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I whipped up this Marry Me Chicken Soup one cold night when I wanted something snug but fancier than our standard soup options. It gets its name from that famous chicken dish so tasty it supposedly triggers wedding proposals. My family took one sip and swore it topped the original version. There's something truly special about how those sun dried tomatoes mix with fresh basil in the creamy broth.
Soothing Warmth in Every Spoonful
The magic of this soup comes from turning traditional Italian flavors into pure comfort food. Those sun dried tomatoes create amazing richness while the cheese and cream turn each bite into something that feels like wrapping up in a cozy blanket. The smell fills my home as it bubbles away, and nobody can resist going back for more.
Ingredients You'll Want
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Brings sweet tanginess and rich flavor to your soup.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Perfect for cooking your veggies and adding extra taste.
- Yellow Onion & Garlic: The foundation pair that builds wonderful flavor.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups creates a tasty, full-bodied base.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup makes everything silky and luxurious.
- Pasta: 1 cup medium shells that catch all that yummy broth.
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: 2 cups adds no-fuss, tender meat.
- Cream Cheese & Parmesan: 4 oz cubed cream cheese and ½ cup Parmesan for dreamy creaminess.
- Spinach: 2 cups baby spinach adds pretty color and good-for-you greens.
- Fresh Basil: A handful, chopped, gives that fresh pop of flavor.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper create that authentic taste.
Cooking Instructions
- Build Your Foundation
- Cook those fragrant veggies in the tomato oil until they soften. Your home will fill with amazing scents immediately.
- Boost The Taste
- Stir in tomato paste and sun dried tomatoes so they can release their full flavor power.
- Mix Your Liquids
- Add broth and cream along with your spices. Let everything simmer and blend together nicely.
- Drop In The Pasta
- The pasta goes right into the soup so it can grab all those wonderful flavors.
- Finish With The Good Stuff
- Fold in your chicken, greens, and all that yummy cheese until everything comes together perfectly.
- Grab Your Spoons
- Pour into bowls, add your favorite toppings, and watch everyone smile after their first taste.
Try These Swaps
I've made this without meat using mushrooms instead, and it gives such a wonderful deep flavor. You can swap in baby kale for the spinach no problem, and if you love heat, just toss in some extra red pepper flakes to liven things up.
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Handy Tricks
Always get your cream cheese super soft before you put it in so it melts smoothly. Watch your pasta carefully since you want it just slightly firm as it'll soften more in the hot soup. I've found it's smart to go slow with the spicy flakes because you can't undo too much heat.
Storage Smarts
This soup tastes even better tomorrow after all the flavors have gotten cozy together. Just warm it up slowly and maybe pour in a bit of cream to bring back the smoothness. If you're saving some for later in the freezer, leave the pasta out and cook fresh noodles when you're ready to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I melt cream cheese easily?
Bring cream cheese to room temp first. Press any stubborn lumps against the pot to smooth them out.
- → Can I swap pasta shapes?
Totally! Pick any medium-sized pasta, just follow the package directions to cook it perfectly.
- → How can I make it less or more spicy?
Adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste. Add slowly and taste as you go. Offer extra flakes on the side for spicy fans.
- → What if I want to make it early?
Pasta might soak up broth when stored. Cook pasta separately and combine when reheating. Or, have extra broth ready to add.
- → What works instead of rotisserie chicken?
Shredded chicken breasts or thighs are a great substitute. Cook them fresh if you prefer.