Marry Me Chicken Soup is a luxurious and creamy delight that brings together tender chicken, pasta shells, and fresh spinach in a rich parmesan broth. Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions, this soup is sure to impress your family and friends with its comforting flavors and beautiful presentation. The unique combination of sun-dried tomatoes adds a burst of flavor that makes it truly unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: The creamy parmesan broth combined with tender chicken creates an irresistible taste that warms the soul.
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this delightful meal ready in an hour!
- Versatile Dish: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this Marry Me Chicken Soup fits any occasion perfectly.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with spinach and lean chicken, this soup provides wholesome nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: The combination of familiar flavors makes it a hit among both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the deliciousness of Marry Me Chicken Soup, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Chopping board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Ideal for even heat distribution, making it perfect for simmering soups.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife helps chop ingredients quickly and efficiently, saving time during preparation.
Ingredients
A decadent soup combining tender chicken, pasta shells and spinach in a creamy parmesan broth with sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, julienned
– 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomato jar
– 1 1/2 cups yellow onion, chopped
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 3 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 packages (32 ounces each) chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 4 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped
– 2 teaspoons kosher salt
– 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
– 8 ounces medium shell pasta
– 3 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
– 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
– 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
– 1 1/2 ounces Parmesan cheese, shredded
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Cook the chopped onion and minced garlic until they are soft, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Stir in the tomato paste along with the julienned sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Broth & Cream
Add the chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a boil.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Once boiling, add the medium shell pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 12 minutes until al dente.
Step 6: Lower the Heat
Reduce heat to low when pasta is cooked to your preference.
Step 7: Mix in Spinach & Chicken
Gently stir in the chopped spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cubed cream cheese, and shredded Parmesan cheese.
Step 8: Melt the Cheese
Cook until the cheese melts completely—this takes about 5 minutes. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and crushed red pepper before serving.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Serving this creamy chicken soup in a thoughtful way can enhance the dining experience for you and your guests.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Basil – A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil adds a burst of flavor.
- Parsley – Chopped parsley is another great option for color and freshness.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread – The tangy flavor of sourdough complements the creamy broth beautifully.
- Garlic Bread – Add garlic bread for an extra layer of flavor that pairs well with the soup.
Serve with a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad provides crunch and balances the richness of the soup.
- Spinach Salad – Fresh spinach salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
Use Personalized Bowls
- Soup Bowls – Serving in personalized, rustic bowls can create a cozy atmosphere.
- Mugs – For a casual approach, serving in large mugs makes it fun and easy to enjoy.
How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup
To achieve the best results with your Marry Me Chicken Soup, consider these helpful tips. Each one will guide you towards creating an unforgettable dish.
- Use Quality Ingredients – Fresh and high-quality ingredients elevate the flavors significantly.
- Adjust Seasoning – Taste as you go; adjusting salt and spices ensures perfect seasoning.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente – This prevents mushy pasta; it should remain firm when mixed into the soup.
- Let It Rest – Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving enhances flavor melding.
- Add More Vegetables – Feel free to add carrots or peas for additional nutrition and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken Soup
Complementing your Marry Me Chicken Soup with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options that pair perfectly.
- Garlic Knots – Soft and buttery, garlic knots are perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil make for a light, refreshing side.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients to your meal.
- Cheesy Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits filled with cheese provide a satisfying contrast to the soup’s creaminess.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing offers healthy grains alongside your dish.
- Stuffed Peppers – Flavorful stuffed peppers can serve as a hearty side that complements the soup well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Marry Me Chicken Soup can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch for. Here are some mistakes to avoid to ensure your soup turns out delicious.
Using the wrong pasta: Choosing a type of pasta other than medium shells can alter the texture of the soup. Stick with medium shell pasta for the best results and perfect bite-sized pieces.
Overcooking the spinach: Cooking spinach for too long can lead to a mushy texture. Add it in at the last minute so it wilts just enough while maintaining its vibrant color and nutrients.
Skipping cream cheese: Omitting cream cheese will result in a less creamy soup. Be sure to include it for that rich, velvety texture that makes this soup irresistible.
Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Tastes vary; if you find the soup lacking flavor, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings. A pinch more salt or herbs can elevate your Marry Me Chicken Soup significantly.
Not using rotisserie chicken: While any cooked chicken can work, rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor and is convenient. If you have leftover cooked chicken, use that instead for ease.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Container: Use an airtight container to keep the soup fresh.
Freezing Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Container: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Marry Me Chicken Soup
Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover. Heat until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop: Transfer soup to a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Marry Me Chicken Soup so special?
Marry Me Chicken Soup stands out because of its rich flavors from sun-dried tomatoes and creamy textures from cheese and cream. It’s an ideal comfort food that feels indulgent yet is easy to prepare.
Can I customize Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers or swap out chicken for turkey or even make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and beans.
How do I store Marry Me Chicken Soup?
You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing.
Is there a way to make this soup lighter?
Yes! You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese used. Consider adding more vegetables for bulk without adding calories.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. The combination of tender chicken, creamy broth, and flavorful spices makes this dish incredibly appealing. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins! Whether served on chilly evenings or as a hearty lunch option, this recipe promises satisfaction every time you make it. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
SEO Information
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a luxurious, creamy dish that elevates comfort food to new heights. A delightful blend of tender chicken, pasta shells, and vibrant spinach swims in a rich parmesan broth, accented by sun-dried tomatoes for an unforgettable flavor experience. Perfect for cozy evenings or special gatherings, this soup not only warms the soul but also impresses with its beautiful presentation.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, julienned
- 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomato jar
- 1 1/2 cups yellow onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 packages (32 ounces each) chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 8 ounces medium shell pasta
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 1/2 ounces Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat oil from sun-dried tomatoes in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper; bring to a boil.
- Add pasta; reduce heat and cook for about 12 minutes until al dente.
- Lower the heat and mix in spinach, chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook until cheese melts completely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Use quality ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust seasonings to taste throughout the cooking process. Let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
