Name: Marry Me Chicken Soup-Easy Comfort Food Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, julienned; 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomato jar; 1 1/2 cups yellow onion, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 64 ounces chicken broth; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 4 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 8 ounces medium shell pasta; 3 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped; 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded

Marry Me Chicken Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagin extracte a comforting hug in a bowl, a dish so rich and satisfying it whispers promises of contentment with every spoonful. We all have those dishes that instantly transport us to a place of pure joy, and for so many, this is it. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to slow down, savor each bite, and perhaps, even believe in culinary soulmates. What truly sets this Marry Me Chicken Soup apart is its incredible depth of flavor, achieved through a harmonious blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and just the right touch of bright, savory elements. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and comfort, a dish that truly lives up to its romantic, yet wonderfully delicious, name. Get ready to fall in love!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, julienned
1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomato jar
1 1/2 cups yellow onion, chopped (about 1 medium onion)
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 packages (32 ounces each) chicken broth (64 ounces total)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, or to taste
8 ounces medium shell pasta
3 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded

Preparing the Flavor Base

Begin extract by heating the tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. The oil from the jar is infused with flavor, so it’s a fantastic starting point for building our soup’s deliciousness. Add the chopped yellow onion to the pot. Sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become softened and translucent. We’re not looking for browning here, just a gentle cooking to release their sweetness.
Once the onions are tender, add the minced garlic cloves to the pot. Stir the garlic with the onions and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it taste bitter. The aroma at this stage is already promising! Now, introduce the tomato paste to the pot. Stir it in well and cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly. This step deepens the tomato flavor and removes any raw taste.
Pour in the two packages of chicken broth, which amounts to 64 ounces in total. Give everything a good stir to incorporate the caramelized tomato paste and sautéed aromatics into the broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15 minutes. This simmering time allows the foundational flavors to meld together beautifully.

Adding Creaminess and Pasta

After the broth has simmered for 15 minutes, stir in the heavy whipping cream. This is where our soup starts to get that luxurious, velvety texture that makes it so comforting. Add the julienned sun-dried tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to combine. Taste the broth at this point and adjust the salt and crushed red pepper if needed. Remember, the salt content can vary depending on your chicken broth, so tasting is crucial.
Now it’s time to add the pasta. Bring the soup back to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then add the 8 ounces of medium shell pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it is al dente. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot or to each other. While the pasta is cooking, this is a great time to chop your spinach if you haven’t already.

Finishing Touches

Once the pasta is cooked to your desired tenderness, it’s time to add the fresh ingredients. Stir in the chopped baby spinach and the shredded rotisserie chicken. The heat from the soup will wilt the spinach quickly and warm the chicken through. Cook for just another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is bright green and wilted, and the chicken is heated through. Avoid overcooking at this stage, as we want to maintain the freshness of the spinach and the tenderness of the chicken.
Give the soup one final stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Ladle the Marry Me Chicken Soup into bowls. You can garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of cream if desired, although it’s already incredibly rich and flavorful on its own. Serve immediately and enjoy this incredibly satisfying and comforting meal!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your very own pot of delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup! We hope this recipe brings warmth, comfort, and plenty of smiles to your table. This soup is truly a labor of love, perfect for those chilly evenings, a comforting meal when you’re feeling under the weather, or simply a way to treat yourself to something truly special. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and delightful blend of herbs create a symphony of flavors that is undeniably satisfying. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own!

Serving suggestions are endless! Enjoy this Marry Me Chicken Soup piping hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping, a light green salad for a fresh contrast, or even a sprinkle of your favorite crunchy croutons. For variations, consider adding other vegetables like peas, corn, or diced carrots for extra color and nutrients. You could also stir in some cooked pasta or rice for a heartier meal. We encourage you to gather your loved ones and share this delightful soup. May it be the start of many happy culinary adventures!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Marry Me Chicken Soup can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors often meld and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it has become too thick.

What kind of chicken is best for Marry Me Chicken Soup?

We recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. They are easy to cook and shred, ensuring tender pieces throughout the soup. If you prefer a richer flavor, you could also use bone-in chicken pieces and remove the bones after cooking.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can adapt Marry Me Chicken Soup to be dairy-free. Instead of heavy cream, try using full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based milk alternative like unsweetened cashew or oat milk. You may need to adjust the seasoning slightly to achieve the desired creaminess and flavor.