Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Bowl of Comfort and Love

Imagine a soup so delightful that it could inspire a marriage proposal. That’s the charm of Marry Me Chicken Soup—a creamy, flavorful dish that’s won hearts across dinner tables.

The Origin of Marry Me Chicken

Before diving into the soup, let’s talk about its predecessor: Marry Me Chicken. This dish features tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. The name suggests that serving this meal might just lead to a proposal, given its irresistible taste. Building on this beloved recipe, creative cooks have transformed it into a comforting soup that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chicken Soup

This soup combines the best of both worlds: the rich flavors of the original dish and the warmth of a hearty soup. It’s creamy, savory, and has a hint of tanginess from the sun-dried tomatoes. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a sweet and tangy flavor that enhances the soup.
Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and easy.
Aromatics: Onion and garlic provide a flavorful base.
Broth and Cream: Chicken broth and heavy cream create a rich, comforting broth.
Pasta: Medium shell pasta works well, but feel free to use your favorite small pasta shape.
Greens: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition.
Cheeses: Cream cheese and Parmesan make the soup extra creamy and flavorful.
Herbs and Spices: Basil, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

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

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat some oil (using the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes adds extra flavor). Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they’re soft and fragrant.
Add the Flavor Base: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a bit of tomato paste. This deepens the tomato flavor of the soup.
Pour in the Liquids: Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the pot. Stir in your herbs and spices, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cook the Pasta: Add your pasta directly to the simmering soup. This allows the pasta to absorb the delicious flavors as it cooks.
Incorporate the Chicken and Spinach: Once the pasta is al dente, stir in shredded rotisserie chicken and fresh spinach. Let them warm through and allow the spinach to wilt.
Finish with Cheese: Reduce the heat and stir in cream cheese and grated Parmesan until they’re fully melted and the soup is creamy.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Soup

Use Quality Ingredients: Since this soup has simple components, using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a difference.
Don’t Rush the Sauté: Allowing the onions and garlic to fully soften and caramelize adds depth to the soup’s flavor.
Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the herbs and spices to suit your preferences. If you like a bit more heat, add extra red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

Marry Me Chicken Soup is hearty on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad can round out the meal. It’s also perfect for meal prep; store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Variations to Try

Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This creates a satisfying meatless version that’s just as delicious.
Different Greens: Kale or Swiss chard can be used in place of spinach for a different texture and flavor.
Add Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy addition.

FAQ

Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes! This soup reheats beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Soup? Cream-based soups can separate when frozen, so it’s best to enjoy this fresh. However, if you do freeze it, stir well while reheating.

What can I use instead of heavy cream? Half-and-half or a mix of milk and butter can work as a substitute, but the texture may be slightly lighter.