The enticing aroma of a simmering pot of soup wafting through your kitchen has a way of wrapping you in a warm embrace, doesn’t it? Imagine a velvety broth infused with rich flavors and dotted with vibrant spinach, tender chicken, and delightful shell pasta. Just the thought of it makes your heart race! This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe could truly be the star of your meal, a dish so heavenly that it’s sure to inspire a romantic moment or two. I remember the first time I made it — a cozy evening with friends. As we gathered around the table, ladling steaming bowls of soup, laughter erupted, and time seemed to stand still.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Marry Me Chicken Soup

Perfect for those chilly nights when you crave something heartwarming, this creamy chicken soup is more than just food; it’s an experience. Picture sharing it with loved ones or tucking into a big bowl all to yourself after a long day. Elevate your comfort food game and let this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe become a staple that warms both your belly and your heart. So, are you ready to dive into a bowl of happiness?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip it up in just under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colors of the ingredients make for a visually stunning dish that’s as good to look at as it is to eat.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for a cozy family dinner, a gathering with friends, or even a solo treat on a rainy day.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable; try gluten-free pasta or omit cream cheese for a lighter version.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Look for julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil with herbs. They add a tangy depth to the soup. If they’re not available, you can use diced fresh tomatoes.
Oil from Sun-Dried Tomato Jar: This flavorful oil will add a delightful richness to your base. If you don’t have enough leftovers, olive oil is a great alternative.
Yellow Onion: Chopped, it provides a sweet and aromatic foundation for the soup. Red onion can be used if you prefer a milder taste.
Garlic: Minced, it infuses the dish with a warm, comforting flavor. Fresh garlic is always best, but you could use garlic powder in a pinch.
Tomato Paste: Provides richness and umami. Try to find quality tomato paste for best flavor; if you don’t have any on hand, crushed tomatoes can work too.
Chicken Broth: A critical component for a comforting soup. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness, or use homemade broth if you have it.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is what makes the soup creamy and decadent. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can substitute, but flavor will adjust slightly.
Fresh Basil: Chopped leaves bring a fresh, herby note. Dried basil can be used, though fresh really elevates the dish.
Kosher Salt & Italian Seasoning: Key seasonings for balance. If you only have table salt, use it sparingly as it’s saltier than kosher salt.
Garlic Powder & Crushed Red Pepper: Provide additional punch. Adjust red pepper based on your spice preference.
Medium Shell Pasta: This pasta holds the delicious broth and ingredients beautifully. Replace with any small pasta shape if you can’t find shells.
Fresh Baby Spinach: Adds color and nutrition. You can replace it with kale or Swiss chard.
Rotisserie Chicken: Shredded for convenience and flavor. You can use cooked chicken breasts instead.
Cream Cheese: Cubed for extra creaminess; make sure it’s at room temperature to blend seamlessly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded gives the best melt and flavor. You can substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Heat and Sauté: Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onions and minced garlic, stirring them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to soften and become fragrant — that irresistible scent will start to fill your kitchen!

Incorporate Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the tomato paste darkens slightly. This deepening of flavor is crucial, drawing out the sweetness and complexity of the tomatoes.

Combine Liquids: Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, adding fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 12 wonderful minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld beautifully.

Add Pasta: Now it’s time to add the uncooked medium shell pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cooking for about 12 minutes — stirring occasionally. You want the pasta to become tender, absorbing all the flavor from the broth.

Enhance with Greens & Cheese: Lower the heat to low, and stir in the chopped spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cubed cream cheese, and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir often for about 5 minutes until everything is combined, and the cheeses have melted completely. If the cream cheese clumps, just press it against the side of the pot to smooth it out.

Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an added kick. Serve immediately for the best flavor, alongside crusty bread or a fresh green salad.

Storing & Reheating

This delightful soup can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours after it’s cooked. For longer storage, refrigerate it in a well-sealed container for up to 4 days. To freeze, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it for a maximum of 3 months. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. The texture may change slightly upon freezing, so feel free to add a splash of broth or cream to refresh it!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid burning the garlic by keeping a close eye during sautéing. Garlic can turn bitter if overcooked.
Ensuring your cream cheese is at room temperature helps it blend smoothly into the soup.
Cook pasta until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy as it continues to cook in the soup.
If you prefer a thicker soup, consider adding a tablespoon of flour mixed with cold water to the broth before adding the pasta and spinach.
Experiment with different herbs if basil isn’t your favorite; oregano or thyme can also work beautifully.
This soup is perfect for meal prep; make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week!

Marry your taste buds to this creamy, comforting bowl of blissful goodness! It’s more than satisfying; it’s an invitation to savor each spoonful. Whether you’re feeding your family or cozying up after a long day, this soup has a way of bringing smiles. Feel free to switch things up based on what you have on hand, adding fresh veggies or letting your favorite spices shine!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes! You can use raw chicken breast or thighs; just cook them in the pot before adding the onions and garlic until fully cooked, then shred or dice their meat when done. Cooking them this way will enhance the soup’s flavor.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the medium shell pasta for gluten-free pasta. Additionally, check that your chicken broth is labeled gluten-free to ensure the entire dish accommodates dietary restrictions.

Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove gently.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can try sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy touch. Using a dairy-free alternative, like coconut cream, can also maintain the soup’s creamy consistency without dairy. Experiment and find what you love!