You know those dishes that just make you feel all warm and cozy inside? The ones that you can’t help but think of whenever there’s a chill in the air or when you’re just feeling a little under the weather? Well, for me, that’s definitely this Marry Me Chicken Soup!
I discovered this recipe on one of those dreary, rainy days when all I wanted was to curl up with a bowl of something deliciously comforting. The name alone caught my attention – I mean, who wouldn’t want to whip up something that could potentially lead to all sorts of romantic possibilities? Let’s just say that it didn’t take long for this soup to become a staple in my kitchen. It’s creamy, hearty, and filled with so many good ingredients, you’ll be left wondering why you didn’t make it sooner!
What’s in Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Let’s break down all the goodness in this soup – each ingredient brings something special to the table!
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! They provide a tender and juicy protein base. You can also use chicken thighs if you’re feeling fancy!
Olive oil: A must-have for sautéing the onions. It adds a nice depth of flavor and is a healthier fat option.
Onion: Diced finely, this brings sweetness and a wonderful aroma to our soup.
Garlic: Because can you even make a cozy dish without garlic? This ingredient amps up the flavor and adds a punch!
Diced tomatoes: They add a burst of freshness and acidity, which balances the creamy elements beautifully.
Chicken broth: The soul of this soup! It delivers all the comforting, savory notes. Use low-sodium if you prefer a more controlled salt level.
Heavy cream: This is what takes it to “marry me” status! It makes the soup creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings that Italian flair! I recommend using a good quality mix or make your own with basil, oregano, and thyme.
Pasta: I love using shells or rotini for this soup as they hold onto the creamy goodness so well.
Fresh spinach: This adds volume and a lovely pop of color – plus, it ramps up your vitamins!
Sun-dried tomatoes: Providing a rich flavor boost, they take this soup to the next level.
Parmesan cheese: Because everything’s better with cheese, isn’t it? It melts beautifully and adds a savory finish.
Salt and pepper: Always to taste! Essential for that final seasoning to make the flavors really pop.
Red pepper flakes: (Optional) A sprinkle of these at the end will give a lovely kick to the soup.
Fresh basil: (Optional) For that aromatic garnish that makes it feel extra special!
Is Marry Me Chicken Soup Good for You?
Of course, I’ve got your health in mind! While this soup is indeed rich and creamy, it has a blend of nutritious ingredients that makes it a well-rounded meal option.
Chicken: Provides lean protein that is important for muscle health and energy.
Spinach: Packed with vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron – a nutritional powerhouse, for sure!
Pasta: Offers carbohydrates to fuel your day, while in moderation, it keeps the meal feeling hearty.
The only considerations? The heavy cream does add a decent amount of calories and fat, so if you’re looking for lighter options, feel free to substitute with half-and-half or even a plant-based milk alternative. Likewise, be cautious of the sodium levels in your chicken broth. Opt for low-sodium varieties if you’re conscious about salt intake.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 cup uncooked pasta (such as shells or rotini)
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
– Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
This recipe yields about 4 servings – perfect for a cozy dinner with family or to meal prep for the week!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup?
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the boneless chicken breasts to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
6. Stir in the heavy cream, uncooked pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped spinach. Simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the spinach is wilted.
7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with red pepper flakes and fresh basil if desired.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Don’t be afraid to get creative! This Marry Me Chicken Soup is super versatile. Want to switch things up? Try adding in some mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies. You could even throw in some white beans for additional protein and fiber.
Pair it with a warm baguette or a simple side salad, and you’ve got yourself a well-rounded dinner that diners will fall head over heels for!
I can’t wait for you to try this Marry Me Chicken Soup! Trust me, once you taste it, you might just find it makes your heart skip a beat. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience with me!
