Marry Me Chicken Soup is a recipe that has captured many hearts with its comforting flavors and inviting aroma. This dish combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy broth to create a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for cozy nights or when you need a little extra comfort, this soup brings joy to both the cook and those who enjoy it.
Why We Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
The appeal of Marry Me Chicken Soup lies not only in its incredible taste but also in its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a meal for yourself, this soup fits the bill every time. The blend of flavors and textures—from the succulent chicken to the vibrant vegetables—makes for a delightful experience. Plus, it’s an easy recipe to follow, perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Each spoonful of this soup has the power to make you feel special, which is just one reason it has earned its endearing name.
Ingredients about Marry Me Chicken Soup
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 – 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced onions
- ¼ cup diced sundried tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
- 6-8 cups chicken broth
- 6 oz pasta
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½-1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
- 2 ½-3 cups fresh spinach
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Directions
Making Marry Me Chicken Soup is a straightforward process that will have you serving up a delicious meal in no time. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This will set the stage for the incredible flavors to come. Next, season your chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pot, cooking until it’s nicely browned all over. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside; you want it to rest while you prepare the vegetables.
In the same pot, add the diced carrots, celery, onions, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Sauté these fresh ingredients until they become soft and fragrant—about five to seven minutes. Their natural sweetness will enhance the soup’s flavor profile. Once softened, sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat them evenly. This will help thicken the soup later on.
Stir in the tomato paste if you’re using it, and gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
After about ten minutes, add the browned chicken back to the pot along with the pasta, heavy cream, and the remaining Italian seasoning. Let this cook for a little while longer—just enough for the pasta to become tender and the soup heated through.
As you near the end of the cooking time, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. The cheese will melt, enriching the creamy broth while the spinach wilts beautifully. You can adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to your liking. Once everything is well combined, your warm bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup is ready to be served!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup
Serving Marry Me Chicken Soup is all about creating a comforting experience. Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to include a generous portion of chicken, pasta, and veggies in each serving. The creamy texture and flavorful broth create a satisfying meal on their own, but you can elevate it further with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top.
To complement the soup, consider serving it with crusty bread or soft rolls. This adds a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy soup. For a touch of freshness, you can add a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette, which provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the soup. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this soup makes every meal feel like a celebration.
Expert Tips: Marry Me Chicken Soup
To achieve the best results with your Marry Me Chicken Soup, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Chicken Selection: Choosing between chicken breasts or thighs depends on your preference. Thighs tend to deliver a richer flavor, while breasts are leaner. Either option will yield delicious results.
- Opt for Fresh: Using fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor greatly. Try to choose vibrant, firm vegetables for the best taste and texture.
- Adjust the Cream: If you want a lighter version of the soup, consider reducing the amount of heavy cream or replacing it with half-and-half for a similar richness with fewer calories.
- Timing the Pasta: If you’re planning to have leftovers, you might want to cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl right before serving. This keeps the pasta from absorbing too much broth and getting mushy.
- Herb Variations: While Italian seasoning works wonderfully, feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or basil for added flavor dimensions.
With these tips, you’ll create a stunning soup that not only looks appealing but tastes extraordinary.
How to Store Marry Me Chicken Soup
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is likely, as this soup is a crowd-pleaser), storing Marry Me Chicken Soup is simple. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to check the chicken for doneness before storing if you cooked it recently.
If you want to store it for longer, consider freezing the soup. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. When properly stored, it can last in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Variation of Marry Me Chicken Soup
Marry Me Chicken Soup is highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it according to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Vegetarian Version: For a meat-free option, omit the chicken and substitute it with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas. Adjust the broth accordingly and add more spices to boost the flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace the pasta with spiralized vegetables like zucchini or spaghetti squash. This will still give you the comfort of a noodle soup without the carbs.
- Spicy Twist: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the vegetables. This will spice up your soup and bring an exciting flavor experience.
- Herbed Chicken: You can marinate the chicken in herbs and spices overnight to infuse even more flavor. Consider using lemon, oregano, or rosemary for a zesty twist.
- Creamy Mushroom Addition: For a rich, earthy flavor, add sautéed mushrooms when you cook the vegetables. This will enhance both the taste and texture of your soup.
These variations keep the dish exciting and ensure there’s always something new to try.
FAQ about Marry Me Chicken Soup
What makes Marry Me Chicken Soup so special?
Marry Me Chicken Soup is special because of its combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy broth, making it incredibly comforting and delicious. Its name evokes a sense of warmth and love, reflecting the joy of cooking and serving it to loved ones.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This ensures that it cooks evenly and thoroughly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth works well as an alternative. It will provide a different flavor but can still support the overall taste of the soup.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
How can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce during the cooking process. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
Is Marry Me Chicken Soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour alternative or use cornstarch as a thickening agent. Additionally, check the label on the pasta to ensure it is gluten-free.
With these insights, you’ll have everything you need to create a delightful Marry Me Chicken Soup that warms the heart and soul. This dish is sure to become a family favorite, bringing smiles and satisfaction to your dining table. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil For cooking
- 1 - 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces Either chicken breasts or thighs can be used.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided Use one for cooking and one for the end.
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced onions
- ¼ cup diced sundried tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup flour For thickening the soup.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional) Add for extra flavor.
- 6-8 cups chicken broth You can substitute with vegetable broth.
- 6 oz pasta Use your choice of pasta.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream Can be adjusted for lighter version.
- ½-1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese To taste.
- 2 ½-3 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned all over. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the carrots, celery, onions, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat.
- If using, stir in the tomato paste and gradually whisk in the chicken broth, bringing it to a boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer and let the flavors meld for about 10 minutes.
Cooking
- Add the browned chicken back, along with the pasta, heavy cream, and remaining Italian seasoning.
- Cook until the pasta is tender and soup is heated through.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan and spinach until the cheese melts and spinach wilts.
Serving
- Ladle into bowls, including chicken, pasta, and veggies in each serving.
- Serve with crusty bread or rolls for added crunch.
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