Marry Me Chicken Soup

This Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe is a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. With its creamy broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of Italian herbs, this soup not only warms the heart but also brings everyone together around the table. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it for a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its comforting taste and rich aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious soup ready in under an hour.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs creates a savory depth that makes every spoonful satisfying.
• Versatile Ingredients: This recipe allows for adjustments based on your pantry staples, making it easy to customize.
• Nutritious & Filling: Packed with chicken and fresh spinach, this soup provides essential nutrients while being hearty enough to serve as a main course.
• Family-Friendly: The creamy texture and flavorful ingredients make it appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather all necessary tools to make your experience seamless. Having the right kitchen tools can elevate your cooking game.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Essential for evenly cooking the soup and allowing enough space for all ingredients.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and precise chopping of vegetables, saving time during prep.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right flavor balance in your soup.

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!

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (I use double concentrated)
• 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)
• 1/2 cup dry white grape juice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken
• 1.5 cups uncooked rotini or fusilli pasta
• 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)
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

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

Step 2: Incorporate Flavor

Next, add minced garlic, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook this mixture for about one minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Grape Juice

Pour in the dry white grape juice. Allow it to bubble for about 1–2 minutes while stirring to combine everything well.

Step 4: Pour in Broth

Add the chicken broth to the pot and increase the heat to high. Once boiling, add in your uncooked rotini or fusilli pasta. Reduce heat slightly and let it simmer with the lid slightly open for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Mix in Cream & Chicken

Stir in both cooked chicken and heavy cream. Cook for an additional 4–5 minutes until the pasta is tender and heated through.

Step 6: Final Touches

Turn off the burner. Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese along with baby spinach and basil. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Mix well until the spinach wilts slightly before serving hot with extra parmesan on top if desired.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that warms the heart and soul. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. Try a toasted French baguette or a rustic Italian loaf for added flavor.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing with extra fresh basil or parsley will elevate the presentation and add a burst of freshness to every bowl.

Serve with a Side Salad

• A light, refreshing salad balances the richness of the soup. Consider a mixed greens salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette for a bright contrast.

Add Extra Cheese

• Sprinkle additional freshly grated parmesan on top just before serving. This will enhance the flavor and create an irresistible cheesy layer.

Include Sliced Avocado

• For a creamy texture, serve slices of avocado on the side. It complements the soup beautifully and adds healthy fats.

Offer Crackers or Grissini

• Crunchy crackers or grissini provide a satisfying texture contrast with the smooth soup. They’re great for munching alongside your meal.

How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup

To make your Marry Me Chicken Soup truly unforgettable, consider these tips that will enhance its taste and presentation.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and vegetables when possible. They significantly boost flavor and nutritional value.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! You can easily adjust salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your personal preference for spice levels.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: To prevent mushiness, cook the pasta until it’s al dente before adding it to the soup. This allows it to absorb flavor without losing its bite.
• Incorporate More Vegetables: Add in diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrients and color in your soup.
• Blend for Creaminess: For an ultra-smooth texture, blend part of the soup before stirring in the chicken and cream. This creates a velvety base.
• Keep it Warm: If you’re serving later, keep the soup on low heat to maintain warmth without overcooking the ingredients.

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Complement your Marry Me Chicken Soup with these delightful side dishes that pair perfectly with its rich flavors.

1. Garlic Bread
   The buttery garlic bread enhances the overall dining experience by adding comforting flavors that complement every spoonful.
2. Caesar Salad
   The crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing provide a refreshing crunch that balances out the soup’s creaminess beautifully.
3. Roasted Vegetables
   Roasted seasonal vegetables bring sweetness and depth, enhancing both nutrition and taste alongside your soup.
4. Cheesy Breadsticks
   These warm, cheesy delights are perfect for dipping into your soup while adding an extra layer of indulgence to your meal.
5. Caprese Salad
   Slices of fresh mozzarella layered with tomatoes and basil offer a lovely contrast in flavor profiles, making each bite exciting.
6. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers and lemon provides protein while being a wholesome counterpart to the rich soup.
7. Stuffed Peppers
   Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains or cheese can serve as a hearty side that complements the flavors of your main dish nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Marry Me Chicken Soup can be simple, but some errors can affect the outcome. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Neglecting the Aromatics: Skipping the sautéing of onions and garlic can lead to a bland soup. Always start with this step for a flavorful base.
• Overcooking the Pasta: If you cook the pasta too long, it may become mushy. Add it to the soup only when it’s boiling and keep an eye on the time.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can leave your soup flat. Always season as needed throughout the cooking process.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor-quality chicken or broth will diminish your soup’s flavor. Opt for fresh ingredients for the best results.
• Rushing the Cooking Process: Trying to hurry through steps like simmering can result in uneven cooking. Patience is key when making a rich, creamy soup.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the soup cools completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish made with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, and pasta that’s sure to impress anyone!

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes! While rotini or fusilli works well, feel free to substitute with any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand.

How can I customize Marry Me Chicken Soup?

You can add vegetables like carrots or zucchini for extra nutrients or substitute chicken with turkey or lamb for variety.

Is Marry Me Chicken Soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well and tastes even better after a day in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth along with coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that makes it perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences. Don’t hesitate—try this recipe today!