Marry Me Chicken Soup: The Recipe That Will Get You a Proposal

Marry Me Chicken Soup: Yes, you read that right! This isn’t just any chicken soup; it’s a soul-satisfying, flavor-packed elixir rumored to be so delicious, it might just inspire a proposal! Forget the diamonds; serve up a bowl of this creamy, comforting soup, and watch the magic happen.

While the origins of the “Marry Me” moniker are shrouded in a bit of mystery, the sentiment behind it is clear: this dish is undeniably irresistible. It’s a modern twist on classic Italian-American comfort food, taking inspiration from dishes like Chicken Florentine and creamy tomato soup. The beauty of Marry Me Chicken Soup lies in its simplicity and the way it elevates humble ingredients into something truly special.

So, what makes this soup so beloved? It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes that burst with concentrated flavor, fragrant herbs, and a creamy, dreamy broth that coats your tongue with pure happiness. People adore it because it’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to make. It’s a weeknight dinner winner, a comforting remedy on a chilly day, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to fall in love with every spoonful!

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• Chicken Broth: 6 cups, low sodium
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated, plus more for garnish
• Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste)
• Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped, plus more for garnish
• Salt: To taste
• Black Pepper: To taste
• Spinach: 5 oz, fresh, baby spinach
• Pasta: 8 oz ditalini pasta (or other small pasta shape)

Preparing the Chicken and Aromatics:

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely when we sear them. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!
2. Now, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Make sure the pot is nice and hot before adding the chicken.
3. Add the chicken to the pot in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd it. If you overcrowd the pot, the chicken will steam instead of sear. You might need to do this in batches. Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side, until it’s nicely browned. It doesn’t need to be cooked all the way through at this point, as it will continue to cook in the soup.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Don’t worry about cleaning the pot yet; those browned bits on the bottom are full of flavor and will add depth to our soup!
5. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook the onion for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s softened and translucent.
6. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
7. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another minute, allowing their flavors to meld with the onion and garlic. The sun-dried tomatoes add a wonderful sweetness and tang to the soup.

Building the Soup Base:

1. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits are called fond, and they’re packed with flavor!
2. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to the pot. The Italian seasoning adds a classic Italian flavor, while the red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.
3. Bring the soup to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Adding the Creaminess and Cheese:

1. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. The heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the soup, while the Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory flavor.
2. Stir until the Parmesan cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.

Cooking the Pasta and Adding the Chicken and Spinach:

1. Add the ditalini pasta to the soup. Cook according to the package directions, or until the pasta is al dente. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
2. Return the seared chicken to the pot. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the soup.
3. Add the fresh spinach to the pot. Stir until the spinach is wilted, which should only take a minute or two.

Final Touches and Serving:

1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to taste.
2. Stir in the chopped fresh basil. The fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous flavor to the soup.
3. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy! This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together even more.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder soup, omit the red pepper flakes altogether. If you like it spicy, add more!
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini. Add them along with the onion and garlic.
• Protein: You can substitute the chicken with Italian sausage or shrimp. If using Italian sausage, brown it in the pot before adding the onion and garlic. If using shrimp, add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking, until it’s pink and cooked through.
• Pasta: If you don’t have ditalini pasta, you can use other small pasta shapes, such as orzo, elbow macaroni, or small shells.
• Creaminess: For an even creamier soup, you can add a tablespoon of cream cheese along with the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
• Dairy-Free: To make this soup dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
• Slow Cooker: This soup can also be made in a slow cooker. Sear the chicken as directed, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the onion, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, spinach, and basil during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup before serving.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping. It’s also delicious with a simple green salad.

Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken Soup”?

The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious, it will convince anyone to marry you! While I can’t guarantee a proposal, I can promise that this soup is incredibly flavorful and satisfying. It’s the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. The combination of tender chicken, creamy broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese is simply irresistible. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress anyone you make it for. So go ahead, give it a try and see if it lives up to its name! You might just find yourself getting a proposal! Or at the very least, you’ll have a delicious and comforting meal to enjoy.

Making it Ahead of Time:

One of the great things about this Marry Me Chicken Soup is that you can easily make it ahead of time. In fact, I often find that the flavors meld together even better when it sits in the refrigerator for a day or two. If you’re planning to make it ahead, simply follow the recipe as directed, but don’t add the spinach until you’re ready to reheat and serve the soup. The spinach will wilt too much if it sits in the soup for an extended period of time. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. Then, stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it’s wilted. You can also add a little extra chicken broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage. This is a great option if you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to have a delicious and comforting meal ready to go on a busy weeknight.

Perfect for Meal Prep:

This soup is also fantastic for meal prepping. You can make a big batch of it on Sunday and then portion it out into individual containers for lunches or dinners throughout the week. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal that’s packed with protein, vegetables, and flavor. Plus, it’s easy to reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. To

Conclusion:

This isn’t just any chicken soup; it’s Marry Me Chicken Soup, and trust me, after one spoonful, you’ll understand the name! The creamy, sun-dried tomato infused broth, the tender chicken, and the perfectly cooked pasta all come together in a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying. It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to warm you from the inside out, making it the perfect weeknight meal or a special occasion treat.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the deliciousness, it’s surprisingly simple to make. We’re talking about minimal prep time and a straightforward cooking process that even beginner cooks can master. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or that special someone, this soup is sure to impress. It’s the kind of dish that sparks conversation and leaves everyone wanting more. It’s a hug in a bowl, and who doesn’t need a hug?

And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a heartier meal, try adding some chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a salty, savory note that complements the creamy broth perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes will give it a delightful kick.

Consider serving it with a side of crusty bread for dipping into that luscious broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a wonderful accompaniment. For a truly decadent experience, try pairing it with a grilled cheese sandwich – the ultimate comfort food combination!

Looking for variations? Swap out the chicken for turkey or even shrimp for a different protein profile. Experiment with different types of pasta – penne, rotini, or even orzo would work beautifully. If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a similar richness. The possibilities are endless!

I truly believe that this Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe is a winner. It’s a dish that I make time and time again, and it never fails to bring smiles to the faces of those who try it. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s about creating a moment of warmth, connection, and pure culinary joy.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll fall in love with this recipe just as much as I have. And when you do, I’d love to hear about it! Share your photos, your variations, and your experiences in the comments below. Let me know what you think, what you changed, and who you shared it with. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your stories. Happy cooking! I hope this soup brings you as much joy as it has brought me. Don’t be surprised if someone proposes after eating it!

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