always a great choice. It complements the soup nicely and provides a good way to scoop up every last drop. A fresh green salad also makes a wonderful side, adding lightness to the meal.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken Soup

Storing your leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup is simple. First, allow the soup to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

If you want to keep the soup for a longer time, you can freeze it. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or Ziploc bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion as it freezes. Properly stored, the soup can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you are ready to enjoy your leftover soup, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it is heated through. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its creamy texture.

Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Here are a few tips to ensure your Marry Me Chicken Soup turns out perfectly every time:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables will make your soup taste fantastic. If you can find fresh basil, it adds a wonderful aroma and flavor.
Adjust Seasoning: Everyone’s taste is different. Adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper to suit your preference.
Pasta Timing: Make sure not to overcook the pasta. Adding it too early could make it mushy. Always add it during the simmering step to ensure perfect texture.
Rotisserie Chicken: Using a rotisserie chicken saves time. Shred the chicken right off the bone for a warm and delicious protein add-in.
Creamy Variations: If you want your soup extra creamy, try adding more cream cheese or heavy cream. Just remember to adjust the broth accordingly.

Variation

While Marry Me Chicken Soup is already wonderful as it is, there are different ways to change it up. You can add more vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, to give it even more flavor and nutrition.

If you want a lighter version, you can use a lower-fat cream or omit the cream cheese altogether. Replacing the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or a dairy-free alternative can accommodate dietary restrictions.

To add a different flavor profile, you can swap the Italian seasoning for Spanish or Greek herbs. This will give your soup a new twist while keeping it comforting and delicious.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! You can use different shapes of pasta like penne, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the soup a day in advance, letting the flavors deepen. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

3. Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of this soup. Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the rotisserie chicken. You can add more vegetables instead for a wholesome meal.

Marry Me Chicken Soup is truly a hug in a bowl. With your homemade soup, you are sure to bring comfort and happiness to your kitchen. Enjoy every delightful bite!

Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl