Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

Why Make This Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. Imagine warm chicken soup filled with tender pasta, fresh spinach, and rich creamy goodness. This soup is perfect for chilly days, lazy weekends, or whenever you need a little extra love in your life. It’s easy to make and delicious enough to impress even the toughest critics.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Ingredients

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs)
• 1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomato jar
• 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 32 oz or 2 packages chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 tsp fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (or more if you like heat)
• 8 oz uncooked medium shell pasta
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed (room temperature)
• 1 ½ oz Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (plus more for garnish)

Directions

1. Sauté the Aromatics
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Build the Base
4. Stir in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color.
5. Simmer the Broth
6. Pour in the chicken broth, cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 12 minutes.
7. Cook the Pasta
8. Add the pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
9. Make It Creamy & Delicious
10. Lower the heat to low, then stir in spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir often for 5 minutes until the cheeses melt and the chicken is warmed through.
11. Serve & Enjoy
12. Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a fresh green salad on the side.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup

This soup is best enjoyed hot straight from the pot. Serve it in deep bowls, topped with more fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A slice of crusty bread or a fresh green salad on the side makes a lovely accompaniment.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken Soup

If you have leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy!

Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

• For more flavor, try adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the onions and garlic.
• You can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper based on your heat preference.
• For a different creamy texture, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy whipping cream.

Variation

Feel free to customize this recipe! Add in other vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition. You could also swap the rotisserie chicken for cooked shrimp or sausage for a hearty twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use cooked chicken or raw chicken that is diced and cooked in the soup before adding other ingredients.

2. How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

3. Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and skip the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese.