Marry Me Chicken Soup

This Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that will leave you craving more. With its creamy broth, tender chicken, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. This soup stands out not only for its rich taste but also for its simplicity in preparation, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This soup comes together quickly, making it a fantastic option for any night when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, and creamy broth creates a flavor explosion in every spoonful.
• Versatile Meal: Whether served as a hearty main dish or paired with crusty bread, this soup fits perfectly into various dining scenarios.
• Nutritious Ingredients: With fresh spinach and chicken, this recipe offers a healthy dose of vitamins and protein without sacrificing taste.
• Comforting and Satisfying: The creamy texture combined with the warm spices makes this soup the ultimate comfort food.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up the Marry Me Chicken Soup.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Soup pot or Dutch oven: A sturdy pot ensures even heat distribution, allowing your ingredients to meld beautifully.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pots while keeping the food moving.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements help achieve consistent flavors in every batch.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping ingredients efficiently and safely.

Ingredients

This marry me chicken soup recipe is packed with goodness and has a light yet creamy broth. There’s plenty of sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, and parmesan!

For the Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (I use double concentrated)

For Flavoring

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (see note)
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For Liquids

• 1/2 cup dry white grape juice
• 4 cups chicken broth

For Protein & Pasta

• 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken
• 1.5 cups uncooked rotini or fusilli pasta

For Creaminess & Greens

• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus more, for serving)
• 2-3 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup (loosely packed) fresh basil (torn/sliced)

Seasoning

• Salt & pepper (to taste)

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the oil, butter, and onion to a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 2: Add Flavors

Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about a minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Incorporate Liquids

Pour in the grape juice and let it bubble for 1-2 minutes while stirring to mix in the tomato paste thoroughly.

Step 4: Boil and Simmer

Add in the chicken broth and turn up the heat to high. Once boiling, add the pasta. Reduce heat to simmer covered with the lid slightly open for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

Stir in the cream and cooked chicken. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until pasta is tender and chicken heats through.

Step 6: Add Fresh Greens

Turn off the burner. Stir in parmesan cheese, spinach, and basil. Season with salt & pepper if needed. Serve once spinach has wilted; top bowls with additional parmesan as desired.

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup

Serving Marry Me Chicken Soup can elevate your dining experience. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and enjoy comforting flavors together. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your soup.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of crusty baguette for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread to complement the Italian herbs in the soup.

Topped with Cheese

• Shredded Parmesan: Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top for a rich, nutty flavor.
• Mozzarella Balls: Add fresh mozzarella balls for a creamy texture that melts deliciously.

Accompanied by Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and freshness to balance the soup’s creaminess.
• Caprese Salad: Serve a Caprese salad with ripe tomatoes and basil for a refreshing side.

How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup

Perfecting your Marry Me Chicken Soup is all about enhancing its flavors and ensuring a delightful texture. Here are some tips to achieve this:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Opt for rotisserie chicken for added depth of flavor and convenience.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste frequently and adjust salt and pepper as needed for the perfect balance.
• Add More Vegetables: Incorporate diced carrots or celery for extra nutrition and texture.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook pasta until al dente, so it doesn’t become mushy in the soup.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on garnishing with fresh basil and spinach for vibrant color and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken Soup

To round out your meal, consider serving Marry Me Chicken Soup with these delightful side dishes. Each one complements the flavors of the soup beautifully.

1. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery sticks that are perfect for dipping in the soup.
2. Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives that adds brightness to your meal.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices create a hearty addition.
4. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized brings earthy flavors.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs offers a nutritious contrast to the creamy soup.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide a satisfying crunch alongside the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Marry Me Chicken Soup can be easy, but a few common missteps can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta too long can make it mushy. Add it to the soup when it’s boiling and simmer just until tender.
• Neglecting seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can lead to bland soup. Always season with salt and pepper at the end for optimal flavor.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Poor quality tomatoes or broth can affect taste. Choose fresh sun-dried tomatoes and a good chicken broth for best results.
• Skipping the cheese: Parmesan adds richness and depth. Don’t skip it; sprinkle generously on top before serving.
• Not letting it sit: Serving immediately may miss out on flavor development. Letting it rest for a few minutes enhances the taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Containers: Use airtight containers to keep your soup fresh.

Freezing Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Duration: Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving space for expansion.

Reheating Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), pour soup into an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes).
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between intervals.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot while stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Marry Me Chicken Soup special?

Marry Me Chicken Soup stands out due to its creamy texture paired with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs, delivering a comforting yet elegant meal.

Can I customize Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers or switch up the pasta type according to your preference.

How can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup dairy-free?

To make this soup dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or any plant-based cream that suits your taste.

What is the best way to store leftovers of Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. Its creamy broth combined with flavorful ingredients makes it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it according to your preferences—add different veggies or spices! Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a warm bowl that might just win hearts!

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