ULTIMATE MARRY ME CHICKEN SOUP

Imagine twirling your spoon through a bowl of creamy, dreamy goodness, each bite bursting with savory chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of Italian herbs – that’s Marry Me Chicken Soup. This isn’t just soup; it’s an experience, a culinary hug that warms you from the inside out, and I promise you, it’s easier to make than you think!

The “I Do” Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika

For the Soup:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or your favorite shape)
• 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
• 1/2 cup cream cheese for extra creaminess

Let’s Talk Chicken: Prep Like a Pro

Okay, friend, let’s get real. The secret to amazing chicken in any soup (or, dare I say, any dish) is proper seasoning and searing. Don’t skip these steps! They’re game-changers.

1. Cube & Season: Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb all those delicious flavors. In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure every piece is coated!
2. Sear to Perfection: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for about 5-7 minutes, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Set the chicken aside. It is ok if the chicken isn’t 100% cooked through, because it will finish cooking in the soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Soup’s On!

Sauté the Aromatics:

1. In the same skillet you used for the chicken (because we’re all about minimizing dishes!), add 1 tbsp olive oil.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Your kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now!

Build the Broth:

1. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those bits are flavor gold!
2. Bring the broth to a simmer.

The Creamy Dream:

1. Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together. This is where the magic happens!
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Don’t be shy; make it your own!

The Grand Finale:

1. Add the cooked chicken back into the soup. If you’re using pasta or spinach, add it now too.
2. Heat through for a few more minutes, until everything is warmed.

Serving Suggestions: Time to Impress

Okay, friend, you’ve made it! Now, let’s make this soup shine.

• Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. A swirl of cream is also pretty!
• Sides: Serve with crusty bread for dipping. Trust me; you’ll want to soak up every last drop of that creamy broth.
• Pairings: A simple side salad is a perfect complement to this rich soup.

Tips & Tricks for Soup Success

Let’s troubleshoot some common soup-making hiccups and ensure your Marry Me Chicken Soup is a resounding success!

Creamy Consistency Concerns

Is your soup not creamy enough? Here are a few fixes:

• Cream Cheese Rescue: Stir in 2-4 ounces of softened cream cheese at the end for extra richness and thickness.
• Cornstarch Slurry: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Slowly drizzle the slurry into the simmering soup, stirring constantly, until it thickens.

Avoiding a Bland Broth

If your soup tastes a little flat, don’t despair! Here’s how to boost the flavor:

• Better Broth: Use high-quality chicken broth or chicken stock. Homemade is even better!
• Umami Boost: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for a savory depth.
• Herbs & Spices: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. A pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a sprig of fresh thyme can make a big difference.

Sun-Dried Tomato Substitutions

Don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand? No problem! Here are some alternatives:

• Roasted Red Peppers: Add 1/2 cup of chopped roasted red peppers for a similar sweet and smoky flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste along with the garlic.

Make It Your Own: Variations to Explore

This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking! Here are some ideas to spark your culinary imagination:

Spice It Up!

• Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier soup.
• Stir in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce.

Veggie Power

• Add chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the onions.
• Stir in a handful of spinach or kale at the end for added nutrients.

Protein Boost

• Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cubed chicken breasts for a shortcut.
• Add cooked Italian sausage or bacon for a heartier soup.

Soup-er Related Recipes!

If you loved this Marry Me Chicken Soup, you might also enjoy these other delicious soup recipes:

• For a similar flavor profile in a pasta dish, try Marry Me Shrimp Pasta.
• If you’re craving something creamy and comforting, give Chicken Gnocchi Soup a try.
• For a taste of the Southwest, check out Chicken Tortilla Soup or Southwest Chicken Soup Fiesta.
• And for another creamy and satisfying soup, try Creamy Tuscan Chickpea Soup or Creamy Mushroom Chicken Soup.
• Or try my Chicken Noodle Soup or Chicken And Rice Soup when you’re feeling under the weather.
• For a lighter option, try White Chicken Rice Soup or Thai Chicken Soup.
• Love tacos? Then whip up a batch of Chicken Taco Soup.
• Craving pasta? Try Lasagna Soup for a fun twist!
• Need a quick meal? Try Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup for a hearty option.
• For a twist on a classic, try Chicken Pot Pie Soup.
• And don’t forget to try Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup for a delicious fusion.
• For a fun variation, try Creamy Cheeseburger Soup.
• Have you tried Lasagna Soup?
• And what about Marry Me Tortellini Recipe?
• For a quick version, try Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken.
• Another variation to consider is Marry Me Chicken Soup.
• If you are looking for a quick version, try Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup.
• And let’s not forget Creamy Cheese Tortellini Soup
• For a restaurant-style soup, try Better Than Olive Garden Soup.
• Another soup to consider is Green Chile Enchilada Soup.
• If you want a simplified version, try Lasagna Soup.
• A slow cooker version is Crockpot Marry Me Chicken.
• Consider a creamy classic with Cheeseburger Soup Recipe.
• For a veggie option, try Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
• A lazy cook’s dream is Crockpot Lasagna Soup.
• Enjoy some snacks with Addictive Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.
• And what about Marry Me Pasta?
• Here’s another version of Garlic Chicken Gnocchi.
• Another great dish to try is Crockpot Lasagna Soup.
• Craving tacos? Try Chicken Taco Soup.
• If you are feeling fancy, try Creamy Tortellini Soup.
• Another delicious soup to try is Lasagna Soup.
• If you want a hearty meal, try Kielbasa Potato Soup.
• Check out this version of Thai Chicken Soup.
• A comfort food classic is Chicken Pot Pie Soup.
• For a restaurant-style copycat, try Better Than Panera Soup.
• Try a lighter option with Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup.
• Another great dish to make is Thai Soup.
• And don’t forget Chicken Tortilla Soup.
• A family favorite is

  What makes this soup a ‘Marry Me’ Chicken Soup?

  The article describes it as a creamy, comforting soup with savory chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs, creating a culinary experience that’s so delicious, it might just inspire a proposal!

  What can I do if my soup isn’t creamy enough?

  The article suggests stirring in 2-4 ounces of softened cream cheese or using a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) to thicken the soup.

  I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes. What can I use instead?

  The article recommends using 1/2 cup of chopped roasted red peppers for a similar sweet and smoky flavor or stirring in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste along with the garlic.

  Can I add pasta to the Marry Me Chicken Soup?

  Yes, the recipe suggests that you can add 1 cup of cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or your favorite shape) as an optional add-in.