Marry Me Chicken Soup is an irresistibly creamy and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and a rich cream sauce, creating the perfect cozy meal. This soup has become a fan favorite due to its delightful flavors and ease of preparation. It’s the kind of dish that can make anyone fall in love with your cooking, just like it did for the creator when she first made it for her husband. With a combination of creamy texture, savory ingredients, and a touch of Italian seasoning, Marry Me Chicken Soup is guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection.
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Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chicken Soup
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a perfect blend of comfort and flavor. The cream sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables adds richness, while the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasonings provide layers of flavor that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly evening, this soup offers the ideal solution. It’s quick to prepare, family-friendly, and can be customized with different ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, comforting soup:
• Chicken (boneless, skinless thighs or breasts): Offers lean protein and a rich, savory flavor that soaks up the cream sauce beautifully.
• Carrots: Adds a slight sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.
• Celery: Provides a fresh, crunchy texture to balance the creaminess of the soup.
• Onions: Gives a subtle sweetness when cooked, enhancing the flavor of the broth.
• Garlic: Adds a fragrant, aromatic depth to the soup.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: Infuses the soup with a tangy, intense flavor that complements the creamy base.
• Spinach: Adds a vibrant green color and a nutritious boost of vitamins.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the soup, creating a savory foundation.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to the soup’s rich, velvety texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that deepens the overall taste.
• Flour: Used to thicken the soup and create that luscious creamy texture.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs that enhances the soup’s flavor profile.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to customize this soup, here are some alternative ingredient suggestions:
• Swap the chicken for kielbasa or turkey for a different protein option.
• Use coconut milk or half-and-half as a substitute for heavy cream for a lighter version.
• Add in additional vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic to the pot and cook until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine, ensuring there are no clumps. If you’re using tomato paste, add it here and stir.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the pasta is al dente.
- Stir in the heavy cream, spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and spices as needed before serving.
Tips & Tricks for Marry Me Chicken Soup
• To avoid mushy pasta, you can cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup at the end. This will help maintain its texture when reheating.
• Don’t overcook the chicken. For the juiciest results, use boneless skinless chicken thighs, which offer more flavor and tenderness compared to breasts.
• If the soup thickens too much after sitting, simply add more chicken broth or water to thin it out.
• Make sure to season the soup at every step to bring out the best flavor in each ingredient.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Marry Me Chicken Soup pairs beautifully with crispy bread, such as garlic bread, or a fresh side salad. You can also enjoy it with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or extra Parmesan cheese for a bolder flavor. If you’re in the mood for a twist, try adding crumbled bacon or fresh herbs like basil or thyme to elevate the dish.
For variations, you can try adding cooked kielbasa for a heartier version or swap the pasta for gluten-free alternatives. The soup can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can freeze the soup without the cream and add it later when reheating to maintain its creamy texture.
Health Benefits of Marry Me Chicken Soup
This creamy soup not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers numerous health benefits. The chicken provides lean protein, while the spinach adds vitamins A and C. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes brings antioxidants to the dish, supporting a healthy immune system. The combination of these nutritious ingredients makes Marry Me Chicken Soup a wholesome meal that can be enjoyed year-round.
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s sure to win hearts at your dinner table. The creamy texture, savory flavors, and easy preparation make it an irresistible option for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite that everyone will love.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a heartfelt dish that combines comfort and flavor in a way that will make everyone fall in love with it. Whether you’re serving it for a special dinner or simply want a cozy meal to enjoy during the week, this creamy, savory soup will hit the spot every time. With its rich texture and savory ingredients, Marry Me Chicken Soup is the perfect addition to your recipe rotation. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a family favorite!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of chicken in Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Yes, you can use both boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts in this recipe. If you’re looking for a more convenient option, rotisserie chicken works great, just make sure not to overcook it. If you prefer leaner options, chicken breasts are a good choice; for more flavor, chicken thighs are the way to go.
2. What type of pasta works best in Marry Me Chicken Soup?
While you can use any type of pasta, smaller shapes like ditalini, fusilli, or elbow macaroni are perfect for this soup. The key is to choose a pasta that will hold up well in the creamy broth without becoming mushy.
3. Can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you plan on making it in advance, you can also freeze the soup without the heavy cream. Just add the cream when reheating to preserve the creamy texture.
More Relevant Recipes
PrintMarry Me Chicken Soup
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a rich, creamy dish combining tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful cream sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 to 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced onions
- ¼ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
- 6–8 cups chicken broth
- 6 oz pasta (small shells recommended)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ to 1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
- 2 ½ to 3 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add onions, carrots, celery, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir well. If using tomato paste, add it now and stir.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring to remove lumps. Bring to a simmer.
- Add pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and pasta is al dente.
- Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and spices if necessary. Serve hot.
Notes
- If the soup thickens too much after sitting, add more broth or water to thin it out.
- To avoid mushy pasta, you can cook the pasta separately and add it at the end.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for more flavor, or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- You can freeze the soup without cream and add it later when reheating to preserve its creamy texture.
