Name: Marry Me Chicken Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Sun-Dried Tomatoes (0.5 cup, julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs); 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, about 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); Medium Shell Pasta (8 oz, uncooked); 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)

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With the first chill of autumn slicing through the air, there’s something magical about a bubbling pot of soup on the stove. Imagine the warmth of a rich, creamy broth cradling tender chunks of rotisserie chicken, vibrant greens, and luscious sun-dried tomatoes. The smell, oh, the smell! It wraps around you like a cozy blanket, drawing friends and family into the kitchen as they eagerly await a taste of this heartwarming creation. The Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience – one that turns a simple weeknight into a delightful gathering.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Marry Me Chicken Soup

I still remember the first time I made this soup for my loved ones. The laughter shared over steaming bowls and the twinkling eyes after that first sip—pure bliss! This dish has a way of bringing people together, making every occasion feel special. Whether it’s a cozy dinner on a rainy day or a festive occasion with family, the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is a sure hit. I can’t wait for you to try it and make your own memories!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just under an hour! It’s as easy as tossing everything into one pot and letting it simmer.
Irresistible Flavor: Each spoonful bursts with creamy goodness and a medley of delightful ingredients that will warm your heart.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With vibrant colors from the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, this soup looks as good as it tastes!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve at gatherings.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free pasta or using a dairy-free cream substitute.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sun-Dried Tomatoes (0.5 cup, julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs): These add a depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness. Look for those packed with herbs for added taste. If unavailable, you can use fresh tomatoes, but the result will be different.
Oil from Sun-Dried Tomato Jar (1 tablespoon): This flavorful oil contributes a rich base. If you run low, olive oil works perfectly too.
Yellow Onion (1.5 cups, chopped): A classic aromatics choice, it gives sweetness and depth. Shallots are a great substitute if you want a milder flavor.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): This adds tons of flavor. Fresh garlic is keen; if you must substitute, dried garlic powder will be less potent.
Tomato Paste (3 tablespoons): Provides a concentrated tomato flavor and enhances the soup’s overall richness. Don’t skip this ingredient!
Chicken Broth (32 oz, about 2 packages): A good-quality broth is key here, as it influences the soup’s flavor. Homemade is ideal, but store-bought works wonderfully.
Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup): This transforms the broth into a luxurious, velvety consistency. For lighter options, half-and-half or coconut cream works as a substitute.
Fresh Basil (4 teaspoons, plus more for garnish): Adds freshness and a beautiful aroma. If fresh isn’t available, dried will do, although flavor intensity will vary.
Kosher Salt (2 teaspoons): Essential for flavor. Adjust based on your dietary needs; sea salt is a breather alternative.
Dried Italian Seasoning (1.5 teaspoons): A mix of herbs that rounds out all the flavors. It’s fine to use individual herbs if you prefer!
Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): A friendly complement to the fresh garlic; skip if you don’t have it, but it enhances flavor depth.
Crushed Red Pepper (0.25 teaspoon, or more to taste): Adds a hint of spice! Feel free to adjust for your heat preference.
Medium Shell Pasta (8 oz, uncooked): Shells are perfect for soaking up the soup’s flavors. You can swap for any small pasta, like ditalini or orzo.
Fresh Baby Spinach (3 cups, roughly chopped): Introduces a lovely green element and nutrition. Kale or Swiss chard can be used instead.
Shredded Rotisserie Chicken (2 cups): An easy, flavorful protein source. You can use leftover chicken or any cooked chicken as an alternative.
Cream Cheese (8 oz, cubed, room temperature): This helps in creating a creamy texture. Softened cheddar can also work if you’re experimenting!
Parmesan Cheese (1.5 oz, finely shredded, plus more for garnish): Adds heavenly umami flavors. Pecorino Romano is a nice substitute, though.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Heat and Sauté: In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, pour in the tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they’re softened and aromatic. You’ll know it’s ready when the onions turn translucent and release their perfume—so inviting!

Add and Cook: Stir in the tomato paste along with the sun-dried tomatoes, letting them cook for 2 minutes. This step deepens the color and flavor of the paste, creating a rich foundation for the soup. Just watch as the vibrant colors brighten up the pot!

Pour and Simmer: Pour in your chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring this beautiful mixture to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld magnificently.

Incorporate Pasta: Add the uncooked shell pasta to the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta becomes tender. You’ll love how it absorbs the soup’s flavors while gently bubbling away!

Mix and Melt: Turn the heat down to low and stir in the chopped spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cubed cream cheese, and shredded Parmesan. Use a gentle touch and stir often for 5 minutes, ensuring the cheeses melt into the soup. If the cream cheese clumps, just press it against the pot’s side to help it blend smoothly.

Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the creamy goodness into bowls, and don’t forget to garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick! Pair it with crusty bread or a light green salad for a complete meal that warms the soul.

Storing & Reheating

If you have any leftovers, lucky you! Store the soup at room temperature for up to 2 hours before transferring it to the fridge in airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 days. For longer storage, don’t hesitate to freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label the containers with the date! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently for about 10 minutes. Note that the soup may thicken as it sits, so feel free to add a splash of broth or water to refresh its creamy texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the pasta; you want it al dente as it will continue cooking in the soup.
Keep frequent checks on seasoning and add salt at the end since the Parmesan cheese also contributes to the saltiness.
Using room temperature cream cheese allows it to blend smoothly into the soup, preventing clumps.
If using fresh herbs, tend to add them towards the end of cooking for a burst of color and flavor.
Feel free to try different vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe encapsulates the essence of cozy gatherings and hearty comfort. It’s a delightful way to share love with family and friends through delicious meals. The combination of creamy broth, tender chicken, and fresh ingredients makes it a standout dish. I’m excited for you to try it, and I encourage you to sprinkle in your own special touch!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover roast chicken works beautifully in this soup. Shredded or cubed, any type of cooked chicken will add that savory flavor without the need for cooking from scratch. Just make sure it’s warm before adding it to the soup to achieve the best results.

Is this soup freezable?

Yes, it is! Just let the soup cool down before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Reheating is easy—just thaw in the fridge overnight and get ready to enjoy!

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Certainly! Swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. To add heartiness, consider incorporating additional veggies or even chickpeas for a protein boost. You can also use cashew cream or silken tofu in place of heavy cream for creaminess.

How spicy is this soup?

The crushed red pepper adds a hint of spice, but you can easily adjust this to your liking. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less and increase as needed. Conversely, for those who enjoy spice, feel free to add more during cooking!