Marry Me Chicken Soup: Beloved Comfort

Hey everyone! I’m Anna, and I’m just a total food lover who gets way too excited about sharing simple, flavorful chicken recipes that make everyday cooking feel less like a chore and more like a joy. You know those days when you just need something warm, delicious, and totally satisfying? Well, I’ve got just the thing that’ll make you want to say ‘I do’ to dinner all over again: my Marry Me Chicken Soup! Trust me, this bowl is pure happiness.

Why This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is a Keeper

Seriously, this Marry Me Chicken Soup is a game-changer. It’s got this incredible creamy texture that just hugs you from the inside, bursting with those amazing Italian-inspired flavors from sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan. Plus, it’s ridiculously quick to whip up, meaning you can have a truly comforting and delicious meal on the table in no time at all. It’s easy, it’s cozy, and it’s guaranteed to be a new favorite!

Gathering Your Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Okay, so to make this amazing Marry Me Chicken Soup absolutely sing, we need to talk about the stars of the show. It’s all about quality ingredients that really pack a punch! I’ve learned over the years that using the good stuff, especially when it comes to things like the oil from your sun-dried tomatoes, makes a huge difference. It’s got this built-in flavor that just gets the whole soup started right. And fresh garlic? Non-negotiable! You really want to mince it yourself for that bright, punchy flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute. This soup is all about creating that rich, creamy chicken soup experience, and these foundational ingredients set us up for success.

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Soup

First things first, you’ll need 1 tablespoon of that glorious oil from your sun-dried tomato jar – it’s like liquid gold for flavor! Then, grab 1 ½ cups of chopped yellow onion and 4 cloves of garlic, minced nice and fine. Next up are the flavor powerhouses: 3 tablespoons of tomato paste and ½ cup of julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes (the kind packed in oil with herbs are perfect!). For the liquid base, we’re using 32 ounces of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy whipping cream for that luxurious creaminess. And don’t forget 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken – it makes life so much easier and adds fantastic flavor. Lastly, for that irresistible velvety texture, you’ll need 8 ounces of cream cheese, cubed and brought to room temperature so it melts beautifully.

Flavor Boosters for Your Sun-Dried Tomato Soup

Beyond the main players, we’ve got these little flavor heroes that elevate this soup from good to absolutely unforgettable. You’ll want 4 teaspoons of fresh basil, plus a little extra for garnish later. Then there’s 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, 1 ½ teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and just ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper – or more if you like a little kick! And of course, ½ ounce of finely shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping. These spices and cheeses are what give this sun-dried tomato soup its signature Italian-inspired zing and that irresistible savory depth. They really make the Marry Me Chicken Soup taste like something special.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Marry Me Chicken Soup

Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this Marry Me Chicken Soup is honestly such a joy, and it’s not complicated at all. My goal is always to make cooking feel easy and fun, and this recipe totally delivers. We’re going to build layers of flavor, starting with a simple sauté and ending with pure creamy, cheesy goodness. Grab your favorite pot, maybe put on some music, and let’s make some magic happen!

Building the Flavor Base for Your Marry Me Chicken Soup

First things first, let’s get our flavor base rockin’ and rollin’. Heat up that lovely oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a big, cozy Dutch oven or a nice, deep pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your chopped yellow onion and minced garlic. Give them a good stir and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to get nice and soft and fragrant, but not browned – just softened and sweet. Now, here’s a little trick for big flavor: stir in the tomato paste and those gorgeous sun-dried tomatoes. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. You’ll notice the tomato paste will deepen in color, getting this really rich, almost caramelized hue. That’s exactly what we want! It’s the secret to unlocking that intense tomato flavor that makes this Marry Me Chicken Soup so special.

Simmering to Perfection: Creating a Rich Chicken Pasta Soup

Okay, our flavor base is looking and smelling amazing! Now it’s time to pour in the liquid gold. Add your chicken broth and that luscious heavy whipping cream. Then, toss in your fresh basil, kosher salt, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and that little pinch of crushed red pepper for a hint of warmth. Give it all a good stir to combine everything. Crank the heat up just a touch to bring it to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling softly, reduce the heat to low, cover it up, and let it simmer for about 12 minutes. This is where all those wonderful flavors get to mingle and get to know each other, creating that rich, savory broth that makes this a truly comforting chicken pasta soup.

Adding the Pasta and Finishing Touches for Parmesan Chicken Soup

Now for the fun part – the pasta! Add your uncooked medium shell pasta right into the simmering broth. Keep the heat at a medium-low setting and let it cook, stirring every so often so nothing sticks to the bottom. You’ll want to cook it for about 12 minutes, or until the pasta is perfectly tender. Keep an eye on it; you don’t want it mushy! Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat to the absolute lowest setting. This is where we add the final touches that make this a dreamy Parmesan chicken soup. Gently stir in the fresh baby spinach, the shredded rotisserie chicken, your room-temperature cream cheese, and that finely shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together slowly for about 5 minutes. The spinach will wilt down, and the cream cheese and Parmesan will melt into the soup, creating that unbelievably creamy, dreamy texture that we all love. Just keep stirring until it’s all beautifully combined and the chicken is warmed through. And voilà! Your Marry Me Chicken Soup is ready to be devoured!

