Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
If you’re searching for a warm, comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, look no further than Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup. This delightful soup combines creamy textures with robust flavors, creating a meal that not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your soul. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little comfort food magic, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
A Personal Story Behind My Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Journey
The first time I made Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup was during a family gathering. I wanted to create something special that could bring everyone together. As the aroma filled the kitchen, my family couldn’t help but gather around, eager to taste. After the first spoonful, I knew I had created something truly special. It’s moments like these that remind me of the power of good food to bring loved ones together, and this soup has become a staple in our family meals ever since.
What Makes This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe Special?
This soup stands out for its rich, creamy base and the unique combination of flavors. The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness, while the heavy cream and cream cheese create a velvety texture that makes each bite delightful. Plus, the inclusion of rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also enhances the flavor profile, making this dish both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. With the addition of fresh spinach, this soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients.
The Full Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup drained julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil with herbs
- 1/2 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomato jar, divided
- 3/4 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 medium garlic cloves, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper, plus more for garnish
- 4 ounces uncooked medium shell pasta
- 1 1/2 cups packed roughly chopped fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed, at room temperature
- 3/4 ounce Parmesan cheese, finely shredded, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Heat half of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking while stirring often until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. (Tip: Stirring often prevents the garlic from burning.)
- Add the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes; cook while stirring constantly until the tomato paste deepens in color, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the broth, heavy cream, fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 12 minutes. (Tip: Keep an eye on it to prevent boiling over!)
- Add the uncooked pasta and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, approximately 12 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, then add fresh spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Cook, stirring often, until the cream cheese and Parmesan are melted, and the chicken is heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan, basil, and red pepper. Serve immediately. (Tip: A dollop of sour cream on top can add an extra layer of flavor!)
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
This soup is perfect on its own, but you can elevate your meal by serving it with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. For a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken entirely. Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more crushed red pepper or even a splash of your favorite hot sauce for those who enjoy a kick!
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Can I freeze Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, leaving some space for expansion.
How can I make this dish healthier?
You can use low-fat cream cheese and reduce the amount of oil used. Adding more vegetables can also enhance the nutritional value.
What can I serve with this soup?
It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained, julienne-cut
- 0.5 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomato jar divided
- 0.75 cup yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 0.5 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh basil chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.75 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.125 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 4 ounces medium shell pasta uncooked
- 1.5 cups baby spinach roughly chopped
- 1 cup rotisserie chicken shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese cubed, at room temperature
- 0.75 ounces Parmesan cheese finely shredded
Instructions
- Heat half of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking while stirring often until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. (Tip: Stirring often prevents the garlic from burning.)
- Add the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes; cook while stirring constantly until the tomato paste deepens in color, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the broth, heavy cream, fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 12 minutes. (Tip: Keep an eye on it to prevent boiling over!)
- Add the uncooked pasta and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, approximately 12 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, then add fresh spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Cook, stirring often, until the cream cheese and Parmesan are melted, and the chicken is heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan, basil, and red pepper. Serve immediately. (Tip: A dollop of sour cream on top can add an extra layer of flavor!)