Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe! This cozy and comforting dish takes the viral pasta sensation and transforms it into a rich, velvety soup perfect for any day. It’s packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a savory broth that will warm you from the inside out. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal fast.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup

This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for many reasons. You will quickly discover why it’s a new favorite.

• Quick & Easy: It’s a simple, one-pot meal that comes together without fuss.
• Rich & Velvety: Enjoy a luxurious, savory broth that melts in your mouth.
• Tender & Flavorful: Succulent chicken pairs perfectly with tangy sun-dried tomatoes.
• Hearty & Satisfying: It feels substantial without being overly heavy, thanks to fresh ingredients.
• Customizable: Easily adapt it to suit your family’s preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Creating this delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe requires a few key ingredients to build its signature creamy and rich flavor profile.

• Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein.
• Aromatics: 1/2 diced yellow onion and 4 chopped garlic cloves build the flavor base.
• Fats: 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil for sautéing and depth.
• Tomato Base: 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 2 tablespoons tomato paste give rich color and tang. Beyond adding rich flavor to dishes, sun-dried tomatoes are known for their impressive health benefits.
• Liquid: 6 cups unsalted chicken broth is the foundation of our soup.
• Pasta: 2 cups small pasta shells add heartiness.
• Greens: 5 ounces baby spinach for a touch of freshness.
• Dairy: 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese for ultimate creaminess.
• Seasonings: 3 tablespoons all-purpose seasoning, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus salt and pepper to taste.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this creamy chicken soup to your liking.

• Chicken: Speed up prep by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
• Broth: Using unsalted chicken broth lets you control the final seasoning perfectly.
• Cream: For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
• Veggies: Boost nutrition and heartiness by adding chopped kale or sautéed mushrooms.
• Pasta: Any small pasta shape like orzo, ditalini, or even small elbow macaroni works beautifully.
• Spice: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to achieve your desired level of heat.

Equipment

You won’t need much specialized gear to make this comforting Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe. Simple kitchen tools are all it takes.

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly.
• Cutting board: For safely preparing your ingredients.
• Sharp knife: To dice vegetables and chop chicken.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring and sautéing.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe that will impress everyone. This process makes it easy for even beginners to achieve fantastic results.

1. Prep Chicken: Season the 4 chicken breasts generously on all sides with the 3 tablespoons of all-purpose seasoning.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat the Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts inside and sear them until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. This typically takes about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Then, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and chopped garlic. Continue to sauté for 1-2 minutes, allowing the fragrant aromatics to fully release their flavors.
4. Build Flavor Base: Next, add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the pot. Mix it thoroughly with the sautéed vegetables, cooking for about 1 minute to deepen its flavor.
5. Simmer Soup: Pour in the 6 cups of unsalted chicken broth. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning and 1/2 tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
6. Add Pasta: Once boiling, drop in the 2 cups of dry pasta shells. Cook according to package directions until they are al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. While the pasta cooks, chop or shred your rested chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and clean the 5 ounces of baby spinach leaves.
7. Combine Ingredients: After the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, the cut-up chicken, and the fresh spinach. Mix everything gently, ensuring the spinach is submerged into the warm soup.
8. Finish Cooking: Continue to cook for another 10 minutes on low heat, or until the spinach has fully wilted and all the flavors have melded together beautifully.
9. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the Marry Me Chicken Soup for flavor. Adjust salt, pepper, or additional red pepper flakes to your liking.
10. Serve: Ladle the creamy soup into individual bowls. Garnish each serving with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy this comforting meal immediately!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect creamy chicken soup is simple with these helpful pointers.

• Cook Chicken Perfectly: Ensure chicken reaches 160°F internal temperature for tenderness and safety. For optimal food safety and to ensure chicken is properly cooked, it’s important to consult USDA guidelines for safe internal temperatures of poultry. Don’t overcook it, or it can become dry.
• Boost Flavor: For an extra layer of taste, consider grilling your chicken first to add a smoky, charred crust.
• Don’t Skimp on Sautéing: Properly browning the onions, garlic, and tomato paste is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor base for your soup.
• Unsalted Broth: Always start with unsalted broth. This allows you to control the final seasoning and prevent your soup from becoming too salty.
• Avoid Overcooked Pasta: Add pasta at the right time and cook it only until al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and absorb too much liquid.
• Adjust Consistency: If your Marry Me Chicken Soup becomes too thick after sitting, simply thin it out with a splash more chicken broth or a bit of heavy cream.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe offers many ways to enjoy it, store it, or customize it further.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this comforting soup with crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia for dipping into the creamy broth. A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing makes a perfect counterbalance to the rich soup.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover creamy chicken soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of extra chicken broth or heavy cream if the soup has thickened too much.
• Freezing: For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and then cook fresh pasta to add just before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Greens: Swap baby spinach for fresh chopped kale or Swiss chard for a different texture and flavor.
• Protein: Use pre-cooked leftover roasted chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken for an even faster meal.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk to keep the creamy texture without dairy.
• Extra Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value by adding sautéed sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or shredded carrots.
• Different Pasta: Experiment with other small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or even small gnocchi for a heartier bite.
• Spice Level: For those who love heat, double the crushed red pepper flakes or stir in a dash of Calabrian chili paste for an authentic Italian kick.

Nutrition

Enjoying this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe means you’re getting a hearty and nutritious meal. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving.

Based on 8 servings.

FAQ

Got questions about making this comforting Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe? We have answers.

• Can I grill the chicken for this soup? Yes, grilling the chicken first adds a delicious smoky crust and an extra layer of flavor to the soup.
• What are common mistakes to avoid when making Marry Me Chicken Soup? Avoid not sautéing your vegetables properly, using water instead of flavorful broth, and overcooking the pasta until it becomes mushy.
• Can I make this soup ahead of time? This creamy chicken soup reheats wonderfully, especially if you cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to maintain its texture.

Conclusion

This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is truly a dream come true for anyone seeking comfort and flavor. Its rich, velvety texture, combined with tender chicken and bright sun-dried tomatoes, makes for an unforgettable meal. We hope you’ll try this simple yet spectacular recipe and discover how easy it is to create a dish that feels gourmet. Make this delicious and comforting soup a regular addition to your weeknight meal rotation!

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

A rich and comforting chicken soup featuring tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, and pasta shells in a creamy Parmesan broth. This recipe is perfect for a cozy meal, combining savory flavors with a satisfying texture.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 Chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 3 tbsp All purpose seasoning
• 1 tbsp Sun-dried tomato oil
• 1/2 Yellow onion diced
• 4 Garlic cloves chopped
• 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes chopped
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 6 cups Chicken broth unsalted
• 2 cups Pasta shells
• 5 oz Baby Spinach
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 cup Grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tbsp Crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Large pot

Method

 

Cooking Steps

1. Season the chicken breasts generously with the all-purpose seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot, then cook chicken until its internal temperature reaches 160°F; remove chicken from the pot.
3. Add sun-dried tomato oil and diced onion to the same pot and sauté until translucent, then stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and mix it thoroughly with the sautéed vegetables.
5. Pour in chicken broth, season with Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes, bring to a boil, and add the dry pasta shells.
6. While pasta cooks, chop or shred the cooked chicken breast and clean the baby spinach leaves.
7. Once pasta shells are al dente, add heavy cream, grated Parmesan, chopped chicken, and spinach, mixing well to submerge the spinach.
8. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes until the spinach has wilted, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Serve the soup immediately, garnished with more grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Notes

For best results, use good quality Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning to your taste, especially salt and pepper.