The first time I made Marry Me Chicken Soup, it felt like a little piece of comfort wrapped in a bowl. A tangy kiss of sun-dried tomatoes mingling with rich cream and tender chicken—this delightful concoction isn’t just soup; it’s a true hug in a bowl that satisfies both the heart and the belly. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a cozy gathering with friends, this soul-soothing recipe has a magnetic charm that seems to pull everyone closer.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
You might be wondering what sets this soup apart from the dozens of other comforting recipes out there. Well, it’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures that elevates a simple chicken soup into something special. Imagine roasted garlic and sweet onions sautéing in sun-dried tomato oil—oh, the aroma alone is enough to draw your family to the kitchen!
With its creamy base and hearty pasta, this soup is like an embrace from an old friend, welcoming and fulfilling. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and quick to whip up—perfect for busy families or when unexpected guests pop by.
"I never knew chicken soup could taste this good! It’s a game-changer for our weeknight dinners. My kids are asking for seconds every time!" — A happy home chef
Step-by-Step Overview
Creating this Marry Me Chicken Soup is a delightful journey. It kicks off with sautéing some aromatic ingredients, then builds into a creamy broth brimming with flavor. You’ll be boiling up fluffy pasta and folding in fresh spinach, all before garnishing with creamy cheese for that final touch. Just thinking about it brings warmth to my heart.
Here’s how it goes:
- Start by sautéing onions and garlic to create a flavorful base.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste for depth.
- Pour in the chicken broth and cream, followed by a medley of herbs and spices.
- Stir in the pasta, letting it cook tenderly while soaking up every bit of flavor.
- Finally, bring in fresh spinach, rotisserie chicken, and cheesy richness to craft this delightful soup!
What You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this dish is part of the fun! Once you have everything laid out, you’ll feel like a real chef ready to start working some magic. Here’s your shopping list:
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs)
- 1 tbsp oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
- 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 32 oz or 2 packages chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 tsp fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (or more if you like heat)
- 8 oz uncooked medium shell pasta
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed (room temperature)
- 1 ½ oz Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (plus more for garnish)
You might want to swap in some of your favorite vegetables or even a different type of pasta if you feel adventurous!
Directions to Follow
Let’s get to the heart of the matter, shall we? Here’s a simple and straightforward breakdown of how to create your own pot of Marry Me Chicken Soup.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Build the Base: Stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color.
Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, then let it simmer for about 12 minutes.
Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 12 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally until the pasta is tender.
Make It Creamy & Delicious: Lower the heat to low. Stir in the chopped spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring for around 5 minutes until the cheeses melt and everything is warmed through.
Serve & Enjoy: Ladle your beautiful soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a crisp green salad.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Plating matters, and trust me, a good garnish can take your soup from everyday to extraordinary. Serve this stew in big, comforting bowls topped with freshly shredded Parmesan and a sprinkle of vibrant basil. Crusty bread on the side is a must for dipping! If you’re feeling a little fancy, you might even drizzle a bit of high-quality olive oil on top for that extra touch.
How to Store & Freeze
Leftovers? Yes, please! But before storing your soup, let it cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to freeze it for those future busy nights, this soup does hold up well. Just be sure to leave out the pasta if you’re going down the freezing route; it can become mushy upon reheating. Instead, cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve!
Extra Advice
Here are a few tips I’ve picked up over the years to elevate your soup game:
- Mix and Match Proteins: Don’t hesitate to use leftover chicken or turkey, or even toss in some sautéed shrimp for a twist!
- Amp Up the Heat: If you love a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat as the flavors develop.
- Cheesy Goodness: For an even richer experience, blend in different kinds of cheese like Gouda or mozzarella when you’re stirring in the cream cheese.
Creative Twists
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to twist this recipe:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the rotisserie chicken for chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead.
- Herb Infusions: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano to add a unique aroma.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or peas for added texture and flavor.
Common Questions
How long does it take to prepare?
Prep time is about 15 minutes, and then you’ll spend around 30 minutes cooking. In under an hour, you’ll have a decadent meal!
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! Just ensure to cook it thoroughly before adding it into the soup for that deliciously home-cooked flavor.
How do I reheat the soup?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the creaminess, occasionally stirring until warmed through.
Dive into a bowl of this Marry Me Chicken Soup, and let it wrap you in warmth and flavors that genuinely comfort. It’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your family, just like it has in mine. Enjoy every spoonful!