This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich, creamy broth infused with Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for cozy evenings or family dinners, this soup will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Its unique flavors make it suitable for any occasion, from casual lunches to special gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting flavors: The creamy broth paired with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan creates a delightful taste that feels like a warm hug.
- Easy to prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have this delicious soup ready in no time.
- Versatile meal: Perfect for lunch or dinner, this soup can stand alone or be served alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad.
- One-pot wonder: Save time on cleanup by making this entire dish in one pot, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones.
- Healthful ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from spinach, it’s a wholesome choice for any meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make Marry Me Chicken Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools that help streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or large pot: Ideal for even cooking and holds enough volume for all the ingredients without spilling.
- Slotted spoon: Perfect for transferring cooked chicken without excess liquid, ensuring the right texture in your soup.
Ingredients
This comforting soup has it all: tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy Parmesan and sun-dried tomato broth.
Proteins
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, or a combination
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables and Pasta
- 1/2 cup julienne or thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes, drained if oil-packed (2 1/2 ounces)
- 8 ounces dried medium pasta shells (about 2 3/4 cups)
- 5 ounces baby spinach (5 packed cups)
Broth and Dairy
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 ounce grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup), plus more for serving
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season all over with 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in batches. Cook until browned on both sides and cooked through (4 to 6 minutes per batch). Transfer the chicken to a plate with a slotted spoon.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add 1 diced medium yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and the remaining salt to the pot. Reduce heat to medium. Cook while stirring occasionally until the onion softens (about 3 to 4 minutes).
Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Ingredients
Stir in 1/2 cup julienne sun-dried tomatoes and 3 tablespoons tomato paste. Cook while stirring often until the tomato paste darkens slightly (about 2 to 3 minutes).
Step 5: Add Broth & Herbs
Pour in the 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth, add 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and sprinkle in red pepper flakes if using. Bring mixture to a boil.
Step 6: Cook Pasta
Stir in the 8 ounces dried medium pasta shells. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cook while stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente (10 to 12 minutes).
Step 7: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Return the browned chicken back into the pot along with any accumulated juices. Add in 5 ounces baby spinach, then pour in the 3/4 cup heavy cream, followed by 1/2 ounce grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until spinach wilts and everything is warmed through (about 2 minutes). Taste for seasoning; adjust kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot with extra grated Parmesan if desired.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the soup.
Accompanying Breads
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Pair with garlic breadsticks for a tasty, crunchy side.
Toppings and Garnishes
- Grated Parmesan: Top each bowl with extra grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Offer red pepper flakes on the side for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
Salad Pairings
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a crisp contrast to the creamy soup.
- Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad with vinaigrette complements the flavors nicely.
How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup
To ensure your Marry Me Chicken Soup turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables will enhance the flavor and texture of your soup.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed for the perfect balance.
- Cook Pasta Separately: For a less soggy texture, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving if you plan on storing leftovers.
- Let it Simmer Longer: Allow the soup to simmer longer for deeper flavors, especially after adding the broth and tomatoes.
Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Marry Me Chicken Soup can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup’s creamy broth.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring additional nutrients and flavor that complement the soup well.
- Caprese Salad: A fresh Caprese salad adds a refreshing contrast with its tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad can provide protein and texture alongside your hearty soup.
- Cheese Quesadillas: Quick to prepare, cheese quesadillas are great for dipping in the rich broth.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms offer a bite-sized treat that pairs well with any soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home cooks face challenges when making Marry Me Chicken Soup. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the seasoning: Properly seasoning the chicken and broth is crucial. Make sure to taste your soup as you go and adjust the salt and pepper accordingly.
- Overcooking the pasta: To keep your pasta from becoming mushy, cook it al dente before adding it back into the soup. This ensures a perfect texture.
- Neglecting to sauté aromatics: Always sauté your onions and garlic until they’re soft. This step enhances the flavor of your soup significantly.
- Not using low-sodium broth: High-sodium broth can overpower the dish. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of your soup.
- Ignoring fresh ingredients: Using fresh spinach adds a burst of flavor and nutrients. Don’t substitute with frozen spinach unless necessary, as it may alter the texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Marry Me Chicken Soup that will help enhance your cooking experience.
What is Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken, creamy broth, pasta, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s perfect for any occasion!
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes! While medium pasta shells work best, feel free to substitute with other pasta types like fusilli or penne.
How can I customize Marry Me Chicken Soup?
You can add vegetables like carrots or zucchini or even switch out chicken for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
What should I serve with this soup?
Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust it based on dietary preferences. This cozy dish is sure to win hearts at your dinner table! Try making it today and enjoy its comforting flavors.
PrintMarry Me Chicken Soup
Marry Me Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, creamy broth, and sun-dried tomatoes for a heartwarming meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces dried medium pasta shells
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- Seasonings: kosher salt, black pepper, dried thyme
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt.
- In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken in batches until cooked through, then set aside.
- Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in the same pot until softened.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste; cook until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, thyme, and red pepper flakes; bring to a boil.
- Incorporate pasta and cook until al dente. Return the chicken to the pot.
- Add spinach and heavy cream; stir until warmed through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
