Name: Marry Me Chicken Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 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 (or 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 (or more if you like heat); 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)

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially as the weather turns chilly. Marry Me Chicken Soup is not just any soup; it’s a sumptuous blend of creamy goodness and hearty ingredients that can make anyone fall head over heels. This delightful dish is sure to become a comfort-food favorite in your home, providing warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.

Why Make This Recipe

The allure of Marry Me Chicken Soup lies not only in its rich flavors but also in its ease of preparation. Packed with wholesome ingredients like creamy cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach, this soup nourishes the body and soul. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal effort. Plus, who wouldn’t want to serve up a bowl that could potentially lead to a proposal?

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Creating this culinary delight is easy, and with a little bit of prep, you’ll be savoring a bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup in no time.

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 or 2 packages chicken broth
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 (or more if you like heat)
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)

Directions:

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Build the Base: Stir in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color.
Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 12 minutes.
Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Make It Creamy & Delicious: Lower the heat to low, then stir in spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir often for 5 minutes until the cheeses melt and the chicken is warmed through.
Serve & Enjoy: Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a fresh green salad on the side.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup

Serve this comforting soup piping hot in bowls, garnished generously with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Accompany it with crusty bread to soak up the rich broth, or a refreshing green salad for a well-rounded meal.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken Soup

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Note that the pasta may absorb some of the broth, so you might want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.

Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

For a deeper flavor, consider sautéing the onions and garlic until caramelized.
If you prefer a lighter soup, substitute half-and-half for the heavy whipping cream.
Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of crushed red pepper.
Use leftover turkey or cooked chicken as a convenient swap for rotisserie chicken.

Variation

This delicious soup can easily be tailored to your tastes. Add diced vegetables such as carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition, or replace the shell pasta with your favorite type of pasta. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and substitute vegetable broth, using hearty beans for protein instead.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. However, the pasta may become mushy upon reheating, so consider freezing the broth separately from the pasta and adding cooked pasta when reheating.

2. What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t available, consider using canned diced tomatoes for a different flavor profile. You might lose some of the herbaceous essence, but it will still be delicious!

3. Can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Simply follow the sauté steps on your stove, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding in the pasta and cheese mixture during the last 30 minutes.

With its cozy flavors and creamy texture, Marry Me Chicken Soup is sure to satisfy your cravings and possibly even race your heart. Enjoy a comforting bowl today!