This Marry Me Chicken Soup Is a Bowlful of Pure Love

This Marry Me Chicken Soup Is a Bowlful of Pure Love. This delightful soup transforms a beloved entrée into a comforting one-pot meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and easy preparation, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite in many households. Get ready to serve up a dish that might just lead to a proposal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just one hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Comforting Flavors: The mix of cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs creates a warm and satisfying taste.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or customize the veggies based on what you have at home.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, everyone will love this hearty soup.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pot.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your culinary adventure with this Marry Me Chicken Soup, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven: This versatile pot helps maintain even heat while allowing for ample space to cook all ingredients together.
• Sharp knife: A good knife ensures quick and safe chopping of vegetables, saving you time in the prep stage.

Ingredients

This recipe for Marry Me Chicken Soup Is a Bowlful of Pure Love features the following ingredients:

For the Base

• 1/2 cup drained julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil with herbs (from 1 [8.5-ounce] jar)
• 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomato jar, divided
• 1 1/2 cups chopped (1/4-inch) yellow onion (from 1 medium [8 ounce] onion)
• 4 medium garlic cloves, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

For the Broth

• 2 (32-ounce) pkg. chicken broth (8 cups)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 teaspoons chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish (optional)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, plus more for garnish

For the Add-Ins

• 8 ounces uncooked medium shell pasta (about 3 cups)
• 3 cups (3 ounces) packed roughly chopped fresh baby spinach
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed, at room temperature (about 1 cup)
• 1 1/2 ounce Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (about 1/2 cup) plus more for garnish

How to Make This Marry Me Chicken Soup Is a Bowlful of Pure Love

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Gather all ingredients on your countertop for easy access as you cook.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomatoes in a large Dutch oven over medium until shimmering.
Add onion and garlic; cook while stirring often until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 3: Cook Tomato Paste

Add tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes to the pot.
Cook while stirring constantly until the tomato paste becomes slightly deeper red in color, about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add Broth and Cream

Stir in chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper.
Bring to a boil over medium heat while stirring occasionally for about 12 minutes.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Add uncooked shell pasta to the boiling mixture.
Reduce heat to medium-low; cook while stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente, around 12 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Spinach and Cheese

Reduce heat to low and add baby spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese cubes, and Parmesan cheese.
Cook while stirring often until both cheeses are melted and the chicken is heated through—this should take about 5 minutes.

Step 7: Serve with Garnishes

Garnish each serving with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and crushed red pepper if desired.
Serve immediately for best flavor!

How to Serve This Marry Me Chicken Soup Is a Bowlful of Pure Love

Serving This Marry Me Chicken Soup Is a Bowlful of Pure Love can elevate your dining experience. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, presentation and accompaniment matter. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance this comforting dish.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Garlic Bread: Add flavor with garlic bread that complements the dish’s richness.

Over Rice

• Fluffy White Rice: Serve the soup over steamed white rice for added texture and flavor absorption.
• Wild Rice Blend: A nutty wild rice blend adds depth and complements the chicken beautifully.

Topped with Extras

• Fresh Herbs: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
• Shredded Cheese: Add an extra layer of flavor with shredded Parmesan or mozzarella on top.

As Part of a Meal

• Salad Side: Pair with a light garden salad to balance the richness of the soup.
• Grilled Vegetables: Serve alongside grilled seasonal vegetables for a healthy touch.

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How to Perfect This Marry Me Chicken Soup Is a Bowlful of Pure Love

To truly master This Marry Me Chicken Soup Is a Bowlful of Pure Love, consider these simple tips that can enhance your cooking process and flavor profile.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality chicken make all the difference in flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste as you go; seasoning can be adjusted based on personal preference.
• Cook Pasta Separately: If you prefer less starchy soup, cook pasta on the side and add it before serving.
• Make Ahead: Prepare in advance; flavors deepen when stored overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Add More Veggies: To boost nutrition, throw in extra vegetables like carrots or zucchini while cooking.
• Garnish Creatively: Get creative with garnishes like avocado slices or even crispy bacon for added texture.

Best Side Dishes for This Marry Me Chicken Soup Is a Bowlful of Pure Love

Pairing side dishes with This Marry Me Chicken Soup Is a Bowlful of Pure Love can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing adds crunch and balances richness.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts provide an earthy flavor that complements the soup well.
3. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins bring warmth and sweetness, perfect for dipping into the soup.
4. Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans give a fresh contrast to the creamy soup.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs offer a satisfying crunch alongside the dish.
6. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf adds healthy grains and makes for an excellent textural pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making This Marry Me Chicken Soup Is a Bowlful of Pure Love, it’s easy to overlook certain details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta for too long can make it mushy. Aim for al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it.
• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough salt or herbs can result in bland soup. Taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process.
• Using cold cream cheese: Cold cream cheese doesn’t blend well into the soup, leading to clumps. Make sure it’s at room temperature before adding.
• Neglecting fresh ingredients: Relying solely on dried herbs may not provide the same depth of flavor. Fresh herbs enhance the taste significantly.
• Ignoring the cooking time: Following the timing in the recipe is crucial for perfect results, especially for sautéing aromatics and simmering broth.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing This Marry Me Chicken Soup Is a Bowlful of Pure Love

• Freeze in portioned containers or freezer bags.
• Best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating This Marry Me Chicken Soup Is a Bowlful of Pure Love

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in intervals, stirring in between, until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about This Marry Me Chicken Soup Is a Bowlful of Pure Love.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, feel free to swap out medium shell pasta for your favorite shape. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

How can I make this Marry Me Chicken Soup healthier?

You can reduce the cream and use low-fat alternatives. Adding more vegetables also increases nutrition without compromising flavor.

Can I prepare this Marry Me Chicken Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day before serving. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before enjoying.

What should I serve with this Marry Me Chicken Soup?

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad, making for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Soup Is a Bowlful of Pure Love is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different proteins or vegetables based on your preferences. Give it a try in your kitchen; it’s sure to become a beloved staple!