Tips for Marry Me Chicken Soup Success

You know, I’ve made this Marry Me Chicken Soup so many times, and I’ve picked up a few little tricks that really make it shine. It’s all about those small details that take it from good to absolutely spectacular. My goal is always to help you get that perfect, cozy bowl of deliciousness without any fuss, so let’s chat about a couple of things that really matter.

Achieving the Perfect Creamy Texture

The secret to that signature creamy texture in Marry Me Chicken Soup? It’s really all about the cream cheese and heavy cream working together. Make sure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature – it makes a world of difference when it’s melting into the soup. You want it soft enough to blend in super smoothly without leaving little lumps. Also, be sure to keep the heat on low when you add those final creamy ingredients. Stirring gently and consistently for those last 5 minutes is key. It allows the cheeses to melt and emulsify perfectly into the broth, creating that luscious, velvety feel without any risk of scorching or breaking. It’s that gentle heat and a little patience that gives you that dreamy consistency!

Ingredient Swaps for Your Comfort Soup

Now, I love this recipe as is, but I’m all about flexibility! If you can’t find medium shell pasta, no worries at all. Any small pasta shape like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even farfalle will work beautifully in this comfort soup. Just adjust the cooking time based on the package directions. Fresh spinach wilts down so quickly, but if you don’t have it, a handful of chopped kale works too, though you might want to add it a minute or two earlier to soften. And if you’re not using rotisserie chicken, just cook up two chicken breasts until they’re done, shred them, and toss them in! The essence of Marry Me Chicken Soup is that rich, savory, creamy flavor, and these swaps won’t steer you wrong.

Serving and Storing Your Marry Me Chicken Soup

This Marry Me Chicken Soup is so hearty and satisfying, it really shines on its own, but I always love to jazz it up a bit when I serve it! It’s a dish that feels special enough for company but is also perfect for a cozy night in. Plus, knowing how to store it means you can enjoy those delicious leftovers all week long!

Delicious Serving Suggestions

To really make this Marry Me Chicken Soup sing, I love pairing it with some crusty bread. Seriously, the best way to sop up every last drop of that creamy broth! A fresh green salad with a bright vinaigrette is also a fantastic contrast to the richness of the soup. And who can resist a side of garlic bread? It’s just pure comfort food heaven. A little extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil on top right before serving makes it look as good as it tastes!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the soup cool down a bit, then spoon it into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the stovetop is your best friend. Gently warm it over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You might need to add a splash more broth or cream if it seems a little thick after chilling. Just avoid boiling it vigorously, and you’ll have delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup all over again!

Frequently Asked Questions about Marry Me Chicken Soup

Got questions about this amazing Marry Me Chicken Soup? I’ve got answers! It’s one of my absolute favorites, and I’ve had lots of people ask me about making it their own or just how to nail it perfectly. Let’s dive into some of the most common things people wonder about!

Can I make this Marry Me Chicken Soup vegetarian?

Oh, absolutely! This is a super adaptable recipe. To make it vegetarian, you’ll just need to swap out the chicken broth for a good quality vegetable broth. For the shredded chicken, you can add in some white beans, like cannellini or great northern beans, or even some extra firm tofu that you’ve pressed and cubed. Just add them in at the same time you would add the chicken, and heat them through. You’ll still get that amazing creamy, sun-dried tomato flavor!

What kind of pasta works best for this chicken pasta soup?

I used medium shell pasta because it just grabs all that creamy goodness, but honestly, almost any small pasta shape works like a charm in this chicken pasta soup. Think ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even little bows (farfalle!). The key is to make sure it’s a pasta that cooks relatively quickly and has nooks and crannies to hold onto the sauce. Just follow the package directions for al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes, and give it a stir now and then so it doesn’t stick!

How can I adjust the spice level in my sun-dried tomato soup?

That little bit of crushed red pepper is just enough to give this sun-dried tomato soup a gentle warmth, but if you’re sensitive to spice or want to kick it up a notch, it’s super easy to adjust. For less heat, just use a pinch or omit it entirely. If you want it spicier, you can add more crushed red pepper flakes, or even a dash of cayenne pepper along with the other spices. You can also always add a few extra red pepper flakes as a garnish on top for those who like it extra fiery!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Please keep in mind that these nutritional values are estimates and can change based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. This is just a general guideline for one serving of our delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup! We’re looking at roughly 650 calories, 45g of fat (with about 25g being saturated), 25g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates per serving.

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