Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

There are moments in life that wrap you in warmth like a soft blanket, and Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl is exactly that. This recipe transcends mere nourishment; it speaks of love, comfort, and the kind of flavors that linger long after the last spoonful. Imagine coming home on a chilly evening, the aroma of savory chicken and sun-dried tomatoes filling your kitchen, and a bowl of creamy goodness waiting to embrace you. I remember making this with my mother on snowy afternoons, the laughter echoing as we stirred the pot, every ingredient a testament to our bond and shared stories.

In the heart of this recipe lies a medley of rich flavors, where tender chicken meets the gentle warmth of broth, melded with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the aromatic embrace of fresh basil. As you savor each bite, this comforting creation will remind you of home and heart, promising satisfaction with its creamy texture and vibrant colors. You’ll love how simple yet satisfying it is.

Prep Time: Twenty minutes
Cook Time: Thirty minutes
Total Time: Fifty minutes
Servings: Six
Difficulty: Easy
Key Ingredients: Sun-dried tomatoes, rotisserie chicken, heavy cream, pasta, spinach
Dietary Tags: Comfort Food, Quick Meal, Weeknight Dinner

Quick Answer: This Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl is a creamy, heartfelt dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, and spinach for a warming meal that is simple to make.

Why Make This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl. First, the flavors are astonishingly rich and divine, making it a perfect way to satisfy your cravings after a long day. The creamy texture and the delightful complexity created by sun-dried tomatoes bring a gourmet touch, all while being easy enough to prepare on a weeknight. As you gather around the table with loved ones, the familiar scents will spark memories and create new ones.

Imagine serving this soup on a cozy rainy evening, where you can enjoy it together with crusty bread to soak up every drop. The laughter and conversations that surround such meals add layers of shared warmth that linger in the air long after the dishes are cleared. And don’t forget the satisfaction of knowing this dish can be made in just under an hour, allowing you to spend more time enjoying each other’s company. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to all year long.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

Creating the Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl is a delightful and aromatic experience that begins with awakening the flavors of your ingredients. Begin by heating one tablespoon of the fragrant oil from sun-dried tomato jars in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. As the oil begins to shimmer, toss in one and a half cups of chopped yellow onion and four cloves of minced garlic. Stir the mixture for about three to four minutes, allowing it to soften and release their savory aromas.

With the onions translucent and fragrant, stir in three tablespoons of rich tomato paste and half a cup of julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes. Cook this vibrant mixture for around two minutes, stirring constantly until you see the tomato paste deepening in color. This simple step enhances the dish’s depth and richness, giving the final soup an exquisite flavor.

Next, pour in thirty-two ounces of chicken broth and one cup of heavy whipping cream. The soup will begin to bubble gently, an invitation to savor what’s to come. Stir in four teaspoons of fresh basil, two teaspoons of kosher salt, one and a half teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning, one teaspoon of garlic powder, and a quarter teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Bring this wonderful mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for twelve minutes while the flavors meld together beautifully.

As the soup simmers, bring in eight ounces of uncooked medium shell pasta, stirring gently before reducing the heat further to medium-low. Cook for around twelve minutes, until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape, each piece a little vessel for the creamy broth to embrace.

With the pasta perfectly cooked, lower the heat to a gentle warmth, adding three cups of roughly chopped fresh baby spinach, two cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, eight ounces of cubed cream cheese at room temperature, and one and a half ounces of finely shredded Parmesan cheese. With each addition, stir gently but frequently for approximately five minutes until the cheeses melt, the chicken warms through, and the vibrant greens brighten the soup, creating a lovely, creamy consistency.

Once you are satisfied with the texture, ladle this warm, aromatic hug into bowls, garnishing with more grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh basil, and a dusting of red pepper flakes. The colors pop with vibrancy, inviting you to take those first comforting sips. Serve immediately, pairing with crusty bread or a fresh green salad on the side, and allow the warmth to envelop you.

Now that your kitchen smells amazing, let’s look at what you’ll need.

