Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

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Cozy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe, Made Simple

There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly afternoon. This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is exactly that: rich, toasty, and layered with buttery sweetness and bright sun-dried tomato tang. It’s a dish I turn to when I want to slow down, savor familiar flavors, and treat myself to something a little extra special.

I love how the gentle simmering of garlic, herbs, and velvety cream melds everything into a melody of deep, savory satisfaction. You’ll find this soup both cozy enough for a quiet night in and fancy enough to impress without stress. Trust me, once you try it, it might just become your go-to comfort meal.

Let’s dive into the magic behind this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe, and I’ll share tips that help you bring out the best flavors with ease.

Ingredient Lowdown

• 8 oz dry ditalini pasta: These tiny tubes add a lovely bite without overpowering the soup; you can swap for orzo or small shells if preferred.
• 3 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil: This fragrant oil infuses a gentle tomato sweetness with a hint of richness—don’t skip it!
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Builds a savory base with natural sweetness when softened.
• 3 medium carrots, chopped: Adds a crisp, slightly sweet crunch that softens during cooking.
• 3 celery stalks, chopped: Provides aromatic depth and a subtle earthiness.
• 8 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic brings warmth and pungency—roast or sauté gently for mellow flavor.
• ¼ cup tomato paste: Concentrated tomato goodness that enhances the broth’s color and flavor body.
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and rounds out the acidity.
• ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes: Gives bursts of tangy sweetness that lift the dish.
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The soul of the soup; go for quality broth or homemade for best results.
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning: A comforting mix of herbs that blends the components beautifully.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Earthy and aromatic, it adds a Mediterranean flair.
• ½ tsp dried basil: Offers a subtle sweet herb aroma without overwhelming.
• 1¼ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper: Season thoughtfully so every flavor shines.
• 3 cups shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly—juicy and ready to go.
• ¾ cup heavy cream: Gently stirred in for velvety richness that makes the soup feel indulgent.
• ¾ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds salty tang and melts into a comforting silkiness.
• Chopped fresh basil (optional): Garnish for brightness and a fresh finish.

Set Up for Success

Before you turn on the stove, gather and prep all your ingredients. Dice your onions, carrots, and celery into uniform pieces for even cooking. Mince the garlic finely to release those fragrant oils immediately when sautéed. Keep your chicken shredded and ready to stir in later. No oven prep is needed here — just a large, heavy-bottomed pot. I like using a wide pot so the soup develops an inviting, golden surface as it simmers. This mise en place keeps the process smooth and stress-free.

Step-by-Step: Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

1. Heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat in a large pot. You’ll notice the oil’s rich color deepen—this is where the magic begins warming the soup’s base.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, stirring often until the onion becomes translucent and the veggies start to soften — about 6-8 minutes. This builds a fragrant foundation with a slight natural sweetness.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook gently for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t brown too fast, keeping the flavor mellow and aromatic.
4. Mix in the tomato paste and butter, cooking until the paste darkens slightly—this intensifies its umami punch and thickens the base.
5. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and pour in the chicken broth, giving it a good stir to incorporate all those lovely bits.
6. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, tasting the broth as it simmers to balance the seasoning carefully.
7. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then add the pasta. Cook uncovered until the pasta is tender yet firm to the bite—typically around 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on the pot and stir occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly without sticking.
8. Fold in the shredded chicken, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. You’ll see the soup turn beautifully creamy and luscious, with the cheese melting into silky ribbons throughout. Let it warm through for just a few minutes.

Flavor Twists for Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

• Add a splash of white wine with the broth for a bright acidity that lifts the whole dish.
• Swap sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers for a smoky, sweeter profile.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of dried for a garden-fresh punch.
• Include a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a subtle warming heat.
• Try swapping heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free, slightly tropical twist.
• Add cooked mushrooms to deepen the umami and texture.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—flavors meld beautifully overnight.
• Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months; leave out pasta if you prefer to add fresh on reheating.
• Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture if needed.
• If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, stir in a little broth to refresh the creamy consistency.
• For perfect texture, cook pasta separately when making ahead and add it to portions upon serving.

Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe FAQs

• Can I use a different pasta? Yes! Small pastas like orzo, small shells, or elbow macaroni work great as a swap for ditalini.
• Is this soup suitable for freezing? Absolutely. For best results, freeze the soup without pasta and add it freshly cooked when reheating.
• Can I make this dairy-free? You can replace heavy cream with coconut milk or use a dairy-free cream substitute, and omit Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
• What’s the best chicken to use? Rotisserie chicken is perfect—it’s flavorful, pre-cooked, and keeps this recipe quick.
• Can I prepare this soup ahead entirely? You can make the full soup ahead, but for best texture, prepare the pasta separately and combine before serving.

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