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I created this Marry Me Chicken Soup on a chilly evening when I was craving something cozy but wanted to elevate our usual soup routine. The name comes from that famous chicken dish that's so good it supposedly leads to marriage proposals. After one taste my family declared it even better than the original. The way those sun dried tomatoes and fresh basil blend with the creamy broth is absolutely magical.
Pure Comfort in a Bowl
What makes this soup so special is how it transforms those classic Italian flavors into something so comforting. The sun dried tomatoes give it this incredible depth while the cream and cheese make every spoonful feel like a warm hug. My kitchen smells amazing while it's cooking and everyone always asks for seconds.
What You'll Need
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a tangy sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Used for sautéing, infusing the dish with extra flavor.
- Yellow Onion & Garlic: Aromatic essentials for a flavorful base.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups for a rich, savory foundation.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup to create a velvety, creamy texture.
- Pasta: 1 cup medium shells, perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: 2 cups for tender protein that's quick and easy.
- Cream Cheese & Parmesan: 4 oz cream cheese, cubed, and ½ cup Parmesan for a rich, cheesy finish.
- Spinach: 2 cups baby spinach for color and nutrients.
- Fresh Basil: A handful, chopped, to brighten the flavors.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper for a classic Italian flavor profile.
Let's Make Some Soup
- Start with the Base
- Get those aromatics going in that flavorful sun dried tomato oil. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing right away.
- Layer the Flavors
- Add the tomato paste and sun dried tomatoes letting them really develop their flavor.
- Create That Creamy Broth
- Pour in your broth and cream adding all those wonderful seasonings. Let it simmer and get all those flavors talking to each other.
- Add Your Pasta
- Cook the pasta right in the soup it soaks up all that delicious flavor.
- Bring It All Together
- Now comes the good part stirring in the chicken spinach and all that creamy cheese until everything's perfectly melted together.
- Time to Enjoy
- Ladle it into bowls add your garnishes and watch everyone's faces light up.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I make this vegetarian with mushrooms which gives it such a nice earthy flavor. Baby kale works beautifully instead of spinach and if you like things spicy an extra pinch of red pepper flakes really wakes everything up.
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My Best Tips
Make sure your cream cheese is really soft before adding it in it'll blend much better. Keep an eye on that pasta you want it just al dente since it'll keep cooking in the hot soup. I've learned to add the red pepper flakes gradually you can always add more but you can't take it away.
Keep It Fresh
This soup is even better the next day once all those flavors have had time to mingle. Just reheat it gently and maybe add a splash of cream to bring back that silky texture. If you're planning to freeze it leave out the pasta and add fresh when you reheat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why won't my cream cheese melt smoothly?
Room temperature cream cheese melts best. Press any remaining chunks against the side of the pot to help them incorporate fully.
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, any medium pasta shape works well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions for al dente.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Add red pepper flakes gradually to taste. Start with less and add more as needed, or serve extra on the side for individual adjustment.
- → Can I make this ahead?
The pasta may absorb liquid over time. If making ahead, cook pasta separately and add when reheating, or expect to add extra broth.
- → What can I substitute for rotisserie chicken?
Any cooked, shredded chicken works well. You can cook chicken breasts or thighs specifically for this recipe if preferred.