Marry Me Chicken Soup

By Maya Ellison

Published •

Marry Me Chicken Soup

There are some meals that just feel like a hug in a bowl. This Marry Me Chicken Soup is absolutely one of them. It’s a rich, creamy concoction bursting with tender chicken, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and comforting pasta. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a truly delightful dining experience.

I know how busy life gets. That’s why I love that this incredible soup comes together so quickly. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner when you need something satisfying without a fuss. Plus, leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have them!) store beautifully.

Why I Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup

This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a true kitchen hero. It offers:

  • Incredible Flavor: Those sun-dried tomatoes and creamy base are divine!
  • Speedy Preparation: Ready in under an hour for those busy evenings.
  • Comforting Goodness: It’s like a warm blanket on a chilly day.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Even picky eaters ask for seconds!

It’s the thoughtful combination of simple ingredients that truly makes this Marry Me Chicken Soup sing. Each element plays a vital role, coming together to create that signature rich and creamy flavor we all adore. This isn’t just soup; it’s a bowl of pure comfort that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for any night.

Core Ingredients

  • Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces provide the protein. They cook quickly and stay wonderfully tender in the broth.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These are the flavor stars! Packed in oil, they offer an intense, sweet, and slightly tangy taste that defines the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Forms the delicious liquid base for our soup. Use a good quality broth for the best flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: This makes the soup luxuriously creamy and rich. It’s essential for that velvety texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami depth that complements the other flavors. It also helps thicken the soup beautifully.
  • Small Pasta: Little shapes like ditalini or orzo soak up the broth wonderfully. They add a lovely heartiness.
  • Fresh Spinach: Adds a touch of green and some healthy nutrients. It wilts down quickly at the end.

Seasonings and Aromatics

  • Olive Oil: For sautéing the aromatics and browning the chicken.
  • Yellow Onion & Garlic: These build the foundational flavors.
  • Dried Oregano & Basil: These herbs bring classic Italian notes.
  • Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a gentle warmth that awakens the palate.
  • Salt & Black Pepper: To perfectly balance all the flavors.

Substitutions and Tips

Don’t have fresh spinach? Use frozen, thawed, and squeezed dry. No oregano or basil? A pinch of Italian seasoning works in a pinch. For another layer of flavor, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Just make sure they are boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces. Remember, exact quantities are in the recipe card below!

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Making this creamy chicken soup is surprisingly simple. Follow these easy steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First, heat your olive oil. Use a big pot. Get it over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces. Cook them until they are brown. Cook them through, too. Take the chicken out. Set it aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Now, add your chopped onion. Cook it until it’s soft. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Next, add the garlic. Add the sun-dried tomatoes too. Cook for one more minute. You want it to smell good.

Step 3: Build the Broth Base

Pour in the chicken broth. Let it come to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream. Add the Parmesan cheese now. Sprinkle in the oregano and basil. Add red pepper flakes if you like spice. This is where the Marry Me flavor starts!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Time for the pasta! Add your small pasta shapes. Cook them until they’re al dente. This usually takes 8-10 minutes. Check the pasta package for timing.

Step 5: Finish the Soup

Put the cooked chicken back into the pot. Stir in the fresh spinach. Cook until it wilts. This only takes about 2-3 minutes. It adds a lovely green color.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste your delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup. Add salt and pepper as needed. Give it a good stir. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with extra Parmesan cheese, if you wish. Serve it right away. Enjoy this amazing comfort food.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken Soup

Leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup is a treat! Store it in an airtight container. It stays good in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, it freezes wonderfully. Let it cool fully before freezing. Enjoy this creamy delight later!

Tips for Success

  • Chicken Prep: Cook chicken thoroughly; set aside. It ensures it’s safe and tender.
  • Tomato Flavor: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. Drain them well first. This adds amazing depth!
  • Creamy Base: Full-fat heavy cream creates the best richness. Don’t skimp here!
  • Pasta Choice: Small pasta shapes work best. They hold the broth well.
  • Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the very end.
  • Freshness Matters: Add spinach just before serving for vibrant color.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A deep pot is essential. A Dutch oven works great too.
  • Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping onion, garlic, and tomatoes.
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
  • Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and scraping.
  • Ladle: For serving the soup.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with crusty bread. It’s perfect for dipping!
  • A simple side salad adds freshness. Think mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.
  • Pair with a crisp white wine or a sparkling water with lemon.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley for extra color and brightness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Marry Me Chicken Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the soup up to Step 4 (before adding pasta and spinach). Refrigerate the base. When ready to serve, reheat the base, then add the pasta and cook until al dente. Stir in the spinach and chicken, and serve.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

While sun-dried tomatoes are key for that “Marry Me” flavor, you can substitute with roasted red peppers. Drain and chop them well. They won’t offer the exact same intense flavor, but they will add a lovely sweetness and color to your creamy chicken soup.

Can I use different pasta shapes in this soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the pasta. Just make sure it’s a small shape that cooks relatively quickly. Orzo, ditalini, or even small shells work wonderfully in this Marry Me Chicken Soup. Just follow the cooking time on the pasta’s package.

Can I freeze this Marry Me Chicken Soup?

This soup freezes quite well, though the cream might separate slightly upon thawing. For the best results, let the soup cool completely. Store it in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it on the stovetop, stirring frequently. You might want to add a splash more cream or broth if needed.

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Marry Me Chicken Soup

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  • Author: Maya Ellison
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A rich and creamy chicken soup inspired by the flavors of ‘Marry Me’ chicken, featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and pasta.


Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 oz small pasta (such as ditalini, orzo, or small shells)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach


Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
  2. Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  4. Add the small pasta to the pot. Cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is cooked through before setting aside.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add extra flavor; drain them well before chopping.

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Soups
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