Marry Me Chicken Soup

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a delightful twist on the classic meal you love. This creamy, hearty soup combines sun-dried tomatoes, rich Parmesan, and tender chicken for a dish that feels indulgent yet comforting. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with family and friends, this gluten-free recipe is not only packed with flavor but also boasts 41 grams of protein per serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and one pot, this recipe saves you time on cleanup.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and herbs creates a rich taste that’s sure to impress.
• Versatile Dish: Great for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it fits any dining scenario perfectly.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a wholesome choice that satisfies hunger.
• Comfort Food Classic: This soup brings warmth and comfort, making it ideal for chilly days.

Tools and Preparation

To make Marry Me Chicken Soup successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures that your cooking experience is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A must-have for cooking soups; it holds all ingredients comfortably.
• Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables and cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts, crucial for flavor balance.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup carrot matchsticks or 1 large carrot, finely chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and thinly sliced
• 10 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Pasta

• 1 cup ditalini pasta (or any small-shaped pasta)

For Creaminess

• 1/3 cup heavy cream or half and half
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

For Freshness

• 2 handfuls baby spinach

For Cooking

• 1 tablespoon oil (for frying)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, finely chopped

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How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Pot

Preheat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the oil to warm up before adding your vegetables.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add the carrots, onion, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3 minutes while stirring occasionally until they soften.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Sauté for another 3 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Add Pasta

Incorporate the pasta into the soup. Stir well, cover, and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Finish with Cream

Add in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and spinach. Cover again and turn off the heat. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes so flavors meld together.

Step 8: Serve

Garnish your soup with parsley or basil before serving hot. Enjoy this comforting Marry Me Chicken Soup!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a delicious and hearty meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A slice of warm, crusty bread complements the creamy soup perfectly. Use it to soak up every last drop of flavor.

Add a Fresh Salad

• A light salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.

Top with Extra Parmesan

• Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy delight that enhances the soup’s savory taste.

Serve in Bread Bowls

• For a fun twist, serve your Marry Me Chicken Soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for a great presentation and adds to the meal’s heartiness.

Include Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

• Pairing the soup with gooey grilled cheese sandwiches creates a nostalgic comfort food combo that is sure to please everyone.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh basil or parsley can brighten up the dish, adding color and freshness that enhance both flavor and presentation.

How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup

Perfecting your Marry Me Chicken Soup can take your cooking to the next level. Follow these tips for an even better flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will greatly improve the overall taste of your soup.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for balanced flavor.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: To prevent mushy pasta, cook it just until it’s firm before adding it to the soup.
• Let it Sit: Allowing the soup to rest after cooking helps meld all the flavors together nicely.
• Experiment with Proteins: Feel free to substitute chicken with other proteins like turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Make it Ahead: Prepare the soup in advance; it often tastes even better after sitting overnight in the fridge.

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Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken Soup

When enjoying Marry Me Chicken Soup, consider these delightful side dishes that pair beautifully and complete your meal.

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice that pairs well, garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
2. Caesar Salad
   A crisp Caesar salad adds crunch and zest, balancing out the richness of the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables
   Roasted seasonal vegetables provide a healthy side filled with flavor and nutrients.
4. Cheesy Biscuits
   Warm cheesy biscuits offer a comforting touch that complements each bite of soup wonderfully.
5. Stuffed Peppers
   These colorful peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa add substance while keeping things light.
6. Cornbread Muffins
   Sweet cornbread muffins bring a delightful sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory flavors.
7. Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing cucumber salad provides a cool, crunchy option alongside your warm bowl of soup.
8. Potato Wedges
   Crispy potato wedges make for a hearty side that’s perfect for dipping into leftover broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Marry Me Chicken Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish.

• Skipping ingredient prep: Always prepare your ingredients before cooking to ensure everything is ready when needed. This helps in maintaining the cooking flow.
• Overcooking chicken: Cook the chicken just until it’s lightly browned. Overcooked chicken can become tough and dry, ruining the soup’s texture.
• Not seasoning properly: Taste as you go! Insufficient seasoning can lead to bland soup. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
• Ignoring simmering time: Be patient and allow the flavors to meld during simmering. Rushing this step can result in a less flavorful soup.
• Using heavy cream too soon: Add heavy cream at the end of cooking for a richer flavor and creamy texture. Adding it too early can change the consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This keeps your Marry Me Chicken Soup fresh and delicious.
• Allow the soup to cool down before sealing it in a container for optimal storage.

Freezing Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Freeze in airtight containers with some room for expansion. This prevents spills as the soup expands while freezing.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat the soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warm.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals, stirring well between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Simmer on low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Marry Me Chicken Soup that might help you enhance your cooking experience.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Marry Me Chicken Soup?

You can definitely use rotisserie chicken! Just shred it and add it towards the end of cooking to warm it through.

How do I customize Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition. You can also experiment with different herbs or cheeses!

What makes this soup gluten-free?

By using gluten-free pasta options instead of traditional pasta, you ensure that this recipe remains gluten-free without compromising on flavor.

How can I make this soup dairy-free?

Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or any non-dairy cream alternative to make your Marry Me Chicken Soup dairy-free while keeping it creamy.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Soup is not only hearty and comforting but also versatile enough for various occasions. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or served at a gathering, this soup is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to customize it based on your preferences; adding different veggies or spices can make it uniquely yours!