Warm, creamy, and utterly satisfying, Marry Me Chicken Soup combines tender chicken, rich cheeses, and orecchiette pasta in a savory broth. With a name that suggests its irresistible charm, this dish is bound to win hearts around your dinner table. Perfect for cozy nights, family gatherings, or when you’re craving an indulgent comfort meal, Marry Me Chicken Soup promises to impress.
A Warm Invitation to Try Marry Me Chicken Soup
Looking for a soup recipe that’s comforting yet elegant? Marry Me Chicken Soup has it all! It’s creamy, hearty, and brimming with rich flavors. Let this recipe add a little love to your next meal—start cooking today!
Tools Needed, Servings, and Cooking Time
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot with a lid
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Ladle for serving
Servings and Time
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (about ½ cup), diced
- ½ cup (about 8) sun-dried tomatoes, softened in hot water, drained, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 8 cups (64 ounces) chicken broth
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup (100 g) parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 cups (280 g) rotisserie chicken, cubed
- 8 ounces orecchiette pasta
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup (30 g) fresh baby spinach
- Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Base
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy whipping cream. Stir to combine the liquids. Next, add the cubed cream cheese and shredded parmesan. Stir continuously as the cheeses melt, creating a rich and creamy soup base.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Once the base is smooth, add the orecchiette pasta along with the kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to incorporate the pasta into the broth. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for 14-16 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Spinach
In the final five minutes of cooking the pasta, stir in the cubed rotisserie chicken. Allow the chicken to heat through. During the last minute of cooking, add the fresh spinach, stirring until it wilts slightly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this heartwarming dish.
Recommendations for Recipe Success
- Use Quality Chicken Broth: A flavorful chicken broth is the foundation of this soup. Opt for low-sodium broth to better control the seasoning.
- Soften Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Soak the sun-dried tomatoes in hot water for a few minutes before chopping. This step ensures they’re tender and blend seamlessly into the soup.
- Cream Cheese at Room Temperature: Softened cream cheese melts faster and blends smoothly, preventing clumps.
- Stir Frequently: While the pasta cooks, stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add Spinach at the End: Stirring in the spinach just before serving preserves its vibrant green color and tender texture.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up the creamy broth.
- Serve alongside a light salad for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup without the pasta. Thaw and reheat, then add cooked pasta before serving.
- Reheating: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream to adjust consistency if needed.
FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Soup
1. Can I substitute orecchiette pasta with another type?
Yes! Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work well in this recipe.
2. How can I make this soup lighter?
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use reduced-fat cream cheese. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
3. Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely. Cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs, and use them in place of rotisserie chicken.
4. Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk in place of cream, dairy-free cream cheese, and nutritional yeast as a parmesan substitute.
5. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the soup without the pasta and spinach, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the soup and add freshly cooked pasta and spinach.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Soup is the epitome of comfort food, blending creamy textures with rich, savory flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish brings warmth and joy to the table. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation.
So, why wait? Try Marry Me Chicken Soup today and see why it’s love at first bite!
