Marry Me Chicken Soup

Why Make This Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s not just another chicken soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy broth makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be a heartwarming meal on chilly days or a comforting dish when you’re feeling under the weather.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 to 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup diced carrots
• ½ cup diced celery
• ½ cup diced onions
• ¼ cup diced sundried tomatoes
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
• 6-8 cups chicken broth
• 6 oz pasta (small shells, ditalini, or your choice)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ to 1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
• 2½ to 3 cups fresh spinach

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
2. In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. Cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Sprinkle the flour throughout the pot, adding about 1 tablespoon at a time while stirring constantly. If you plan to add tomato paste, add it here and stir until well incorporated, about 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth one cup at a time, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Use your spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pan.
5. Bring the mixture to a vigorous, rolling boil, then add in the pasta, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and more salt and pepper if desired. Cover the pot with the lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F and the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally.
6. Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream, spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and spices if needed.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup

Serve your Marry Me Chicken Soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if you like. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side. This soup is also perfect for cozy family dinners or a gathering with friends.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken Soup

If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Make sure to cut the chicken into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
• Stir the soup occasionally while it simmers to prevent sticking at the bottom of the pot.
• If you want to add more flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Variation

You can customize this soup by adding other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. For a lighter version, you could use low-fat cream or replace the cream with milk.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly until it reaches 165°F.

What type of pasta is best for this soup?
Any small pasta like ditalini, small shells, or even elbow macaroni works great. You can choose your favorite!

Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup keeps well and can be made in advance. Just allow it to cool and store it in the refrigerator or freezer as mentioned above.

Enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup!

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