Marry Me Chicken Soup

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a delightful twist on the beloved classic. This creamy, comforting soup combines the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and garlic with tender chicken and fresh greens. Perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or gatherings with friends, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. Its unique blend of savory ingredients makes it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious soup ready in under an hour.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan delivers a burst of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it as a hearty lunch or dinner, or enjoy it as an appetizer at your next gathering.
• Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with vegetables and lean protein, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting bowl of goodness.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smoother. These items will help you chop, stir, and cook your way to a delicious meal.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the soup evenly while providing enough space for all ingredients.
• Chef’s knife: A good knife ensures quick and safe chopping of vegetables.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot while allowing you to mix ingredients thoroughly.

Ingredients

Marry Me Chicken Soup has everything everyone loves in the viral Marry Me Chicken but in soup form! It’s creamy and light at the same time and packed with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and Parmesan flavors.

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 medium carrot (diced)
• 2-3 celery stalks (diced)
• 2 large garlic cloves (finely chopped)

Flavor Enhancers

• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes (roughly chopped)
• A pinch of red chili flakes
• 1 bay leaf

Base Ingredients

• 3/4 cup ditalini pasta
• 6 cups chicken stock

Creamy Components

• 1/2 cup low-fat cream cheese
• 1/2 cup half and half (single cream)

Proteins & Greens

• 2 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded)
• 1/3 cup Parmesan (grated)
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach (or kale)

Seasoning

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes over medium heat until softened.

Step 2: Add Garlic & Tomatoes

Stir in the garlic. Cook for another minute. Then add the sundried tomatoes and red chili flakes. Cook for an additional minute.

Step 3: Cook Pasta & Stock

Add the bay leaf, ditalini pasta, and chicken stock. Bring everything to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is almost cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Creaminess

Stir in the cream cheese and half-and-half. Let it simmer until the cream cheese melts and the soup slightly thickens.

Step 5: Combine Chicken & Greens

Add shredded rotisserie chicken, Parmesan cheese, and spinach. Stir well to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes with a lid on until spinach wilts and chicken is heated through.

Step 6: Season & Serve

Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper. Serve hot with extra freshly grated Parmesan on top if desired. Enjoy your flavorful bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a cozy meal for yourself or an impressive dish for guests, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a savory crunch that pairs beautifully with the soup’s flavors.

Topped with Parmesan

• Extra Grated Parmesan: Adding more freshly grated Parmesan on top enhances the dish’s richness and flavor.
• Herb Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can brighten up the presentation and add freshness.

Served with a Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the creamy texture of the soup well.
• Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of Marry Me Chicken Soup.

How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup

Perfecting Marry Me Chicken Soup takes just a few tips and tricks. Follow these suggestions to enhance your cooking process and final dish.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: This saves time and adds deep flavors, making your soup taste homemade without the hassle.
• Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.
• Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, reduce the cream cheese and half-and-half; for more richness, increase them slightly.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go to ensure balanced seasoning; add salt and pepper little by little until it’s just right.

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Pairing side dishes with Marry Me Chicken Soup can create a satisfying meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these potatoes are a hearty addition.
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A classic pairing that provides a comforting crunch alongside the creamy soup.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil offer a refreshing contrast.
4. Quinoa Salad: A nutty quinoa salad tossed with vegetables adds healthy grains to your meal.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice and herbs complement the flavors of the soup well.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful bite-sized treat next to your bowl of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Marry Me Chicken Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and quality chicken stock. This soup relies heavily on its base flavors, so investing in good ingredients makes a difference in taste.
• Overcooking the Pasta: If you cook the ditalini pasta too long, it can become mushy. Keep an eye on it and aim for al dente for the best texture in your soup.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Don’t forget to taste as you go! Adjusting salt and pepper is crucial for enhancing the flavors of your Marry Me Chicken Soup.
• Not Letting It Simmer Enough: Allowing the soup to simmer lets the flavors meld beautifully. Rushing this step may result in a less flavorful dish.
• Using Heavy Cream: While it might seem tempting, using heavy cream instead of half and half can make the soup too rich and heavy. Stick to lighter options for a balanced flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Marry Me Chicken Soup special?

Marry Me Chicken Soup combines creamy textures with vibrant flavors from sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, making it comforting and delicious.

Can I customize my Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or swap out chicken for turkey to suit your preferences.

How do I ensure my pasta doesn’t get mushy?

Cook the ditalini pasta separately if you’re making a large batch or just cook it until al dente before adding it to the soup.

Is Marry Me Chicken Soup healthy?

Yes! This soup is packed with nutrients from vegetables and lean chicken while being lower in calories by using low-fat cream cheese.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for cozy nights or meal prep. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. Try this recipe today; you won’t regret it!