Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl
Hungry Yet?
Hey there, fellow food adventurer! If you’ve wandered into the world of “Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl,” well, you’re in for a treat that’s so good, you might just want to put a ring on it… figuratively speaking, of course! Seriously, if comfort food had a star-studded casting, this soup would be the lead actor with a dozen Oscar nominations. It’s creamy, dreamy, and bursting with flavors that’ll make your taste buds tap dance!
So, put on your chef’s hat (or just your comfy sweatpants—no judgment here!) because we’re about to dive into a recipe that’ll have you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Trust me, it’s like getting a cozy hug from grandma, but better because—spoiler alert—she’s not watching your every move.
Why This Dish Slaps
First off, let’s just get one thing straight: if you think Marry Me Chicken Soup is just another boring bowl of broth, oh honey, you are in for a major surprise! This soup basically screams “I love you!” in creamy, cheesy tones, with a sprinkle of Italian charm thrown in for good measure. And yes, it’s made for the ultimate snuggle-sesh on a rainy day or just a plain ol’ Tuesday that needs a little pizzazz.
Plus, what’s not to love about a dish that’s ridiculously easy to make? We’re talking just a few ingredients and less than an hour to whip up this bowl of happiness. Perfect for busy bees who are still trying to impress their friends or crushes, am I right? As they slurp this soup, they’ll be asking, “Who made this? Are they single?”
Grab These Ingredients
Alright, let’s gather our crew for this tasty production. Here’s what you’re going to need for your show-stopping Marry Me Chicken Soup:
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs – yum!)
- 1 tbsp oil from the sun-dried tomato jar (because why waste all that flavor?)
- 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion (onions—cry now, thank me later)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (more garlic = more love, trust me)
- 3 tbsp tomato paste (get ready for some saucy goodness)
- 32 oz or 2 packages chicken broth (the soul of the soup)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (because life is short, and we need creaminess)
- 4 tsp fresh basil (plus more for garnish, heart eyes)
- 2 tsp kosher salt (taste buds need love too)
- 1 ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning (flavor party—let’s go!)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (can’t get enough garlic, amirite?)
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (or more if you like heat, spicy friend!)
- 8 oz uncooked medium shell pasta (that’s the soul food, right there)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped (for that health halo)
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (easy-peasy—no rotisserie? No problem!)
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed (room temperature) (a creamy BFF)
- 1 ½ oz Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (plus more for garnish, I mean, duh!)
Step-by-Step Vibes
Now, let’s get this party started! Follow these steps to cook it like a pro:
Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.Build the Base
Stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color. That’s the flavor magic happening!Simmer the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 12 minutes—so much aroma, so little time!Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender. Those shells are where it’s at!Make It Creamy & Delicious
Lower the heat to low, then stir in spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir often for 5 minutes until the cheeses melt and the chicken is warmed through. Yes, please!Serve & Enjoy
Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a fresh green salad on the side. You’re a rockstar!
Rookie Mistakes to Skip
Listen up, future culinary whizzes! Here are some common mistakes to avoid while making your incredible Marry Me Chicken Soup:
- Skipping the seasoning: Seriously, if you skimp on the salt and spices, you’re basically signing up for a bowl of blandness. Flavor is where the love is!
- Not prepping: If you think chopping as you go is a good idea, it’s not. Chop it all up beforehand—you’ll thank me when you’re not running around like a headless chicken!
- Overcooking the pasta: Al dente is the name of the game! Nobody wants mushy noodles in their love potion.
Tweak It Your Way
We’re all unique, just like our food preferences! Here are a few fun alternatives to elevate your soup game:
- Use different proteins: Not a rotisserie chicken fan? Cooked sausage or even shrimp works beautifully!
- Go vegetarian: Just toss in some extra veggies and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Easy peasy!
- No heavy cream?: Swap it out with coconut milk or half-and-half for a lighter version—who’s judging?
Curious? Here’s Answers
Got questions? Of course, you do! Let’s tackle some FAQ:
Can I meal prep this?
Totally! Make a big batch, and it’ll last in the fridge for 3-4 days. You’ll be the envy of lunchtime!Can I freeze it?
Yes! Just freeze it before adding the heavy cream and pasta to maintain that creamy perfection.Is it really a love potion?
Absolutely! And if it doesn’t win hearts, you’ve at least got a cozy meal waiting for you.Can I add more spices?
Heck yes! Spice it up with flavors that rock your world.What’s a good side dish?
A crusty baguette or a fresh salad! You’re going for a full-on bistro vibe here.
Time to Feast
And there you have it, my kitchen virtuoso! You just cooked Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl—you’re a kitchen rockstar! This bowl of creamy, dreamy deliciousness is a true hug in a bowl, and I can’t wait for you to share it with your loved ones… or keep it all for yourself (no judgment here!). So, grab a bowl, curl up, and enjoy every comforting drop. Happy eating!
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color.
- Pour in the chicken broth, cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Let it simmer for about 12 minutes.
- Add the pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender.
- Lower the heat to low, then stir in spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan.
- Stir often for 5 minutes until the cheeses melt and the chicken is warmed through.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread or a fresh green salad on the side.