Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
If you are looking for a comforting and irresistibly flavorful dish to warm your soul, this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It is a creamy, savory soup packed with tender chicken, bright baby spinach, and pasta swimming in a rich broth that carries just the right hint of tomato and herbs. Every spoonful feels like a cozy hug, making it perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends with a meal that tastes way more complicated than it is. This recipe has that special something that might just have you thinking it’s worth a proposal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from adding depth of flavor and hearty texture to leaving vibrant color and creaminess behind. Here’s what makes this soup truly spectacular:
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing the aromatics and brings a subtle richness.
- Medium yellow onion, small diced: Offers sweet and savory notes as it softens to build the broth’s flavor foundation.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just enough heat to gently tickle your palate.
- Salt: Key to enhancing every ingredient’s natural flavors, used in two stages for balance.
- Granulated garlic powder: Boosts the savory aroma and depth without overpowering other flavors.
- Dried thyme: Brings a subtle, earthy herbal note that perfectly complements chicken.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato sweetness and umami that deepens the soup’s overall taste.
- Chicken stock: Rich and foundational broth that makes this soup hearty and soul-satisfying.
- Filtered water: Helps balance the saltiness and dilutes the flavors perfectly without impurities.
- Sugar: A tiny touch to tame acidity and round out tomato brightness.
- Sundried tomatoes in oil, chopped: Adds a tangy, chewy burst of intense tomato flavor and texture.
- Cooked chicken, diced or shredded: Tender protein that makes the soup filling and deliciously comforting.
- Small-shape pasta: Like orecchiette or ditalini, these little pasta shapes hold onto broth in every bite.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious creaminess that elevates this soup from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Infuses a salty, nutty richness that melts perfectly into the creamy broth.
- Baby spinach: Fresh greens that keep the soup light and add a pop of color and nutrients.
- Red wine vinegar: Just a splash to brighten the final flavor and add complexity.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large, heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté the onions until they begin to soften and turn fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir often so the onions cook evenly without browning too much. This step creates a flavorful base that sets the stage for all the rich layers to come.
Step 2: Add Spices and Tomato Paste
Next, sprinkle the onions with granulated garlic powder and dried thyme, stirring constantly for about a minute until you smell that delightful herbal aroma. Then, add the tomato paste and cook it for 30 seconds while stirring. This process isn’t just about mixing ingredients; it’s about coaxing out deep, caramelized flavors that fill the kitchen with an irresistible scent.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken stock and filtered water, taking care to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pot’s bottom; those little bits pack tons of flavor. Stir in the remaining salt, sugar, chopped sundried tomatoes, and shredded cooked chicken. Mix everything well to blend the flavors. Cover the pot and bring it all to a rolling boil, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before adding the pasta.
Step 4: Cook Pasta
Once your broth is boiling, add the uncooked small-shape pasta like orecchiette or ditalini. Stir right away to prevent clumping, then cover again and reduce the heat to a strong simmer. Cook the pasta until just tender, usually between 8 and 15 minutes depending on the shape. Keep an eye on it by occasionally uncovering and stirring, so no noodles stick together and every bite is perfectly al dente.
Step 5: Finish Soup
Turn off the heat and uncover your pot. Now, the finishing touches: stir in the heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, red wine vinegar, and baby spinach leaves gently. Watch the spinach wilt slowly into the rich, creamy broth, adding a fresh brightness that balances every bite. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed, and your Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is ready to impress.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To take your soup to the next level, consider garnishing it with a sprinkle of extra parmesan, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil, or even a few fresh thyme leaves. These little touches add layers of flavor and elegance that make every bowl feel like a special occasion.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crispy garlic bread or a fresh arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Both choices offer a satisfying contrast in texture and palate cleansing freshness alongside the creamy, hearty soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe in rustic bread bowls for a charming presentation, or ladle it into elegant white bowls topped with microgreens for a modern touch. Adding a side of parmesan crisps can also elevate the experience, making it feel like a meal at your favorite bistro.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can quickly reheat and savor those same comforting flavors without any fuss.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for longer storage, but keep in mind that pasta and spinach may change texture after thawing. To preserve the best consistency, freeze the soup base separately and add fresh spinach and cooked pasta when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it up. Add spinach and pasta fresh if you chose to freeze the base alone for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
While using cooked chicken is easiest, you can add raw chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time by adding the raw chicken earlier so it cooks fully in the broth before adding the pasta.
What pasta shapes work best for this soup?
Small-shape pasta like orecchiette, ditalini, or farfalle are ideal because they hold broth and complement the soup’s texture without overpowering the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Skip the heavy cream and parmesan, and instead finish the soup with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute, and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor alternative.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the broth and aromatics a day ahead. Add the pasta, spinach, and cream just before serving for the freshest texture and flavor.
How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe?
This soup is mildly seasoned with black pepper and herbs, making it gentle on the palate. You can always add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce if you like more heat.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe a try because it is more than just a meal — it’s an experience that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of culinary magic to your table. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a special gathering, this soup has a way of making moments memorable. Trust me, once you’ve made it, it will quickly become a favorite you reach for again and again.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful soup combining tender cooked chicken, savory tomato paste, sundried tomatoes, pasta, and fresh baby spinach in a rich chicken broth enhanced with parmesan and a touch of red wine vinegar. This comforting soup comes together quickly on the stovetop, making it an ideal hearty meal for chilly days.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, small diced
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 ½ teaspoons salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
- 1 quart chicken stock
- 2 cups filtered water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes in oil, chopped
Protein and Pasta
- 3 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken
- 2 cups small-shape pasta (such as orecchiette, ditalini, or farfalle), uncooked
Finishing Ingredients
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, diced onion, ¼ teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes until onions are softened and translucent, taking care not to burn.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle garlic powder and dried thyme over the softened onions; cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to coat the onions evenly. Add tomato paste and stir continuously for 30 seconds to enhance its flavor and remove any raw taste.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in chicken stock and filtered water, scraping the bottom of the pot to incorporate browned bits. Stir in remaining 2 teaspoons salt, sugar, chopped sundried tomatoes, and shredded cooked chicken. Mix well to combine. Cover and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add uncooked small-shape pasta to the boiling soup. Stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cover the pot again, reduce heat to a strong simmer, and cook until pasta is tender, about 8-15 minutes depending on the pasta shape. Uncover and stir occasionally to maintain even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Finish Soup: Turn off the heat and uncover the pot. Stir in heavy cream, grated parmesan, red wine vinegar, and baby spinach. Gently combine until the spinach wilts and the soup becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken to save time; rotisserie chicken works well.
- Sundried tomatoes packed in oil add rich flavor; drain slightly before chopping.
- Choose small pasta shapes that cook evenly and fit nicely in a bowl.
- Stir regularly when cooking pasta to avoid clumping.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on the saltiness of your chicken stock.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the soup will be less creamy.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; add extra spinach fresh when reheating if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
