Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Bowlful of Pure Love

If you’re looking for a comforting and indulgent soup that will warm both your heart and your taste buds, this Marry Me Chicken Soup is exactly what you need. This rich and creamy soup features tender rotisserie chicken, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and shell pasta, all simmered together in a savory broth. Topped with creamy cream cheese and Parmesan cheese, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that might just make you want to “put a ring on it.”

Quick Benefits

• Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan creates a wonderfully creamy and indulgent soup.
• Packed with Flavor: The sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning bring a burst of savory and aromatic flavor to every spoonful.
• Comforting Meal: This soup is perfect for chilly nights, offering a comforting and satisfying meal in one bowl.
• Protein-Packed: With rotisserie chicken and pasta, this soup offers a hearty amount of protein, making it a filling and balanced meal.

Essential Ingredients

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These provide a tangy, savory flavor that infuses the soup with depth.
• Onion and Garlic: The base of the soup, providing aromatic flavors that set the stage for the rest of the ingredients.
• Tomato Paste: Adds richness and deepens the overall tomato flavor.
• Chicken Broth: The soup’s base, offering a savory, hearty foundation.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates the soup’s luxurious and creamy texture.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a burst of color and nutrients to the dish.
• Rotisserie Chicken: Pre-cooked and shredded for convenience, adding protein and flavor to the soup.
• Cream Cheese and Parmesan: These cheeses melt into the soup, making it extra creamy and flavorful.
• Seasonings: A mix of fresh basil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper gives the soup its delightful depth of flavor.

Preparation Steps

1. Heat Oil: In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes over medium heat until it shimmers.
2. Cook Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Tomato Paste and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for about 2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
4. Add Broth and Cream: Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 12 minutes.
5. Cook Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta and reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue to cook for about 12 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
6. Add Spinach, Chicken, and Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the cheeses melt and the chicken is heated through.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan, basil, and crushed red pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Health Benefits

• High in Protein: With 33g of protein per serving from the rotisserie chicken and cheese, this soup is great for muscle repair and maintaining energy levels.
• Packed with Nutrients: The fresh spinach adds vitamin C, iron, and potassium, while the garlic provides antioxidants that promote overall health.
• Calcium-Rich: The Parmesan cheese offers a good amount of calcium, which is important for bone health.
• Comfort Food: This soup is not only delicious but also a great option for comforting your body with warm, nourishing ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

• With Bread: Serve the soup with a crusty loaf of bread or garlic bread on the side for dipping.
• As a Main Course: This hearty soup makes for a complete meal on its own, thanks to the pasta and chicken.
• Side Salad: Pair the soup with a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
• Garnished: Top with extra basil, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes for an added kick and beautiful presentation.

Creative Variations

• Add Vegetables: Include other vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers for more texture and flavor.
• Make it Spicy: Add more crushed red pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.
• Use Different Pasta: Swap out the shell pasta for another shape, like penne or farfalle, depending on your preference.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and replace it with extra spinach, mushrooms, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

Storage Tips

• In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: You can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. However, the cream and cheeses may separate slightly when reheated, so make sure to stir well to re-emulsify the soup.
• Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency, as the pasta may absorb some of the liquid as it sits.

Pro Tips

• Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
• Customize the Cheese: For a different flavor profile, try substituting Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
• Control the Heat: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the crushed red pepper or omit it entirely.
• Shred the Chicken: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs to use in the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat and add a bit of extra broth if needed.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any small pasta shape, such as elbows, rotini, or farfalle, will work well in this soup.

How can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make this soup dairy-free, replace the cream and cream cheese with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute.

What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?
You can use leftover cooked chicken, grilled chicken, or even cooked turkey in place of the rotisserie chicken.

This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a truly special dish that will leave you and your loved ones asking for seconds. Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or just craving a comforting, flavorful bowl of soup, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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