Introduction
If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious soup that will warm your heart and soul, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Soup. This creamy, tangy soup is inspired by the popular Marry Me Chicken dish, known for its irresistible flavors that are said to be worthy of a marriage proposal. With a rich broth, tender chicken, and the perfect blend of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or simply craving a cozy meal, Marry Me Chicken Soup is the perfect choice.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a one-pot wonder that is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. You’ll love the convenience of using store-bought rotisserie chicken, which saves time and adds a deliciously tender texture to the soup. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and flavorful broth that will have you coming back for seconds. Plus, this soup is versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and pasta. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, special occasions, or anytime you need a comforting bowl of goodness.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes in oil with herbs
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Pasta: 1 cup medium shell pasta
- Spinach: 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated
- Basil: 1 teaspoon dried
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for heat)
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
Equipment Used
- Large Pot: A large pot is essential for cooking the soup and ensuring all the ingredients are well combined.
- Cutting Board: You’ll need a cutting board for chopping the onions, garlic, and other ingredients.
- Chef’s Knife: A sharp chef’s knife is important for efficiently cutting and preparing the ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Use a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring the soup and ensuring it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Ladle: A ladle is useful for serving the soup into bowls.
- Grater: A grater is needed for grating the Parmesan cheese.
- Mixing Bowl: A mixing bowl is helpful for combining ingredients like the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese before adding them to the soup.
Directions & Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Paste: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the dried basil and red pepper flakes, if using.
- Cook Pasta: Add the medium shell pasta to the pot and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Chicken and Spinach: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and fresh baby spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Finish with Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 18g
Variations
- Vegetables: Add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Pasta: Swap the medium shell pasta for your favorite small pasta shape, such as ditalini or orzo.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a unique twist.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Marry Me Chicken Soup ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze Marry Me Chicken Soup. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can use fresh chicken breasts or thighs. Cook the chicken in the pot before adding the other ingredients, then shred and return it to the soup.
Pro Tips By Emma
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of the chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese will greatly impact the flavor of the soup.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta until just al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the soup.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed for the perfect balance of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Enjoy with a glass of white wine or sparkling water for a special touch.
Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
If you're looking for a comforting and delicious soup that will warm your heart and soul, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Soup. This creamy, tangy soup is inspired by the popular Marry Me Chicken dish, known for its irresistible flavors that are said to be worthy of a marriage proposal. With a rich broth, tender chicken, and the perfect blend of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner or simply craving a cozy meal, Marry Me Chicken Soup is the perfect choice.
Equipment
- Large Pot: A large pot is essential for cooking the soup and ensuring all the ingredients are well combined.
- Cutting Board: You'll need a cutting board for chopping the onions, garlic, and other ingredients.
- Chef's Knife: A sharp chef's knife is important for efficiently cutting and preparing the ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Use a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring the soup and ensuring it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Ladle: A ladle is useful for serving the soup into bowls.
- Grater: A grater is needed for grating the Parmesan cheese.
- Mixing Bowl: A mixing bowl is helpful for combining ingredients like the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese before adding them to the soup.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes in oil with herbs
- Onion: 1 medium finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Pasta: 1 cup medium shell pasta
- Spinach: 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces softened
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated
- Basil: 1 teaspoon dried
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon optional, for heat
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Paste: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the dried basil and red pepper flakes, if using.
- Cook Pasta: Add the medium shell pasta to the pot and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Chicken and Spinach: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and fresh baby spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Finish with Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
To elevate the Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe, consider adding these ingredients and tips:
Fresh Herbs: Add a handful of fresh basil, parsley, or thyme at the end of cooking for a burst of fresh flavor.
Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest can brighten up the soup and add a refreshing citrus note.
Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy depth of flavor.