When you’re in the mood for a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Soup. This delicious soup draws inspiration from the beloved Marry Me Chicken recipe, aptly named because of its delightful taste that might just win your heart—or at least have you planning a romantic dinner. Imagine the creamy, tangy flavors that characterize this dish, all transformed into a delightful one-pot soup that warms not just your stomach but your soul.
Packed with tender chicken, juicy sun-dried tomatoes, and small pasta, Marry Me Chicken Soup transports you to a cozy kitchen on a chilly evening. It’s perfect for sharing with family or loved ones or when you simply want a comforting bowl to enjoy by yourself. Not only does this recipe offer familiarity with its classic ingredients, but it’s also an easy choice for meal prep, making it an ideal candidate for busy weeknight dinners. The rich, creamy broth will leave you feeling satisfied while still being on the lighter side, thanks to fresh vegetables and spices that elevate the overall flavor without complexity. Welcome this dish into your recipe arsenal, and it might just become your go-to comfort food!
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Cozy & Comforting: Creamy, hearty, and perfect for chilly nights when you crave warmth and flavor.
- One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in a single pot, making preparation and cleanup a breeze.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Effort: Utilize store-bought rotisserie chicken to create this wholesome dish quickly and effortlessly.
- Perfect for Sharing: Serve with crusty bread or fresh salad, making it an ideal meal for families and gatherings.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the preparation of Marry Me Chicken Soup, it’s essential to set up your kitchen and gather your tools. Start by ensuring your workspace is clean and organized. A spacious countertop will make it easier to chop and measure ingredients accurately, ensuring everything flows smoothly.
For this recipe, you will need a Dutch oven or a large pot to accommodate all the ingredients and facilitate even cooking. A wooden spoon will be handy for stirring the mixture, while a sharp knife will speed up the chopping of onions and garlic. Additionally, have measuring cups and spoons ready to ensure you add just the right amount of each ingredient. Lastly, don’t forget a ladle for serving. Enjoy the process of cooking, and prepare to savor the delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen as you create this dish!
Ingredients
- 12 oz. sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 2 cups medium shell pasta (or small pasta of choice)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes in your Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until softened and translucent, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. This step lays the aromatic foundation of your soup, allowing their flavors to infuse the dish.
Step 2: Build the Base
Next, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes followed by the tomato paste. Allow the mixture to cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomato paste darkens slightly. This enhances the richness of the flavor, ensuring your soup has a deep, delicious base.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, mixing well. Then, add the fresh basil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and crushed red pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer for about 12 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Once your broth has simmered and the flavors have developed, it’s time to add the pasta. Stir in the medium shell pasta and cook until al dente, which should take about 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you use. Remember to keep stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. This introduces a lovely heartiness to the soup.
Step 5: Finish with Chicken & Cheese
After the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low to avoid boiling. Stir in the fresh spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, and grated Parmesan. Keep stirring gently until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through, roughly 5 minutes. This final step is crucial as it brings creamy texture and comforting warmth to every spoonful.
Variations
- Protein: Swap out the rotisserie chicken for cooked turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Add chopped carrots, celery, or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.
- Spices: Customize the spices based on your preference—try adding a dash of paprika for smokiness or some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for bright flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Make it dairy-free by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk and cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty bread or warm breadsticks for dipping.
- A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch and balances the rich flavors of the soup.
Tips
- For added depth, consider using homemade or low-sodium chicken broth.
- Adjust the seasoning to your personal taste—add more red pepper for heat or more basil for fragrance.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 380 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs
Can I use regular chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can cook your chicken separately and shred it to add it to the soup, but it will require more prep time.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.
Is it possible to freeze Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Yes, it freezes well! Allow it to cool before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Reheat on the stove when ready to enjoy.
How can I enhance the flavor further?
Consider adding a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for additional acidity and brightness.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Soup is more than just a delightful recipe; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl that promises to warm your heart. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or a romantic evening in, and its simplicity means it’s achievable for any cook. The blend of creamy chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs creates a symphony of flavors that you’ll find irresistible. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients or variations to ensure this dish becomes a staple in your home. We encourage you to share your experiences and variations in the comments below, and invite others to enjoy the magic of Marry Me Chicken Soup!
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Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting dish perfect for chilly nights, combining creamy flavors with tender chicken and vegetables in a one-pot meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 2 cups medium shell pasta (or small pasta of choice)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes in your Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until softened and translucent, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Next, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes followed by the tomato paste. Allow the mixture to cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, mixing well. Then, add the fresh basil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and crushed red pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer for about 12 minutes.
- Once your broth has simmered and the flavors have developed, it’s time to add the pasta. Stir in the medium shell pasta and cook until al dente, which should take about 10 to 12 minutes.
- After the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low to avoid boiling. Stir in the fresh spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, and grated Parmesan. Keep stirring gently until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through, roughly 5 minutes.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 25 g