Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

All the creamy, dreamy flavors of Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl come together in this cozy dish. Perfect for any occasion, this soup is not only comforting but also offers a rich and velvety broth that warms the soul. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to impress your family and friends with every delightful spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Warmth: This soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, anyone can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy cheese creates an unforgettable flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Great as a main course or served alongside crusty bread or salad for a complete meal.
• Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings—everyone will love it!

Tools and Preparation

Prepare yourself for creating this delicious soup by gathering some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven: Perfect for sautéing and simmering, providing even heat distribution for cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring smooth mixing.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the best flavor balance in your soup.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Soup 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
• 32 oz or 2 packages chicken broth

For Creaminess and Flavor

• 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 Adding Body

• 8 oz uncooked medium shell pasta
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

For Richness

• 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:
1. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Base

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

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

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

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked pasta to the pot:
1. Reduce heat to medium-low.
2. Cook for approximately 12 minutes until pasta is tender; stir occasionally.

Step 5: Make It Creamy & Delicious

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

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

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

Enjoy your warm bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl!

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

Serving Marry Me Chicken Soup is all about enhancing its comforting flavors while creating an inviting atmosphere. Pair your soup with simple side dishes or garnishes for a delightful meal that warms the heart.

With Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked baguette – Perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth.
• Garlic bread – Adds a scrumptious, buttery flavor complementing the soup’s richness.

With a Fresh Green Salad

• Mixed greens – A light option with vinaigrette to balance the creamy soup.
• Caesar salad (without anchovies) – Crunchy romaine with cheese for added texture.

As a Cozy Family Dinner

• Serve it in individual bowls – Everyone can enjoy their portion while gathering around the table.
• Offer toppings like extra Parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes for customization.

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

To ensure your Marry Me Chicken Soup is always a hit, follow these helpful tips. They will elevate your cooking technique and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh herbs and vegetables significantly improve flavor compared to dried or canned options.
• Adjust seasoning – Taste as you cook! Adjust salt and spices according to your preference for a personalized touch.
• Opt for rotisserie chicken – It saves time and adds delicious flavor without compromising quality.
• Experiment with pasta types – Try different pasta shapes like fusilli or penne for varied textures.
• Store leftovers properly – Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

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

Pairing your Marry Me Chicken Soup with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Garlic Breadsticks – Soft and buttery, these are perfect for dunking into the soup.
2. Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add brightness.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized provide great flavor contrast.
4. Cheesy Quesadillas – Simple cheese quesadillas cut into wedges can be a fun addition alongside the soup.
5. Cornbread Muffins – Slightly sweet cornbread muffins pair wonderfully with savory soup flavors.
6. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice and veggies bring nutrition and color to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the Sauté: Failing to sauté the onions and garlic first can result in a less flavorful base. Always take the time to cook these ingredients until fragrant.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking pasta too long can make it mushy. Follow the recommended cooking time closely, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using dried herbs instead of fresh can lessen the soup’s brightness. Whenever possible, opt for fresh basil and vegetables for maximum flavor.
• Not Tasting as You Go: Skipping this step may lead to an unseasoned soup. Taste your soup at various stages and adjust seasonings accordingly.
• Using Cold Cream Cheese: Adding cold cream cheese can cause clumps. Ensure it’s at room temperature for a smooth incorporation into the soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing the container to prevent condensation.

Freezing Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered with a microwave-safe lid, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl that may help you.

What is Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl?

Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl is a comforting dish made with tender chicken, creamy broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and pasta.

Can I customize Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or zucchini or swap out chicken for turkey or beef for variety.

How should I serve Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Serve hot with crusty bread or alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal experience.

Can I make this soup vegan-friendly?

You can substitute chicken with chickpeas or mushrooms, use vegetable broth, and replace cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.

How long does it take to make Marry Me Chicken Soup?

The total time is around 60 minutes from prep to serving, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl offers a delightful blend of flavors that warms both heart and soul. Its creamy texture and hearty ingredients create an inviting meal that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or proteins!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl is a soul-soothing dish that wraps you in warmth with every spoonful. This creamy, flavorful soup blends tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and rich cheeses into a velvety broth that’s perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family dinners. With its heartwarming flavors and delightful texture, this soup is bound to impress both family and friends alike. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that brings everyone together.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 32 oz 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)
• 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)

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Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven, heat sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2 minutes until the mixture deepens in color.
3. Pour in chicken broth and add heavy cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper; bring to a gentle boil and simmer for about 12 minutes.
4. Add uncooked pasta to the pot; reduce heat to medium-low and cook for approximately 12 minutes until pasta is tender.
5. Lower the heat; stir in spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan until melted and warmed through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 58mg