If you’re searching for a soul-soothing, flavor-packed dish that’s bound to impress, look no further than this delightful Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe. It’s a comforting bowl brimming with tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy broth that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day. This recipe perfectly balances fresh herbs, rich tomato undertones, and the satisfying bite of rotini pasta, creating a heartwarming meal that feels both luxurious and homey. From the first spoonful, you’ll understand why this soup might just steal your heart and maybe even inspire a marriage proposal in its honor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keep it simple but sensational. The ingredients here work harmoniously to build layers of savory depth, creaminess, and vibrant color—each adding its own unique flair to the soup’s character.
- Shredded chicken (1 pound): The hearty centerpiece that brings protein and tender texture to every bite.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (3-4 ounces, chopped): These punch up the soup with concentrated tomato flavor and a slight chewiness for contrast.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, diced): Adds natural sweetness and complexity when sautéed.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Brings aromatic warmth and depth, elevating the soup’s savory profile.
- Tomato paste (3 ounces): A rich, umami-packed ingredient that intensifies the broth’s tomato goodness.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): The soul of the soup, providing comforting liquid with a gentle savory background.
- Dry rotini pasta (2 cups): Adds chew and heartiness, perfect for soaking up all the lovely broth.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Brings luxurious creaminess and a smooth finish that rounds out the flavors.
- Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped): Bright, herbal notes that refresh the palate and add a pop of green color.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the layers perfectly.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start with chopping your yellow onion, mincing the garlic, and dicing sun-dried tomatoes. If you haven’t shredded your chicken yet, go ahead and do that now. This prep work sets the stage for building flavor in layers.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they are soft and just beginning to brown. This step unlocks sweetness and fragrant depth that will carry through every spoonful.
Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. These ingredients inject bright, slightly tangy, and herbaceous notes that add complexity and freshness to the soup.
Step 4: Introduce Tomato Paste and Chicken
Mix in the tomato paste and let it cook for about a minute to mellow its acidity and deepen its richness before folding in the shredded chicken. This combination creates a robust, savory base.
Step 5: Pour in Broth and Season
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring the soup to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This stage lets the flavors meld beautifully while the soup gently bubbles.
Step 6: Cook Dry Rotini Pasta
Add the dry rotini pasta directly into the simmering soup and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 10 to 12 minutes. The pasta softens perfectly as it absorbs the flavorful broth.
Step 7: Finish with Heavy Cream
Once the pasta is tender, turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream. This final touch adds a velvety texture and richness that transforms the soup into something truly special. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into warm bowls and get ready to savor the incredible marriage of flavors you’ve just created. This is comfort food elevated to pure joy.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, nutty accent, or add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a silky sheen. A few whole basil leaves or chopped parsley bring freshness and eye-catching color.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast, perfect for dipping and soaking up every luscious drop. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creaminess and rounds out the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in colorful bowls lined with fresh herbs or ladle it into mini bread bowls for a rustic, cozy presentation. For a fun twist, set up a toppings bar with extras like shredded cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lemon for added zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy those cozy flavors again without any fuss.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. For best results, leave out the pasta when freezing and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy and keeps the texture inviting.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth or water if it thickens too much and stir in fresh cream near the end to revive that creamy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta in the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini works beautifully for its shape and texture, other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, shells, or orzo are great alternatives that soak up the broth nicely.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a creamy non-dairy alternative. This will still provide richness but with a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this soup?
Definitely! Using leftover chicken is a convenient way to save time and still enjoy this flavorful soup. Just ensure the chicken is shredded finely to blend seamlessly into the broth.
How can I make this soup spicier?
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the onions and garlic, or finish with a drizzle of hot sauce just before serving.
What is the best way to reheat without overcooking the pasta?
The key is gentle reheating over low heat. If you’re concerned about the pasta softening too much, reheat the soup and cook fresh pasta separately to add right before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a heartwarming experience. Whether you’re cozying up after a long day or sharing with loved ones, it has a way of making everyone feel special and satisfied. I encourage you to try it out and discover for yourself how this humble bowl can inspire smiles, comfort, and maybe a little swoon-worthy magic all at once.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a rich and creamy tomato-based soup filled with shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and rotini pasta. This comforting and flavorful soup comes together quickly with a blend of sautéed aromatics, tangy tomato paste, and fresh basil, finished with a splash of heavy cream for a luscious texture. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal serving four hearty portions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound shredded chicken
- 3–4 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 ounces tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups dry rotini pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning to taste
- Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Begin by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, chopping the sun-dried tomatoes, and shredding the chicken if it’s not already prepared, to have everything ready for cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes, to develop their flavors.
- Add Tomatoes and Basil: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the fresh chopped basil into the pot, combining well with the sautéed aromatics to infuse the soup base.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste and Chicken: Add the tomato paste to the mixture and cook for one minute while stirring, allowing it to slightly caramelize. Then mix in the shredded chicken evenly.
- Add Broth and Season: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the entire mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the dry rotini pasta directly into the simmering soup. Cook for 10-12 minutes or according to the pasta package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Cream: When the pasta is tender and cooked through, turn off the heat. Stir in the heavy cream to add richness. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use cooked shredded chicken such as rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of sun-dried tomatoes based on your preferred tanginess and texture.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Italian seasoning can include oregano, thyme, rosemary, or a blend of herbs to complement the soup.
- Fresh basil can be replaced with dried basil if fresh is unavailable, but add earlier during cooking to bloom the flavor.
- To make the soup gluten-free, substitute the rotini pasta with a gluten-free variety.
