Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Cozy Delight

Name: Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Cozy Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
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 chicken broth (2 packages); 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 (adjust to taste); 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)

Jump to Recipe

This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, savory dish that will win over hearts and bellies alike. Quick to make, this family-friendly meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Indulge in its rich flavors and comforting textures it’s no wonder it’s called “Marry Me!”

Table of Contents

Delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup with pasta and spinach.

Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chicken Soup

This soup brings together delightful flavors and easy preparation, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. The creamy base combined with fresh ingredients creates a warm meal that feels indulgent yet light. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have a comforting dish ready whenever you need it.

Key Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Essential Ingredients

You will need ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes, julienne-cut and packed in oil with herbs, and 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar. Combine this with 1 ½ cups of chopped yellow onion and 4 cloves of minced garlic. For a robust flavor, incorporate 3 tablespoons of tomato paste along with 32 ounces of chicken broth, which is about 2 packages. Add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream to give it that luscious texture.

Flavor Enhancers

This recipe also calls for 4 teaspoons of fresh basil, plus more for garnish, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and 1 ½ teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning. A touch of 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper will elevate the flavor profile, while the amount of crushed red pepper can be adjusted to taste.

The Creamy Base

To finish off the soup, you’ll use 8 ounces of uncooked medium shell pasta, 3 cups of fresh baby spinach that has been roughly chopped, and 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken. For extra creaminess, 8 ounces of cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature, and 1 ½ ounces of finely shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish, are essential.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Aromatics

First, heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. The smell will be divine!

Building the Soup Base

Next, mix in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2 minutes while stirring until the tomato paste darkens. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, and let it simmer for 12 minutes.

Cooking the Pasta

Then, stir in the pasta, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender. The aroma of the simmering soup will be irresistible.

Final Touches and Serving

Finally, lower the heat and mix in the spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir frequently for 5 minutes until the cheeses melt and the chicken is heated through. Serve the soup in bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Enjoy with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal!

Pro Tips & Variations

Adjusting Spice Levels

You can easily adjust the amount of crushed red pepper based on your spice preference. Make it mild or add a kick to your taste!

Cream Cheese Incorporation

Use room temperature cream cheese for easier melting. If it clumps, just press it against the pot’s side to blend smoothly.

Alternative Pasta Options

If you prefer, you can use alternative pasta options such as orecchiette, ditalini, or orzo. Just check the package instructions for cooking times.

What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Soup

This soup pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or even a glass of white wine. The delightful combination will make your meal feel extra special!

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of broth if it thickens.

FAQs

What ingredients do I need for marry me chicken?

You will need sun-dried tomatoes, onion, garlic, tomato paste, chicken broth, heavy cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper, shell pasta, spinach, rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan.

How do I make marry me chicken in under 30 minutes?

To make the soup quickly, prepare your ingredients in advance. The actual cooking time is about 30-40 minutes, so you can streamline your prep.

What sides pair well with marry me chicken?

Garlic bread, fresh green salads, and white wine make great pairs with marry me chicken soup.

Can I make marry me chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What makes marry me chicken a romantic dish?

The creamy, decadent flavors and comforting texture make it a perfect meal for cozy date nights, hence its romantic name.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. For more culinary inspiration and recipe ideas, visit our Pinterest page at Artemis Recipes. Enjoy cooking and creating memorable meals!