Oh, let me tell you about a recipe that has truly stolen my heart—it’s my beloved Marry Me Chicken Soup. This dish was born from a little culinary adventure I had one chilly evening when I decided to throw together everything I had on hand. Little did I know, I would create a bowl of magic that makes you want to pledge your undying love just for a sip! Seriously, I’ve had friends jokingly ask if they could “marry” me just for the recipe. And that’s exactly how comforting and inviting this soup is—it wraps you up in a cozy blanket you didn’t even know you needed.
Every spoonful reveals layers of flavors that warm the soul; the creaminess, the tender chicken, and the little bursts of flavor from the sun-dried tomatoes. I even remember the first time I made this soup for my family, and we all ended up at the dinner table, laughter resonating as we devoured the whole pot. It’s a perfect dish to share with loved ones or to enjoy on a quiet night in. Grab your apron and let’s bring this dreamy soup to life together!
What’s in Marry Me Chicken Soup?
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs: I usually like using thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work just as beautifully!
- Olive oil: A must for sautéing; I prefer extra virgin olive oil for that luscious flavor.
- Onion: A diced medium onion provides that wonderful aromatic base—don’t skip this step!
- Garlic: You can never have too much garlic! Minced garlic creates magic in the sauté process.
- Diced tomatoes: I always choose canned for convenience; they add a nice tanginess to the broth.
- Chicken broth: Homemade is ideal, but store-bought works fantastic—Swanson is my go-to brand.
- Heavy cream: This is where the indulgence kicks in; it gives the soup that luxurious, creamy texture.
- Pasta: Small shell pasta or any pasta you adore will do. Just don’t make it too big; we want those cute little bites!
- Fresh spinach: Not only does it add a pop of color, but it’s also a great way to sneak in some greens.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These little gems give you a flavor explosion and a hint of sweetness that’s incredibly balanced.
- Red pepper flakes: This adds a fantastic warmth; feel free to adjust based on how spicy you like it!
- Italian seasoning: A classic medley that rounds out the flavor perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: To taste; they’re essential in every kitchen, right?
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The crowning glory when serving! Who can resist a cheesy finish?
Is Marry Me Chicken Soup Good for You?
Well, let’s break it down! The chicken provides a fabulous source of protein, which is essential for muscle health, while the spinach sneaks in a dose of vitamins and minerals. The heavy cream does make this a richer dish, so if you’re watching your calorie intake, you can easily swap it for a lighter cream or even a plant-based alternative. Oh, and let’s not forget the sun-dried tomatoes, which are a great source of antioxidants.
Now, if you have salt concerns, just adjust that seasoning to meet your needs; the flavors still shine through. Tack on some whole-grain pasta for added fiber if you want to level up the health game! All in all, this soup has its perks, and balance is key here. It’s a heartwarming dish meant to be enjoyed, so savor it!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb (about 450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup small shell pasta or any pasta of choice
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup?
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it’s translucent—about 5 minutes.
- Next, stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen will soon smell divine!
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then drop it into the pot. Sear both sides until they’re lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes each.
- Now, add in the drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine all those lovely flavors.
- Increase the heat to bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Trust me, this is a bit therapeutic!
- Return the shredded chicken back to the pot. Now stir in the pasta, Italian seasoning, and chopped spinach. Cook according to the pasta package instructions until al dente—about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to your liking. Give it a good stir!
- Serve hot and garnish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Soup-er Tips for Success!
- Don’t be afraid to play with spice levels; add more or skip the red pepper flakes entirely if it’s not your jam!
- This soup goes wonderfully with crusty bread, which means a dip in that creamy goodness is always a good idea!
- Feel free to swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles if you want a low-carb version—delicious and sneaky!
- Leftovers? Great! This soup reheats beautifully, but add a splash of broth to keep it from thickening too much in the fridge.
That’s it! I can guarantee that this Marry Me Chicken Soup will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s rich, creamy, and utterly soul-satisfying. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and let this soup work its magic. And if you do make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Happy cooking, my friends!
