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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

4.9 from 110 reviews

This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, creamy broth infused with Italian herbs. Enhanced with pasta, fresh spinach, and creamy cheeses, this comforting soup is perfect for cozy meals and packed with vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomato jar
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 64 oz (2 32oz packages) chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
  • 2 tsp sea salt

Pasta & Greens

  • 2 cups dry shell pasta
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped

Proteins & Cheese

  • 3 cups cooked chicken breasts, shredded
  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat oil and onions: Place a large pot over medium-high heat and add the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar. Add the finely chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they become translucent.
  2. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release the aroma.
  3. Add sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste: Mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring well to combine the flavors.
  4. Cook mixture: Continue cooking the mixture for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the fresh basil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, and sea salt. Stir thoroughly.
  6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes.
  7. Cook pasta: Add the dry shell pasta to the pot and let the soup simmer for another 12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
  8. Incorporate spinach, chicken, and cheeses: Add the chopped fresh spinach, shredded cooked chicken breasts, cream cheese, and shredded Parmesan cheese to the soup. Stir well.
  9. Melt cheeses: Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese fully melt and the soup turns creamy.
  10. Finish and garnish: Remove the pot from heat and garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil before serving.

Notes

  • For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
  • Sun-dried tomato oil adds great flavor; olive or avocado oil can be used if unavailable.
  • Short pasta like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni can replace shell pasta.
  • Substitute fresh spinach with arugula, Swiss chard, or kale as preferred.
  • For a vegetarian alternative, replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Keywords: Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy chicken soup, Italian chicken soup, one pot soup, comfort food