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes julienne-cut packed in oil with herbs, one tablespoon oil from the sun-dried tomato jar, one and a half cups chopped yellow onion, four cloves garlic minced, three tablespoons tomato paste, thirty-two ounces or two packages chicken broth, one cup heavy whipping cream, four teaspoons fresh basil plus more for garnish, two teaspoons kosher salt, one and a half teaspoons dried Italian seasoning, one teaspoon garlic powder, one-fourth teaspoon crushed red pepper or more if you like heat, eight ounces uncooked medium shell pasta, three cups fresh baby spinach roughly chopped, two cups shredded rotisserie chicken, eight ounces cream cheese cubed room temperature, and one and a half ounces Parmesan cheese finely shredded plus more for garnish. Fresh ingredients can elevate the dish’s natural flavors, making it a nourishing meal.

Troubleshooting Tip

If your soup is thicker than you’d like, simply add a bit more chicken broth or cream until desired consistency is achieved.

Why This Recipe Works (The Science)

This Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl delivers incredible results primarily due to the layering of flavors and the harmony between the ingredients. Each step builds upon the last, allowing aromas to develop and mingle, transforming simple components into a heartwarming dish.

Science Tip: The sundried tomatoes, when sautéed with onion and garlic, release natural sugars that caramelize, thereby deepening the flavor profile. The heavy cream and cream cheese blend with the broth to create a silken texture that elevates the entire bowl into a comforting embrace.

Expert Insight: Cooking the pasta directly in the broth allows the shells to absorb some of the rich flavors while minimizing cleanup, creating a meal that is as simple to prepare as it is delicious. Additionally, the well-balanced nutrition from the chicken and vegetables makes each bowl a wholesome reward after a long day.

This soup is also rich in vitamins from the baby spinach, which contains Vitamin A for healthy vision and skin.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

Serving Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl can be as versatile as the occasions themselves. Picture this creamy delight on a quiet weeknight, where family gathers around the table, or at your next cozy get-together with friends. Pair it with a fresh salad adorned with crisp greens or crusty artisan bread to soak up the last bits of the savory broth.

For extra warmth, consider serving this soup in oversized bowls, garnished with fluffy croutons or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It’s the kind of dish that resonates with laughter and shared stories, and can even grace your holiday table, bringing comfort to family and friends during the most festive times.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

To enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl again, you can easily store it. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. In the fridge, it will maintain its delightful flavors for up to three days. Each day, the flavor deepens, inviting you to delightful memories as you take each spoonful.

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just remember that cream-based soups can slightly change in texture upon reheating, so give it a gentle stir and add a splash more cream if needed to bring back the creamy consistency.

Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

For the best results when making Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl, consider sautéing your garlic until fragrant but avoid overcooking, as it can become bitter. Swapping fresh herbs with dried can still deliver robust flavors; just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated. To amp up the heat, add a touch more crushed red pepper before serving. For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt. Experimenting with various vegetables can provide a seasonal twist to this comforting soup. Save this recipe for your next cozy weekend dinner.

Variations and Substitutions

If you have specific dietary needs or want to play with flavors, there are plenty of creative variations to explore. For a gluten-free version, swap out the medium shell pasta with gluten-free pasta or skip it altogether and ladle the soup over quinoa. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try replacing the heavy cream with coconut milk, and enjoy a delightful hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices.

Another twist can be adding seasonal vegetables like zucchini or carrots to incorporate more nutrients and color. For a twist on texture, try adding a handful of chickpeas or white beans, enhancing the heartiness of the dish. Each of these adaptations still captures the essence of Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl while lending it a unique flair.

FAQs

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just reheat gently, adding a little extra cream or broth to restore the original texture.

How can I make this soup spicier?

You can adjust the heat by increasing the amount of crushed red pepper or by adding a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce while the soup is simmering.

What can I substitute for rotisserie chicken?

If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can use cooked chicken thighs or breasts, shredded or diced, to maintain the flavor and texture.

Will this soup be suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl stores well in the fridge and can be frozen for later enjoyment.

What is the best way to reheat this soup?

To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Nutritional Information

Calories: Four hundred sixty-five
Protein: Twenty-three grams
Carbs: Thirty-eight grams
Fat: Twenty-two grams
Fiber: Two grams
Vitamin: Vitamin A

Rich in fiber and naturally low in fat, this soup can be a nutritious addition to your meal rotation.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl is not just a recipe; it’s an embodiment of warmth, love, and home-cooked comfort. Each sip offers the promise of togetherness, of memories made and memories yet to come. As you serve this stunning dish to your loved ones, let the nourishing ingredients wrap you in their embrace, reminding you that wellness can indeed be simple. Sip slowly, breathe deeply, and let every glass remind you that wellness can be simple.