Every now and then, you stumble upon a dish that encapsulates comfort and warmth perfectly, promising a moment of bliss with each spoonful. Marry Me Chicken Soup is one such delightful creation. Imagine a cozy evening, the aroma of savory ingredients wafting through the air, as this soul-soothing soup simmers on the stove. Ideal for chilly nights or as a nurturing dish when someone you love needs a hearty meal, this soup is not just a recipe; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl.
What Makes This Special
There’s something uniquely comforting about Marry Me Chicken Soup that makes it an instant favorite. It combines tender shredded chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and creamy goodness, creating a rich and satisfying taste that makes it hard to resist. Here are some reasons why this dish will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Perfect balance of flavors
- Easy to make any night of the week
- A crowd-pleaser for family and friends
- Versatile and adaptable for various tastes
- Ideal for meal prep or a cozy gathering
Gather These Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s important to gather all your ingredients. Remember, swaps can be made based on what you have available, but each component plays a role in delivering that signature flavor. You’ll need the following:
1 pound shredded chicken
3-4 ounce sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
3 ounce tomato paste
4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped basil
2 cup rotini pasta, dry
2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan for garnish
Step by Step
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To start, prep all the ingredients. This includes shredding your cooked chicken, chopping the sun-dried tomatoes, and dicing the onion, which will help the cooking process go smoothly.
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Then in a large pot, sauté the diced onion and garlic over medium heat until they turn soft and begin to brown, filling your kitchen with a tantalizing aroma.
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When they are soft and browning, add in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, stirring them together to combine flavors and allow them to mingle for a minute.
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Next, add in the tomato paste, allowing it to cook within the ingredients for a minute. This will deepen the flavor profile.
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Add in the shredded chicken, then pour the chicken broth in, stirring to ensure the chicken is well mixed with the broth.
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Bring the broth to a boil, then lower it to a simmer. Add in a little salt and pepper along with the Italian seasoning for depth.
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Add in the rotini pasta and cook it for the length of time according to the package instructions, which is normally around 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally as it cooks.
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Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to incorporate it into the soup.
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Lastly, add the final touches of salt and pepper to taste, adjusting based on your preferences. Serve with a garnishing of parmesan cheese for an added touch of flavor.
Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 30 minutes, Total ~ 45 minutes, Servings ~ 6, Kcal ~ 450 (estimate).
Prepare in Advance
If you want to make life easier, pre-chop your vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also cook the chicken ahead of time, making it simple to assemble your soup later. To finish, simply sauté and simmer as directed, and you’ll have a warming bowl of goodness that’s quick to complete.
How to Store Leftovers
When storing Marry Me Chicken Soup, place it in an airtight container in the fridge where it can last for about 3-4 days. If you would like to freeze it for a longer storage option, make sure it is fully cooled, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months! For reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low to medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen it up. A hint for freshness: it’s always best to avoid freezing any cream added to soups.
Delicious Pairings
Marry Me Chicken Soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, enhancing your meal even further. Consider these ideas:
- Crusty French bread, perfect for dipping and soaked in the flavorful broth
- Salad, like a simple Caesar or mixed greens, to add freshness to your meal
- Garlic bread, for a hearty, satisfying addition that complements the soup
- Roasted vegetables, providing a colorful and nutritious balance to your dinner
- Cheesy quesadillas, which add a playful twist and great texture
Make It Your Own
Customizing Marry Me Chicken Soup is easy to do with a few adjustments. Here are some ideas:
- Swap the shredded chicken for turkey or even a plant-based alternative for a lighter option.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes, like penne or shells, to bring variety in texture.
- Add different vegetables such as spinach, carrots, or bell peppers for a colorful twist.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- Incorporate a kick of heat by adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Play with the herbs—thyme or oregano can add a different depth of flavor.
- For a fresher taste, sprinkle in a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
- Add beans such as white cannellini or chickpeas for added protein and fiber.
Cook’s Notes and Secrets
To ensure your Marry Me Chicken Soup comes out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use freshly shredded chicken for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste; everyone’s palate is different.
- Simmer gently; avoid boiling vigorously after adding dairy to avoid curdling.
- Allow flavors to meld by letting the soup rest for a few minutes after cooking.
Your Questions, Answered
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Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, frozen chicken can be used. Just ensure it’s cooked thoroughly before shredding. You may want to add additional cooking time for more frozen chunks. -
Can I substitute heavy cream?
Absolutely! Half-and-half or a plant-based cream can work well if you’re looking for a lighter option. -
How can I make this soup spicier?
Adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños can elevate the spice level to suit your taste. -
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it a great option for meal prep. -
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be repurposed into a pasta bake or used as a filling for tacos or wraps for a creative twist.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Soup is more than just comfort food; it’s a dish that warms the heart and brings people together. Perfect for everyday dinners or special occasions, this soup will surely leave you and your loved ones asking for seconds. So gather your ingredients and enjoy a bowl of this delightful soup soon! You won’t want to miss the cozy magic it brings.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting soup combining tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy goodness, perfect for chilly nights or as a nurturing meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shredded chicken
- 3–4 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 3 ounces tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped basil
- 2 cups rotini pasta, dry
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Prep all the ingredients: shred the chicken, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, and dice the onion.
- In a large pot, sauté the diced onion and garlic over medium heat until soft and beginning to brown.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, stirring to combine for a minute.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to deepen the flavor.
- Incorporate the shredded chicken, then pour in the chicken broth, stirring to mix.
- Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the rotini pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes according to package instructions, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve with garnished parmesan cheese.
Notes
For meal prep, pre-chop vegetables and store in an airtight container. Freezing is possible, but avoid freezing the cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: soup, chicken, comfort food, easy recipe, meal prep




