If you are searching for a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish that feels like a big warm hug in a bowl, the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is your new best friend. This soup blends tender shredded chicken, delicate spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious creamy broth, all enhanced by aromatic herbs and cheese. It’s a dish that sparks joy and invites you to savor each spoonful, perfect for cozy nights when you want something both satisfying and special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the first step towards creating a bowl of happiness with this soup. Each item plays a crucial role, whether adding rich flavor, vibrant color, or a fantastic texture that elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing that infuses the soup with a fruity, smooth richness.
- Large onion (diced): Provides sweetness and depth when cooked down.
- Garlic (minced): Adds an irresistible aromatic warmth that wakes up the palate.
- Chicken stock: The heart of the soup, delivering savory body and moisture.
- Tomato paste: Brings concentrated tomato flavor and a touch of tanginess.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Introduces chewy texture and a burst of intense, slightly sweet tomato essence.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties the flavors together beautifully.
- Red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to keep things interesting without overpowering.
- Uncooked shell pasta: Small pasta shells that soak up the broth and create a comforting bite.
- Heavy cream: For luscious silkiness and a velvety mouthfeel.
- Cooked chicken (shredded): The protein that makes this soup satisfyingly hearty.
- Fresh spinach leaves: Adds freshness, color, and a touch of earthiness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Injects salty richness and umami goodness.
- Freshly chopped basil leaves: Bright herbal notes to finish off with a burst of flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to balance and enhance all the other flavors.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Gently cook the diced onion and minced garlic for about 5 to 6 minutes until they turn soft and fragrant. This step unlocks the full depth of flavor that sets the stage for the rest of the soup.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Next, add the chicken stock, tomato paste, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes directly into the pot. Stir to combine and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the uncooked shell pasta. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the pasta cooks just right.
Step 3: Creamy Comfort
Now it is time to make the soup irresistibly rich. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cooked chicken, and fresh spinach leaves. Continue cooking until the spinach wilts and the pasta is perfectly al dente. This is where the soup turns creamy and comforting in every sense.
Step 4: Final Touches
Turn off the heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. These final ingredients bring freshness and a savory punch that elevates the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe to truly unforgettable territory. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste, and your soul-soothing meal is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or a few more fresh basil leaves right before serving for a burst of color and flavor. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper can also add a lovely finishing touch that makes each spoonful special.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or garlic toast makes it even more comforting. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables can round out the meal for those wanting something extra on the side without overpowering this delicate soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or white ceramic mugs for individual portions. Adding a tiny spoonful of pesto or a swirl of cream on top can create a beautiful swirl effect that wows guests and family alike. This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup, but it’s best to omit the cream if planning to freeze. Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags, and it keeps well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. If the soup seems thick, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it up. Add the cream only when reheating if you froze the soup without it to keep the soup silky.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Using store-bought cooked chicken is a convenient way to save time without compromising flavor. Just shred it well and add it towards the end of cooking as the recipe suggests.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. You can also omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese substitute to keep it dairy-free.
What pasta can I substitute for the shells?
Any small pasta such as orzo, ditalini, or mini macaroni works well. Choose a pasta that cooks quickly and pairs nicely with the creamy broth to maintain the soup’s wonderful texture.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in chopped carrots, celery, or even mushrooms during step 2 to boost nutrition and add more flavors. Just cut them small so they cook within the simmer time.
How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe?
This soup has just a gentle hint of heat from the red pepper flakes, which you can adjust easily. Omit or reduce the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder soup, or add a pinch more if you like a little kick.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is truly a gem that deserves a spot in your recipe collection. It combines creamy comfort with fresh, vibrant flavors and a touch of elegance that makes every bowl feel like a celebration. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be reaching for the spoon again and again — so cozy up and enjoy!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy and comforting Italian-inspired soup packed with tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. This hearty soup combines savory flavors with tender shell pasta and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, perfect for warming up any day.
Ingredients
Base and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Broth and Seasonings
- 6–8 cups chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Dairy
- 8 ounces uncooked shell pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup freshly chopped basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for 5-6 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Simmer Soup Base: Pour in the chicken stock, then stir in the tomato paste, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Add the uncooked shell pasta and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes until the pasta is nearly tender.
- Add Cream and Chicken: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cooked chicken, and fresh spinach leaves. Continue cooking until the spinach wilts and the pasta reaches al dente texture.
- Finish and Season: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil leaves. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as desired before serving.
Notes
- For a lower calorie version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Use freshly cooked chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness in the soup.
- Serve with additional Parmesan and fresh basil on top for extra flavor.
- This soup freezes well; store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
