Marry Me Chicken Soup

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This soup features a creamy Tuscan-style sauce, combined with juicy chicken and rotini pasta, making it a comforting meal the whole family will love. The unique blend of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil elevates the flavors, ensuring this soup will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious soup ready in no time.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and basil creates a flavorful base that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy this soup as a main course or serve it alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly: This soup appeals to all ages, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings.
• Comforting and Filling: With rotini pasta and creamy broth, this dish is both satisfying and nourishing.

Tools and Preparation

To make Marry Me Chicken Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly while cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for sautéing ingredients and simmering the soup without spilling.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring even cuts for better cooking.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface, allowing you to mix ingredients effortlessly.

Ingredients

For this Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe, gather the following ingredients:

Protein & Base

• 1 pound shredded chicken
• 4 cup chicken broth

Vegetables & Herbs

• 3-4 ounce sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced or pressed)
• 1/4 cup basil (chopped)

Pasta & Seasonings

• 2 cup rotini pasta (dry)
• 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 ounce tomato paste

Creamy Elements & Finishing Touches

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Parmesan for garnish

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Begin by prepping all your ingredients. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes, onion, garlic, and basil so they are ready to go when you start cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they become soft and start to brown.

Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil

Once the onion and garlic are ready, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. Cook them together for another minute to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Mix in Tomato Paste & Chicken

Add in the tomato paste, stirring to combine well with the other ingredients. Then add in your shredded chicken followed by pouring in the chicken broth.

Step 5: Bring to a Boil

Raise the heat until the broth reaches a boil. Once boiling, reduce it to a simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 6: Cook Rotini Pasta

Toss in the dry rotini pasta into your simmering soup. Cook according to package instructions (usually about 10-12 minutes).

Step 7: Finish with Cream

After cooking the pasta, turn off the heat. Pour in heavy cream and give it one last stir. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with parmesan cheese before serving hot. Enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup

Marry Me Chicken Soup is both comforting and satisfying, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Slice a fresh baguette to soak up the creamy broth.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Serve warm garlic breadsticks for a flavorful dip into the soup.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Basil: Add more fresh basil on top for a burst of flavor.
• Parsley Sprinkles: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness.

Accompanied by a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad balances the richness of the soup.
• Mixed Greens: Tossed mixed greens with a light vinaigrette can brighten up the meal.

Paired with Cheese

• Parmesan Shavings: Top each bowl with fresh parmesan shavings for an extra cheesy touch.
• Cheddar Crumbles: Add sharp cheddar crumbles for added flavor contrast.

How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup

To ensure your Marry Me Chicken Soup reaches its full potential, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience, shredded rotisserie chicken can save time without sacrificing flavor.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to suit your palate.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your rotini is cooked al dente so it retains its texture in the soup.
• Experiment with Broth: Try using homemade chicken broth for richer flavor or vegetable broth for a lighter version.
• Add Vegetables: Enhance nutrition by adding spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Garnish Creatively: Experiment with different garnishes like toasted pine nuts or chili flakes for an exciting twist.

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Serving side dishes with your Marry Me Chicken Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting contrast.
2. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil offers a refreshing bite before the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and earthy flavors to complement the dish.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad packed with herbs and vegetables keeps things wholesome and healthy.
5. Caprese Skewers: Mini skewers of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil make for easy finger food alongside the soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies add heartiness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Marry Me Chicken Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the prep work: Many cooks jump right into cooking without prepping ingredients. Take the time to chop, dice, and measure everything first for a smoother cooking process.

• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the rotini pasta for too long can lead to mushy noodles in your soup. Follow the package instructions closely to ensure the pasta has the perfect texture.

• Neglecting seasoning: Some might forget to taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process. Don’t hesitate to add salt, pepper, or extra herbs as needed for flavor.

• Using low-quality broth: The chicken broth is a crucial component of this recipe. Always use a good quality broth for richer flavor and better results.

• Not allowing enough simmer time: Rushing through the simmering stage can prevent flavors from developing fully. Let your soup simmer for at least 15 minutes to enhance taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing Marry Me Chicken Soup

• For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers.
• It will maintain its best quality for about 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the soup in an oven-safe dish, covering it with foil. Heat until warmed through.

• Microwave: Pour the soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until hot.

• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Marry Me Chicken Soup:

How can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. This keeps it creamy without dairy.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like fusilli or penne if you prefer a different texture in your soup.

What if I don’t like sun-dried tomatoes?

You can replace sun-dried tomatoes with fresh diced tomatoes or omit them entirely for a simpler soup flavor.

How do I store leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 2-3 months.

Can I add vegetables to my soup?

Definitely! Adding vegetables like spinach, carrots, or bell peppers can enhance both nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile and customizable. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, this soup is sure to impress anyone you serve it to. Feel free to adjust ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand—it’s a perfect dish for any occasion!