Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

All the creamy, dreamy flavors of Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl are now available in a cozy, comforting soup. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even a quiet night in. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and rich Parmesan, it brings warmth and love to every spoonful. Enjoy this delightful recipe that makes your taste buds dance while offering a hug in every bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight meals.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and herbs creates a deliciously rich flavor profile.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or alongside fresh bread and salad for a complete meal.
• Comforting and Satisfying: Each bowl offers warmth and satisfaction, ideal for any occasion.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to create this delightful Marry Me Chicken Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups
• Chopping knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without scorching them.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware.
• Measuring cups: Ensure precise ingredient measurements for the best results.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl, gather the following ingredients:

For the Base

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs)
• 1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomato jar
• 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp tomato paste

For the Broth

• 32 oz or 2 packages chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 tsp fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (or more if you like heat)

For the Soup

• 8 oz uncooked medium shell pasta
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed (room temperature)
• 1 ½ oz Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (plus more for garnish)

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Base

Stir in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the tomato paste deepens in color.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, fresh basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 12 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the pasta to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 12 minutes while stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender.

Step 5: Make It Creamy & Delicious

Lower the heat to low. Stir in spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir often for about 5 minutes until the cheeses melt and chicken is warmed through.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately alongside crusty bread or a fresh green salad on the side.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

Serving Marry Me Chicken Soup is all about creating a warm and inviting experience. This creamy, flavorful soup pairs well with various sides and garnishes that enhance its comforting nature.

With Crusty Bread

• A fresh loaf of crusty bread adds the perfect crunch and is great for dipping into the rich broth.

Topped with Fresh Basil

• Adding a sprinkle of fresh basil not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color that makes the dish visually appealing.

Accompanied by Green Salad

• A light, refreshing green salad balances the richness of the soup. Consider a simple mix of greens, cucumbers, and lemon vinaigrette.

With Extra Parmesan

• Offering additional Parmesan cheese at the table allows guests to customize their bowls for an extra cheesy delight.

Served in Bread Bowls

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an edible serving option that’s both tasty and trendy.

How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

Perfecting your Marry Me Chicken Soup can elevate the dish to new heights. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out amazing every time.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil enhances the flavor significantly compared to dried herbs. Add it just before serving for maximum freshness.

• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or add more cream cheese to achieve your desired consistency.

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking pasta until it’s al dente (firm to the bite) prevents it from becoming mushy when added to the soup.

• Customize Protein: Feel free to substitute shredded rotisserie chicken with cooked turkey or beef for different flavor profiles.

• Add Vegetables: Incorporating other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers can boost nutrition and add texture to your soup.

• Experiment with Spices: Adjust the crushed red pepper according to your heat preference. You can also try adding Italian herbs for extra depth.

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

Pairing side dishes with your Marry Me Chicken Soup enhances the meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread complements the creamy soup beautifully.

2. Caesar Salad: This classic salad provides a crunchy contrast and its creamy dressing mirrors some flavors in the soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add earthy flavors and vitamins that balance out the meal nicely.

4. Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be filled with rice, beans, or quinoa for a hearty side that’s also visually appealing.

5. Caprese Salad Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a colorful side that’s easy to prepare.

6. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad dressed in vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the hot soup while providing extra carbs for energy.

7. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese are perfect for soaking up every drop of delicious broth from your bowl.

8. Zucchini Fritters: Lightly fried zucchini fritters add crunch and versatility alongside your comforting chicken soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best chefs can make mistakes when crafting Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the Wrong Chicken: Opt for shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor. Avoid unseasoned chicken which can lead to a bland soup.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking pasta too long can make it mushy. Aim for al dente; it will continue cooking in the soup.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Taste your soup as you go! Insufficient salt or seasoning can dull the rich flavors of this dish.
• Skipping Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil is key for an aromatic touch. Using dried herbs instead can lead to a less vibrant taste.
• Neglecting Cream Cheese Temperature: Cubed cream cheese should be at room temperature. Cold cream cheese won’t melt smoothly into the broth.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion.
• Best used within 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 30 minutes, stirring once.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and reheat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring each time until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl, here are some commonly asked questions.

Can I customize ingredients in Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.

How do I make Marry Me Chicken Soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! While Parmesan is traditional, feel free to experiment with mozzarella or cheddar for different flavor profiles.

What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl is not just comforting but also versatile. This recipe allows for various customization options to suit your tastes. Whether you want to add more veggies or explore different cheeses, this dish promises warmth and satisfaction every time you indulge. Give it a try—you might just fall in love!