Cozy Marry Me Chicken Soup That Delightfully Warms the Soul
Comfort in Every Bowl
In the heart of a bustling kitchen, where laughter mingles with the simmering sounds of pots and pans, a small group of friends gathers to share a love for hearty chicken dinners. It’s not about gourmet perfection; it’s about creating simple, reliable recipes that bring joy and familiarity to every meal. This Marry Me Chicken Soup embodies just that, inviting you to savor its rich flavors and comforting warmth. Each spoonful is a reminder that home-cooked meals can be both stress-free and delicious, perfect for those busy weeknights when all you need is a taste of comfort.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
- Best Season: Year-round
Reasons This Soup Will Steal Your Heart
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy broth creates a dish bursting with flavor that will impress your palate. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug, with each ingredient harmonizing beautifully.
- Comforting Texture: With tender pasta, shredded chicken, and fresh spinach, this soup offers a delightful mix of textures. The creamy base envelops each bite, making it a comforting experience.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is simple enough to whip up after a long day. It comes together seamlessly, ensuring that you can enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile and Customizable: This Marry Me Chicken Soup can easily be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Whether you want to make it vegan or add more spice, the options are abundant.
The Goodies You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs)
- 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomato jar
- 1 1/2 cups yellow onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 32 oz chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 teaspoons fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (or more if you like heat)
- 8 oz medium shell pasta (uncooked)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach (roughly chopped)
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded)
- 8 oz cream cheese (cubed, room temperature)
- 1 1/2 oz Parmesan cheese (finely shredded)
Insider Ingredient Insights
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a robust, tangy flavor, making your soup rich and vibrant. Opt for those packed in oil for enhanced taste and easier blending.
- Onion and Garlic: Essential for building a flavor base. Always choose fresh for the best aroma and taste.
- Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness and enhances flavor without overwhelming it.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient brings a luscious creaminess to the soup, ensuring it’s comforting and indulgent.
Simple Steps to Create This Dish
- In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Add in the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they become softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste along with the sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2 more minutes while stirring constantly to let the flavors meld and the tomato paste deepen in color.
- Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, fresh basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, then let it simmer for 12 minutes.
- Add the uncooked pasta, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for another 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and fully cooked.
- Lower the heat to low and mix in the chopped spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir often for about 5 minutes, allowing the cheeses to melt and the chicken to warm through.
- Ladle the delicious soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and an optional sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately alongside crusty bread or a crisp green salad.
Pro Tips for Making It Perfect
- Stirring Technique: Ensure you stir gently but consistently when adding pasta to prevent it from sticking together as it cooks.
- Cheese Melting: Cubing the cream cheese will help it melt quicker and blend into the soup more effectively.
- Flavor Boosting: Adjust the crushed red pepper according to your spice preference for a more robust flavor profile.
- Cooking Time: Monitor the pasta closely as it cooks; this ensures it retains its al dente bite without becoming mushy.
Delightful Variations to Consider
- Creamy Vegan Version: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth, use silken tofu or cashew cream instead of cream cheese, and replace rotisserie chicken with chickpeas or lentils.
- Extra Comforting: Add potatoes or sweet potatoes for a heartier feel without losing the soup essence.
- Spicy Twist: Incorporate fresh jalapeños or use spicy chicken sausage in place of or alongside the rotisserie chicken for a delightful kick.
- Regional Flair: Consider adding traditional Italian herbs like oregano or thyme for an Italian-inspired twist, bringing a whole new level of aromatic complexity.
What Complements This Soup?
Pair your Marry Me Chicken Soup with a light, crisp white wine or a refreshing spritzer for a delightful beverage. A side of warm, crusty bread perfect for dipping into the creamy soup elevates the meal, while a fresh green salad adds a crunchy contrast.
Meal Prep and Storing Tips
For the best results, make this soup fresh. However, you can prep ingredients in advance by chopping veggies or measuring out spices. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish freezes well; place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed for consistency.
Serving Style to Impress
Ladle the soup into deep, eye-catching bowls and garnish generously with freshly chopped basil and some extra Parmesan cheese. Serve alongside a rustic wooden board filled with crusty bread. This presentation not only makes the dish look cozy and inviting but also enhances the whole dining experience.
Chef’s Little Secrets
- Layering Flavors: Take your time caramelizing the onions to build a deeper flavor foundation. Longer cooking time can lead to sweeter, more complex flavors.
- Herbs Freshness: Opt for fresh herbs over dried whenever possible to brighten up the dish. Just a sprinkle of fresh basil before serving adds amazing aroma.
- Cheese Choices: For extra flavor, experiment with different types of cheese like Gruyère or a sharp cheddar for a different character.
- Boost Flavor Infusion: If time allows, let the soup rest slightly before serving; this helps the flavors blend beautifully, creating a more harmonious taste.
Keeping Your Dish Fresh for Enjoyment
To reheat, place the soup in a pot over low heat, stirring gently as it warms. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming. Remember, a little extra broth can restore creaminess if the soup thickens upon cooling.
Common Questions Answered
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients and store them in the fridge until ready to cook. It’ll taste just as good!
- Will this soup freeze well? Yes! Just allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-friendly container. It’s perfect for busy nights!
- What can I use instead of chicken broth? Vegetable broth is an excellent swap, especially if you want to make the soup vegetarian.
- How can I make this dish low-carb? Substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or skip it altogether. You won’t miss out on flavor!
- Can I add other vegetables? Definitely! Feel free to throw in some carrots, celery, or even bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking the broth and cream ingredients.
- How spicy is this soup? The heat level is adjustable! Start with less crushed red pepper if you’re sensitive to spice, and add more as desired.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 34g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
*Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary.
A Heartfelt Reflection
Food is more than sustenance; it’s a way of connecting with those we cherish. This Marry Me Chicken Soup captures that essence, bringing heartwarming comfort to the table. Let it inspire you to create memories with friends and family, cherishing every meal shared. As you cook, may you find joy in the process and love in every bowl.
Wrapping It Up with a Cozy Note
No matter the season or occasion, effortlessly stirring together this Marry Me Chicken Soup will always provide that nurturing comfort we all crave. It’s an invitation to cook, share stories, and enjoy genuine connections over a delicious meal. So gather your loved ones, cook with love, and don’t forget to share and pin this recipe for special moments together!
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Add in the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they become softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste along with the sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2 more minutes while stirring constantly to let the flavors meld and deepen the color.
- Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, fresh basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then let it simmer for 12 minutes.
- Add the uncooked pasta, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for another 12 minutes until the pasta is tender.
- Lower the heat to low and mix in the chopped spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir often for about 5 minutes, allowing the cheeses to melt and the chicken to warm through.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.