Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb pasta of your choice (rotini, penne, or farfalle work well)
Let’s Talk Soup: The Heart of the Matter
Okay, friend, before we dive into the step-by-step, let’s chat about what makes this Marry Me Chicken Soup truly special. It’s all about the layers of flavor and that luscious, creamy texture. Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list; it’s mostly pantry staples and fresh herbs. The key is building the flavor profile step by step. We’re aiming for a symphony of tastes that will make your taste buds sing!
Step-by-Step Instructions: From Kitchen Novice to Soup Superstar
Getting Started: The Chicken
- In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Building the Flavor Base: The Aromatic Foundation
- Add another 1 tbsp of olive oil to the pot. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing their flavor to infuse the oil.
Creating the Creamy Dream: The Broth and Beyond
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds depth and richness to the soup.
- Bring the broth to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Add the chopped fresh basil, parsley, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
The Grand Finale: Bringing It All Together
- Add the cooked chicken back to the pot.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain well.
- Add the cooked pasta to the soup. Stir to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Troubleshooting Tips: Because We’re All Human
Cream Cheese Savior: The Cream Isn’t Thickening!
Sometimes, the cream might not thicken as much as you’d like. No worries! Whisk in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese for extra creaminess and stability. Just make sure it’s softened first to avoid lumps.
Salt Sense: Avoiding the Salty Sea
Sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese can be quite salty, so be mindful when adding salt. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly. It’s always easier to add salt than to take it away!
Spice It Up (or Down!): Adjusting the Heat
The red pepper flakes add a touch of heat, but feel free to adjust the amount to your liking. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit them altogether. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
Variations: Making It Your Own
Veggie Boost: Adding Some Greens
Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Spinach, kale, or chopped mushrooms would be delicious additions to this soup. Add them towards the end of the cooking time so they don’t overcook.
Protein Power: Beyond Chicken
While chicken is the star of the show here, you could also use shredded turkey or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. If you’re using sausage, brown it in the pot before adding the onions.
Dairy-Free Delight: A Creamy Alternative
For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. It will add a subtle coconut flavor, but it works surprisingly well. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Completing the Meal
Bread Bliss: Crusty Companions
Serve this Marry Me Chicken Soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Sourdough, Italian bread, or even garlic bread would be perfect.
Salad Sensations: A Light and Refreshing Contrast
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
Wine Pairing: The Perfect Sip
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would pair beautifully with this creamy soup. The acidity will cut through the richness and complement the flavors.
Other Soups You’ll Adore
If you loved this Marry Me Chicken Soup, you might also enjoy these other comforting soup recipes. For an Italian twist, try Lasagna Soup. If you’re craving something with a bit of spice, check out Sausage Soup. For a classic, comforting option, try Cozy Chicken Soup. And for something a little different, give Thai Chicken Soup a try.
Marry Me Chicken Mania
Obsessed with the flavors of Marry Me Chicken? Don’t stop at soup! You can also enjoy those same delicious flavors in Crockpot Marry Me Chicken or the original Marry Me Chicken recipe.
The Love Connection: Why This Soup Works
What is it about this Marry Me Chicken Soup that makes it so irresistible? I think it’s the combination of comforting flavors, creamy texture, and the fact that it’s so easy to make. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out and makes you feel like you’re getting a big hug. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize to your liking, whether you want to add more veggies, switch up the protein, or adjust the spice level.
So go ahead, give this Marry Me Chicken Soup a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And who knows, maybe it will even lead to a proposal…or at least a second bowl!
What kind of pasta works best in the Marry Me Chicken Soup?
The recipe suggests rotini, penne, or farfalle, but you can use your preferred pasta.
What can I do if the soup isn’t thickening properly?
If the cream isn’t thickening enough, whisk in a tablespoon or two of softened cream cheese to add extra creaminess and stability.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
What are some ways to add more vegetables to the soup?
You can add spinach, kale, or chopped mushrooms towards the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking them.
Amazing Marry Me Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Add another 1 tbsp of olive oil to the pot. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing their flavor to infuse the oil.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds depth and richness to the soup.
- Bring the broth to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Add the chopped fresh basil, parsley, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the pot.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain well.
- Add the cooked pasta to the soup. Stir to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
