When you think about comfort food, Marry Me Chicken Soup hits all the right notes. This rich and creamy soup combines the heartiness of chicken, the freshness of spinach, and the delicious tang from sun-dried tomatoes. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, need something cozy to warm you up, or want to impress someone special, this soup is worthy of its romantic name.
Why We Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
You may wonder what makes this Marry Me Chicken Soup so special. It’s an exceptional blend of flavors that come together seamlessly. The luscious creaminess balances the savory ingredients, creating a symphony of taste that’s hard to resist. Additionally, this soup is easy to prepare and utilizes commonly found ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a standout dish for gatherings. The convenience of using rotisserie chicken means you’ll spend less time in the kitchen, and more time enjoying this delightful creation with loved ones. Each spoonful not only warms the body but also fills the heart with joy.
Ingredients about Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- 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 Recipe Directions
To start creating this delightful Marry Me Chicken Soup, gather all your ingredients on a clean countertop. You’ll want to ensure everything is ready for a smooth cooking process.
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Wait until the oil is shimmering before adding the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir often and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onions soften and become translucent.
Next, introduce the tomato paste and the drained sun-dried tomatoes to your pot. Allow this mixture to cook for about 2 minutes, which is essential for deepening the flavor of the tomato paste.
Once you’ve reached that point, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the chopped fresh basil, kosher salt, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper as well. Raise the heat and bring this mix to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. It should take around 12 minutes to reach the boiling point.
At this stage, it’s time to add the uncooked medium shell pasta to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Keep stirring occasionally and cook until the pasta is al dente; this should take approximately 12 minutes.
Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, lower the heat again and stir in the chopped spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cubed cream cheese, and finely shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir frequently and cook for about 5 more minutes or until both the cream cheese and Parmesan have melted, with the chicken thoroughly warmed.
When everything is combined and heated through, ladle the soup into bowls. For added color and flavor, you can garnish with some extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the heartwarming flavors!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Serving Marry Me Chicken Soup is as delightful as making it! To truly elevate your dining experience, consider the following ideas.
As you ladle the warming soup into bowls, think about pairing it with some crusty bread or soft dinner rolls. These sides complement the creamy soup and allow you to savor every drop.
If you’re hosting a cozy gathering, offer a small platter with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping the bread. A fresh garden salad on the side is also a great addition, melding nicely with the flavors of the soup.
For an extra personal touch, set out a few bowls of garnishes such as additional shredded Parmesan cheese, basil leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes. This way, everyone can customize their bowls just the way they like.
Finally, consider warming your bowls in the oven before serving. This little trick helps keep the soup warm longer, so you and your guests can relish each spoonful for as long as possible!
Expert Tips: Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Creating the perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup can be achieved by following these handy expert tips.
First, choose high-quality ingredients. Fresh chicken, vibrant spinach, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes will make a significant difference in the taste of your soup.
You might also want to experiment with different types of pasta. While medium shell pasta works beautifully, feel free to swap it out for rotini, penne, or any short pasta you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pastas may vary.
When it comes to the seasonings, adjusting the amount of red pepper can tailor the soup’s spiciness to your preference. Increasing it will add heat, while reducing it will keep the dish more mild.
Finally, patience during the stir-frying process can enhance flavors. Allowing the onions and garlic to fully soften and develop will contribute to a richer, more profound base for your soup.
How to Store Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Storing your Marry Me Chicken Soup properly can ensure its great flavor lasts for days to come.
If you have leftovers, let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate any leftovers, and they should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. It’s best to divide it into serving-sized portions before freezing to make it easy to reheat. Use freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring to label them with the date. When properly stored, it can last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen soup, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Just be mindful that freezing may alter the texture slightly, particularly with the cream cheese.
Variation of Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
While the classic Marry Me Chicken Soup is simply irresistible, there are countless variations you can explore to keep this recipe fresh and exciting.
One delicious twist is to add more vegetables. Carrots, zucchini, or even corn can not only enhance the nutritional value but also add different textures and flavors. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic for best results.
If you’re looking to change the protein, shredded turkey or ham could work beautifully, especially if you have leftovers. Alternatively, you can create a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth and omitting the chicken, using chickpeas or white beans as a protein alternative.
For those who enjoy some tanginess, incorporating a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar adds a delightful kick to the soup. Just remember to adjust the seasonings accordingly!
Finally, you can play with different herbs and spices. Fresh thyme, oregano, or a sprinkle of dill can change the profile completely and make this dish your own. Experimenting opens doors to new flavors while keeping the essence of Marry Me Chicken Soup intact.
FAQ
What is Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting soup that combines chicken, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and various spices, all simmered together for a flavorful meal.
How do I prepare Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Start by heating oil in a large pot, then sauté onion and garlic. Add tomatoes, broth, cream, and seasonings. Once boiling, add pasta and cook until al dente. Stir in chicken, spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan, heat through, and serve.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to store it in airtight containers.
What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, salad, or even a cheese platter. Consider offering garnishes like extra cheese and spices for added customization.
Can I modify the ingredients in Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Yes! Feel free to add more vegetables, change the protein, or experiment with different herbs and spices to tailor the soup to your taste preferences.
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Base ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil from the sun-dried tomato jar divided
- 1.5 cups chopped yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic, 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
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1.5 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper plus more for garnish
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces uncooked medium shell pasta
- 3 cups roughly chopped fresh baby spinach
Protein and Dairy
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed at room temperature
- 1.5 ounces Parmesan cheese, finely shredded plus more for garnish
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- 0.5 cup drained julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil with herbs
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients on a clean countertop.
Cooking
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste and drained sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add chopped basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper.
- Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, which should take around 12 minutes.
- Add the uncooked medium shell pasta and reduce heat to medium-low, cooking until the pasta is al dente, about 12 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped spinach, shredded chicken, cubed cream cheese, and Parmesan, cooking for about 5 more minutes until melted.
Serving
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan, basil, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
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