Marry Me Chicken Soup
The aroma of a simmering pot of soup fills the kitchen, wrapping you in a comforting embrace that invites you to pause and savor the moment. The creaminess, the hints of basil, and those tender bites of rotisserie chicken… it’s almost enough to make you drop everything and dig in right away. Presenting the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe—a dish that’s simple to whip up yet delivers complex flavors that are utterly irresistible. You might find yourself wanting seconds and thirds and even pondering whether you could serve this to impress a loved one!
Table of Contents
This recipe, often associated with cozy nights in or festive family gatherings, evokes memories of warmth and laughter. It reminds me of a chilly evening spent with friends, where bowls clinked, stories flowed, and the delicious aroma of a rich soup lingered in the air. Now, it’s your turn to experience this culinary joy! Grab your apron and let’s make some magic in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cook time, you can have a delightful meal ready in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The velvety broth pairs beautifully with fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a dish that’s both rich and vibrant.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Those colorful sun-dried tomatoes and bright greens create a bowl that’s visually stunning and ready to impress your guests.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as a cozy dinner, an impressive dish for entertaining, or even a make-ahead lunch option.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Adaptable for various diets; you can easily substitute gluten-free pasta or use plant-based cream for vegan options.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (0.5 cup, julienne-cut): These add a tangy flavor profile and are packed in oil with herbs for added zest. If you can’t find them, consider using roasted red peppers for a different taste.
- Oil from Sun-Dried Tomato Jar (1 tablespoon): This herb-infused oil provides a great base flavor for sautéing. If you don’t have any, olive oil works fine too.
- Yellow Onion (1.5 cups, chopped): The sweetness of yellow onions balances the flavors in the soup. White or sweet onions are suitable alternatives.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic adds a depth of aroma; if you’re short on fresh, garlic powder can be used but is milder.
- Tomato Paste (3 tablespoons): This ingredient intensifies the tomato flavor in the broth. It creates richness; do not skip it!
- Chicken Broth (32 oz, 2 packages): Low-sodium versions offer great flavor without excess salt. Homemade broth takes it to another level if you have time.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup): This provides the signature creaminess; substitute with coconut milk or a plant-based cream if desired.
- Fresh Basil (4 teaspoons, plus more for garnish): Fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile; dried basil can be used in a pinch but hints at fresher notes.
- Kosher Salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors. Keep the salt to taste, especially if your broth is salted.
- Dried Italian Seasoning (1.5 teaspoons): A wonderful mixture for that classic Italian flavor; feel free to customize with your favorite herbs.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts the garlic flavor nicely; you can omit it if you prefer a milder taste.
- Crushed Red Pepper (0.25 teaspoon or more to taste): Adds a lovely kick; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
- Uncooked Medium Shell Pasta (8 oz): Holds the creamy broth well; you can swap in any small pasta shapes if needed.
- Fresh Baby Spinach (3 cups, roughly chopped): A great way to incorporate greens; kale or swiss chard can be replaced if desired.
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken (2 cups): This makes the recipe quick; leftover roasted chicken is fantastic too.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, cubed, room temperature): For a silky texture; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy melting.
- Parmesan Cheese (1.5 oz, finely shredded, plus more for garnish): The final touch of salty savory flavor brings everything together.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Heat and Sauté: Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. You’ll love the way your kitchen starts to smell—it’s the perfect prelude to the meal.
Add Flavors: Now, stir in the tomato paste and the sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2 minutes while stirring constantly. Watch for the tomato paste to deepen in color; this means it’s developing a richer flavor that will elevate the entire soup.
Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, occasionally stirring for about 12 minutes. You’ll notice the flavors melding beautifully, creating a warm, inviting aroma.
Cook the Pasta: Add the shell pasta and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 12 minutes until the pasta is tender yet al dente. It’s crucial to keep an eye on the pasta so it doesn’t overcook and become mushy.
Add Greens and Cheeses: Lower the heat to low, then stir in the chopped spinach, shredded chicken, cubed cream cheese, and shredded Parmesan. Stir often for about 5 minutes until the cheeses melt completely. If the cream cheese clumps, simply press it against the pot’s side to blend it in smoothly—it’ll give the soup that luxurious texture we’re after.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a few red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Pair with crusty bread or a fresh green salad to round out your meal perfectly.
Storing & Reheating
To store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you’re considering freezing it, use freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, just reheat on the stove over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Note that freezing may change the texture slightly; to refresh it, add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to help bring back that luscious richness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente, as it will continue to cook in the residual heat.
- Always use room-temperature cream cheese for easier incorporation; cold cream cheese can create lumps.
- Taste as you go; the seasonings may need adjusting based on your preference and the saltiness of your broth.
- Consider making a larger batch and freezing portions for quick meals on busy days.
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables; carrots or zucchini could add a nice contrast.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream and cream cheese with suitable alternatives.
The Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is not only a comforting dish to warm you from the inside out, but it’s also an opportunity to create culinary memories with family and friends. A blend of rich flavors and creamy textures makes this soup a standout that invites experimentation—a little more spice, perhaps? Or a swirl of pesto instead of basil? So go ahead, have fun with it! Enjoy every spoonful of deliciousness, and let the smiles flow alongside the soup.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken is one of the best time-saving tips for this recipe. Just shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it in when you stir in the spinach and cream cheese.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you want to lighten the meal, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or almond milk, but keep in mind that this will change the richness of the flavor.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
To go gluten-free, simply substitute the medium shell pasta with gluten-free pasta. There are many excellent options available that mimic the texture of regular pasta, ensuring you don’t miss a beat in flavor or enjoyment!
Is it possible to make the soup in advance?
Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time. Just prepare it up to the point of adding the pasta, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat and add the shell pasta, cooking it to al dente.
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📖 Recipe Card
Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a delightful blend of rotisserie chicken, creamy broth, and fresh spinach, perfect for a quick dinner or cozy gathering. Enjoy its rich flavors and make it your go-to comfort food anytime!
Ingredients
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (0.5 cup, julienne-cut)
- Oil from Sun-Dried Tomato Jar (1 tablespoon)
- Yellow Onion (1.5 cups, chopped)
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
- Tomato Paste (3 tablespoons)
- Chicken Broth (32 oz, 2 packages)
- Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup)
- Fresh Basil (4 teaspoons, plus more for garnish)
- Kosher Salt (2 teaspoons)
- Dried Italian Seasoning (1.5 teaspoons)
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon)
- Crushed Red Pepper (0.25 teaspoon or more to taste)
- Uncooked Medium Shell Pasta (8 oz)
- Fresh Baby Spinach (3 cups, roughly chopped)
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken (2 cups)
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, cubed, room temperature)
- Parmesan Cheese (1.5 oz, finely shredded, plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat oil from sun-dried tomatoes in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream, along with basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer for 12 minutes.
- Add shell pasta, reduce heat, and cook for 12 minutes until tender.
- Stir in spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan until cheeses melt.
- Serve in bowls garnished with extra Parmesan, basil, and red pepper flakes.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours, or refrigerate for 4 days.
For freezer storage, use freezer-safe containers and consume within 3 months.
Consider adding different vegetables like carrots or zucchini for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
