Marry Me Chicken Soup

If you’re looking for a comforting bowl of goodness that feels like a warm hug, then you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe. Marry Me Chicken Soup is a delightful blend of creamy sauce, juicy shredded chicken, and pasta that makes every spoonful a culinary love affair. This soup is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table with smiles and satisfied bellies.

What makes this soup truly special is not just its rich Tuscan flavors but also how it warms your heart. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil creates an irresistible aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it may just become a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: The creamy texture and hearty ingredients make this soup a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, so you can prepare it ahead of time for those busy days.
• Delicious Flavor Profile: The blend of sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and Italian seasoning creates a rich taste that feels gourmet without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this fantastic Marry Me Chicken Soup. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the comforting flavors we all love!

For the Soup

• 1 pound shredded chicken
• 3-4 ounces sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced or pressed)
• 3 ounces tomato paste
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup basil (chopped)
• 2 cups rotini pasta (dry)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• salt & pepper to taste
• parmesan for garnish

Variations

One of the best things about Marry Me Chicken Soup is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Use diced turkey or chickpeas instead of chicken for a different flavor and texture.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale for extra nutrients and color.
• Make it spicy: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
• Use gluten-free pasta: Substitute with gluten-free rotini to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

To start, prep all the ingredients. Having everything ready will make cooking smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me; there’s nothing worse than scrambling around when your pot is sizzling away!

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a large pot, sauté the diced onion and garlic until they are soft and beginning to brown. This step is essential as it releases their natural sweetness, which will add depth to your soup. When they smell heavenly, add in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.

Step 3: Combine Tomato Paste and Chicken

Next, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook with the other ingredients for about a minute. This allows all those flavors to mingle beautifully! Then, add in your shredded chicken followed by pouring in the chicken broth.

Step 4: Bring to a Simmer

Bring the broth to a boil before lowering it to a gentle simmer. At this point, sprinkle in some salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This step is crucial because it lets all those lovely spices infuse into the broth.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Toss in your dry rotini pasta next! Cook according to package instructions—usually around 10-12 minutes—until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Add Cream

Once your pasta is cooked through, turn off the heat and pour in the heavy cream. This gives your soup that luscious creamy texture we adore! Don’t forget to taste it again—add more salt or pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve It Up

Finally, serve your Marry Me Chicken Soup hot with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top. Watch as everyone gathers around with smiles on their faces, ready to dig into this delectable bowl of love!

Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Soup

It’s all about those little touches that make your soup taste even better, so here are some tips to elevate your Marry Me Chicken Soup experience!

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken can save you prep effort and still deliver that juicy flavor. It makes the cooking process quicker and infuses a delightful richness into your soup.

• Fresh Herbs Matter: Opt for fresh basil instead of dried for a more vibrant taste. Fresh herbs brighten the flavors of the soup and add a lovely aroma that enhances the overall dining experience.

• Control Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on your preference. More cream will give you a richer soup, while less will keep it lighter without sacrificing flavor.

• Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adding salt and pepper gradually helps build layers of flavor rather than overwhelming the dish at once. It allows you to fine-tune according to your taste.

• Make It Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen over time, making it perfect for meal prep or cozy weeknight dinners.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup

Serving Marry Me Chicken Soup is as delightful as making it! Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, here are some ideas to present this comforting dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil Leaves: A few fresh basil leaves on top add a pop of color and freshness.
• Parmesan Shavings: A sprinkle of grated parmesan enhances the creamy texture and adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Croutons: For a bit of crunch, serve with homemade or store-bought croutons that can soak up all that creamy goodness.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your creamy soup. It’s simple yet satisfying!
• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add both nutrition and vibrant colors to your meal; think zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots tossed in olive oil.
• Cheesy Breadsticks: Soft, cheesy breadsticks not only complement the soup but also make it feel like a special occasion!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have an impressive bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup that’s sure to delight everyone at the table! Enjoy every warm sip!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Marry Me Chicken Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a large batch and store it for future meals, making your weeknight dinners stress-free.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to use.

Reheating

• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• If the soup thickens upon reheating, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Marry Me Chicken Soup that might help you out!

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save you time and add extra flavor. Just shred it and toss it into the pot as directed.

How can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup more creamy?

To enhance the creaminess of your soup, consider adding more heavy cream or a splash of milk towards the end of cooking. This will give it a richer texture!

What should I serve with Marry Me Chicken Soup?

This delicious soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh side salad, or even some garlic knots for dipping!

Can I customize my Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Definitely! Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or carrots, or even replace rotini with another pasta shape if you prefer.

Is Marry Me Chicken Soup suitable for freezing?

Yes! This soup freezes beautifully. Just follow the storage tips above to ensure it stays fresh and delicious.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe that this Marry Me Chicken Soup will become a beloved recipe in your kitchen. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it comforting and satisfying—perfect for any occasion! I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and maybe even share it with someone special. Here’s to many cozy meals ahead!