Marry Me Chicken Soup

This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. With its creamy broth infused with sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, and parmesan, this soup is perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings. Not only does it offer a comforting flavor profile, but it also provides a nourishing meal that can be enjoyed any time of year. The unique combination of ingredients makes it a standout choice for impressing guests or enjoying a quiet night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: This soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-packed: The sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs create a rich and satisfying taste.
• Versatile: Ideal for any occasion, from casual lunches to festive gatherings.
• Nourishing ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and nutritious vegetables, it’s both hearty and healthy.
• Customizable: Feel free to add extra veggies or adjust spices according to your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make the preparation process smooth and enjoyable, having the right kitchen tools is essential.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chopping board
• Knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: A must-have for evenly cooking the soup while providing ample space for all ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring even mixing of flavors.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your soup.

Ingredients

This marry me chicken soup recipe is packed with goodness and has a light yet creamy broth. There’s plenty of sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, and parmesan!

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (I use double concentrated)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup dry white grape juice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken
• 1.5 cups uncooked rotini or fusilli pasta
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus more, for serving)
• 2–3 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup (loosely packed) fresh basil (torn/sliced)
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the oil, butter, and onion to a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté for about five minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 2: Add Flavorful Ingredients

Add the garlic, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pot. Cook for approximately one minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Incorporate Grape Juice

Pour in the grape juice and allow it to bubble for one to two minutes. Stir well to combine with the tomato mixture.

Step 4: Boil the Broth

Add in the chicken broth and increase the heat to high. Once boiling, add the pasta; then reduce heat and let simmer covered with the lid slightly open for ten minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Cream

Stir in the cream along with cooked chicken pieces. Cook for an additional four to five minutes until pasta is tender and chicken is heated through.

Step 6: Finish with Greens and Cheese

Turn off the burner and mix in parmesan cheese, spinach, and basil. Adjust seasoning with salt & pepper as needed. Stir well until spinach wilts before serving hot topped with extra parmesan if desired.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup

Serving Marry Me Chicken Soup can elevate your dining experience, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an intimate gathering, here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Fresh Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Garlic Bread: Add a flavorful twist with garlic butter spread over toasted bread.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing complements the rich flavors of the soup.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide a refreshing contrast.

Top with Extra Toppings

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate additional parmesan over each bowl for added flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or additional basil for a fresh touch.

Serve in Unique Bowls

• Bread Bowls: For a fun presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls.
• Rustic Stoneware: Using rustic stoneware adds warmth and charm to your table setting.

How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup

To make sure your Marry Me Chicken Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Bold Flavor Base: Sauté onions and garlic until golden to develop a rich flavor foundation.
• Quality Broth: Use high-quality chicken broth for depth; homemade broth works best!
• Pasta Timing: Add pasta only when the soup is boiling to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Cream Addition: Stir in cream at the end of cooking for a rich and velvety texture.
• Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process for balanced flavors.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh spinach and herbs for vibrant colors and enhanced taste.

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Marry Me Chicken Soup can create a fulfilling meal. Here are some excellent options that complement the dish beautifully.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add color and nutrition to your table.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with vegetables provides a healthy contrast to the soup’s creaminess.
4. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits with cheese pair well with soup and are great for dipping.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa offer a hearty option alongside the soup.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful sweetness that balances the savory soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Marry Me Chicken Soup, there are a few common errors that can affect the final dish. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Using low-quality ingredients: Fresh and high-quality ingredients make a world of difference. Opt for fresh herbs, quality chicken, and good cheese for a richer flavor.
• Overcooking the pasta: Pasta can become mushy if left in the soup too long. Add it at the right time and keep an eye on it to ensure it’s cooked al dente.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Tasting as you go is essential. Adjust salt and pepper to your preference before serving for the best flavor balance.
• Not sautéing vegetables properly: Sautéing onions and garlic correctly enhances their flavors. Make sure they are translucent and aromatic before adding other ingredients.
• Ignoring storage guidelines: Properly store leftovers to maintain quality. Use airtight containers and label them with dates.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers.
• Best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat the soup in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot; usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of pasta in Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer! Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What can I substitute for chicken broth in Marry Me Chicken Soup?

You can use vegetable broth or homemade stock for a different flavor profile without compromising on taste.

How do I customize my Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, or even swap out the chicken for turkey or lamb!

Is Marry Me Chicken Soup gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How spicy is this soup?

The crushed red pepper flakes are optional; you can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance or omit them entirely.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. It’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Try it today and discover why it’s such a crowd-pleaser!

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