IRRESISTIBLE MARRY ME CHICKEN SOUP

Imagine the rich, savory aroma of chicken mingling with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, all simmering together in a creamy, comforting broth. This isn’t just any chicken soup; it’s Marry Me Chicken Soup, a dish so delicious, it might just lead to a proposal! Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will warm you from the inside out—I promise you’ll fall in love with every spoonful.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or your favorite shape)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Okay, friend, let’s talk ingredients. Don’t stress if you don’t have *everything* on hand. This recipe is super flexible!

• Chicken: Chicken thighs work just as well as breasts; they’ll give you a richer flavor.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: If you only have dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrate them in hot water for about 10 minutes before chopping.
• Cream: For a lighter version that fits into No Cream Soup Recipes, use half-and-half or even evaporated milk. You can also skip it altogether for a brothier soup.
• Pasta: Feel free to use any pasta shape you like! Gluten-free pasta works beautifully too. I find that rotini and penne hold the creamy sauce the best.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started:

1. Prep your ingredients: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and cook your pasta according to package directions.

Cooking the Soup:

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
2. Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the broth and tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Make it creamy: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream (or half-and-half). Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is slightly thickened.
5. Add the pasta and basil: Gently stir in the cooked pasta and fresh basil. Heat through for another minute or two.
6. Taste and adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese to your liking.
7. Serve: Ladle the Marry Me Chicken Soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve immediately and prepare for compliments!

Tips and Tricks for Soup Success

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Okay, let’s be real – sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few tips to help you avoid common mistakes:

• Preventing curdling: To prevent the cream from curdling, make sure the soup isn’t boiling when you add it. Simmering on low heat is key!
• Overcooking the chicken: Nobody likes dry chicken! Make sure you cut the chicken into uniform pieces so it cooks evenly. Don’t overcook it – it should be just cooked through.
• Salty soup: If your soup ends up too salty, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. You can also add a peeled potato to the soup while it simmers; it will absorb some of the excess salt.

Making it Your Own

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking!

• Add veggies: Sauté some spinach, kale, or mushrooms along with the onions for added nutrients and flavor.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Use different herbs: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
• Make it cheesier: Add a handful of shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese for an even cheesier soup.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Different Ways to Enjoy Marry Me Chicken Soup

This soup is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:

• Serve with crusty bread: For dipping into the creamy broth.
• Add a dollop of pesto: For a burst of fresh flavor.
• Serve with a side salad: For a complete and satisfying meal.

Fall Flavors and Pairings

As the leaves change and the weather cools, this Marry Me Chicken Soup is perfect for those chilly Fall Soup Instant Pot Recipes cravings. It also works wonderfully as part of a comforting Fall Baked Dinner Recipes lineup. For a truly unforgettable meal, pair it with a side of roasted root vegetables or a warm, crusty loaf of bread.

Making it in the Instant Pot

A Quick and Easy Instant Pot Adaptation

Want to get this delicious soup on the table even faster? Here’s how to adapt the recipe for your Instant Pot:

1. Sauté: Turn on the Instant Pot’s sauté function. Add the olive oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Cook chicken: Add the chicken pieces, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and add the sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Pressure cook: Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
5. Finish the soup: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream (or half-and-half). Turn the sauté function back on and simmer for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is slightly thickened.
6. Add pasta and basil: Stir in the cooked pasta and fresh basil. Heat through for another minute or two.
7. Serve: Serve as directed above.

Explore Other Delicious Soup Recipes

If you’re a soup enthusiast like me, you’ll love these other comforting recipes. While Marry Me Chicken Soup is a guaranteed pleaser, you should also check out Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup for a hearty, earthy flavor. For a creamy, pot-pie-inspired option, Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a must-try. Craving something with an Italian twist? Give Chicken Lasagna Soup a try! And for a thick and satisfying soup that’s perfect for a cold day, try Crockpot Chicken Chowder. If you love the concept of “Marry Me” recipes, try Marry Me Tortellini or the original Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe!

Why I Love This Recipe (and You Will Too!)

Listen, I get it. There are a million chicken soup recipes out there. But this Marry Me Chicken Soup is different. It’s incredibly flavorful, satisfying, and easy to make. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser – I’ve never served it without getting rave reviews. It is also a great fit for Call Soups, especially on a chilly evening.

The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. And the creamy broth is so comforting, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping soup to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to deliver.

So go ahead, give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And who knows, maybe it will even lead to a proposal!