Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

Why Make This Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Soup is affectionately called “A Hug in a Bowl” for a reason. This delightful soup combines comforting flavors and creamy textures, making it the perfect dish for cozy evenings. With tender chicken, rich cream, and vibrant spinach, this soup is sure to impress your loved ones. Not only is it delicious, but it also warms the heart and soul, making it a fantastic choice for family gatherings or a romantic dinner.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

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:

1. 
   

   Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

   
   
2. 
   

   Build the Base: Stir in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color.

   
   
3. 
   

   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.

   
   
4. 
   

   Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta, reduce 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 spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir often for 5 minutes until the cheeses melt and the chicken is warmed through.

   
   
6. 
   

   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 Marry Me Chicken Soup hot in deep bowls. Garnish each serving with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for that extra touch. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken Soup

If you have leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

1. Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor.
2. If you like more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper.
3. Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Variation

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also substitute shredded turkey for the rotisserie chicken if that’s what you have on hand.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it beforehand and shred it before adding it to the soup.

2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables for flavor and texture.

3. How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water and stir it into the soup during the simmering phase.

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