Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a recipe that will make your family or guests fall in love at first bite, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Soup. This delightful dish combines the warmth and comfort of a classic chicken soup with rich, creamy flavors that are simply irresistible. Whether you’re preparing this for a cozy family dinner or to impress someone special, this soup is sure to make anyone swoon. The blend of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and tender rotisserie chicken creates a bowl of pure comfort that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a Must-Try

Marry Me Chicken Soup stands out for its creamy, savory base and the unique combination of ingredients that bring depth to its flavor. The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness, while the cream cheese and heavy cream provide a luscious, velvety texture. The addition of Italian seasoning, garlic, and fresh basil elevates the dish, making it both comforting and sophisticated. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to treat yourself to something special.

Ingredients Breakdown

For this Marry Me Chicken Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs)
• 1 tablespoon oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar, divided)
• 1 1/2 cups yellow onion (chopped, about 1 medium onion)
• 4 medium garlic cloves (minced, about 4 teaspoons)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 8 cups chicken broth (from two 32-ounce packages)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 teaspoons fresh basil (chopped, 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 (plus more for garnish)
• 8 ounces medium shell pasta (uncooked, about 3 cups)
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach (roughly chopped)
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed, at room temperature, about 1 cup)
• 1 1/2 ounces Parmesan cheese (finely shredded, about 1/2 cup, plus more for garnish)

Each ingredient in this soup plays a crucial role in building its complex flavors and rich texture. The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy depth, while the cream cheese and heavy cream contribute to the soup’s luxurious creaminess. The Italian seasoning, garlic, and fresh basil bring a fragrant, herby note that balances the richness.

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 2: Incorporate the Tomatoes and Paste
Next, add the tomato paste and julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes to the pot. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens slightly, taking on a deeper red color, which should take about 2 minutes. This step enhances the tomato’s natural sweetness and intensifies the flavor.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, chopped fresh basil, kosher salt, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Stir everything together to combine, and bring the soup to a boil over medium heat. This process should take about 12 minutes, during which the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Once the soup is boiling, add the uncooked medium shell pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the pasta to cook until it’s al dente, which should take approximately 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Add the Final Ingredients
After the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the chopped spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cubed cream cheese, and finely shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cream cheese and Parmesan have completely melted and the chicken is heated through, about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Your Marry Me Chicken Soup is now ready to serve! Garnish each bowl with additional Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for an extra touch of flavor and color.

Tips for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, cook it until just al dente. Remember, it will continue to soften as it sits in the hot soup.
• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the soup. This ensures it melts smoothly and evenly without leaving any lumps.
• Fresh Basil for Garnish: Adding fresh basil right before serving enhances the soup’s aroma and adds a pop of color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate your dining experience with a few simple serving ideas:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up every drop of the creamy soup.
• Side Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the soup.
• Elegant Garnish: For a restaurant-quality presentation, garnish the soup with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a few small basil leaves, and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences:

• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta to make the soup suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace the shredded chicken with cannellini beans or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Spicy Twist: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

To store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the soup over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding the Cream Too Early: Adding the cream at the beginning can cause it to curdle. Always add it towards the end of the cooking process to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Overseasoning: Since the soup contains both Parmesan cheese and salt, be cautious with additional salt to avoid making the soup too salty.
• Not Melting the Cheese Properly: Ensure the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup to avoid lumps.

FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Soup

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time. Prepare the soup as directed, but avoid adding the pasta. When ready to serve, bring the soup back to a simmer, add the pasta, and cook until al dente.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content, which can separate upon thawing. If you must freeze, do so before adding the cream and cheeses, then add them fresh when reheating.

Can I make this soup without cream?
For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with an equal amount of milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk. The soup will be less rich but still delicious.

conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a recipe that’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Its rich, comforting flavors make it a go-to meal for any occasion, whether you’re looking to impress someone special or simply want to treat yourself to a warm, satisfying bowl of soup. Give this recipe a try and see why it’s been winning hearts in kitchens everywhere. If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes!

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