Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl! With creamy broth, savory rotisserie chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a delightful blend of herbs and spices, this soup is designed to leave you feeling full, warm, and completely satisfied. The richness of the cream, the burst of flavors from the sun-dried tomatoes, and the melty cheeses come together in a symphony that’s sure to make you fall head over heels for it. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or treating yourself, this soup is destined to impress!

Ingredients

Main Components:

• 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

Flavor Boosters:

• 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)

The Good Stuff:

• 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)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

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

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6-8 servings. The preparation time is around 10-15 minutes, and the cooking time is about 30 minutes, making this a quick yet hearty meal to prepare for your family or guests.

Variations

• Control the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less crushed red pepper and adjust to taste. Alternatively, you can omit it entirely if you prefer a mild flavor.
• Cream Cheese Hack: For smoother melting, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature. If it clumps, press it against the side of the pot to help it blend in.
• Switch Up the Pasta: If you prefer a different pasta, orecchiette, ditalini, or orzo work well—just check the package instructions for the cooking time.

What to Serve With It

This soup is hearty and filling on its own, but if you want a little something extra, try pairing it with:

• Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
• Fresh green salad – A light, crisp contrast to the richness of the soup.
• A glass of white wine – Because, why not?

How to Store & Reheat

Got leftovers? Lucky you!

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the soup thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. The flavors deepen overnight, and it’s even more delicious the next day.

Can I freeze this soup?

While this soup freezes well, it’s best to cook the pasta separately and add it after reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy. Freeze the soup base for up to 3 months.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the shell pasta with orecchiette, orzo, or ditalini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

How can I make this soup lighter?

For a lighter version, you can replace the cream with half-and-half or use a lower-fat cream cheese. You can also reduce the amount of pasta and increase the spinach for more greens.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use fresh, cooked chicken. Just sauté it in the pot before adding the broth and other ingredients. Shred it once it’s cooked.

How can I make this soup spicier?

To add more spice, increase the crushed red pepper or add some hot sauce to taste.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re cooking to impress or treating yourself, Marry Me Chicken Soup delivers on flavor, comfort, and satisfaction. This creamy, hearty soup will make your taste buds fall head over heels. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or when you’re cooking for someone special. So, will it make someone propose? Who knows—but it will definitely earn you compliments. Enjoy and happy cooking!

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