Oh boy, do I have a soup for you! Let me introduce you to my delicious, dreamy, “Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup.” This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and it has a romantic story attached to it! You see, it got its quirky name because I made it for my partner during one of our cozy nights in. You’d think I cooked up a fancy dinner, but no—this humble soup swept him off his feet! Now, I’m pretty sure I’m forever tied to my kitchen duties every time the weather gets a bit chilly (which is often!).
What makes this soup so special, you ask? Well, it’s not just the irresistibly creamy base infused with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. It also boasts tender chicken and comforting tortellini—hello, belly satisfaction! Plus, the whole thing comes together in just about 30 minutes. So, wear your comfiest pajamas and grab a big spoon, because your taste buds are about to go on a flavor adventure!
What’s in Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup?
– Olive Oil: A staple in my kitchen! It adds a lovely richness and helps sauté the other ingredients. I always opt for a good extra virgin variety.
– Chicken Breast: The star of the show! I use boneless, skinless chicken breast diced into cubes for quick cooking and tenderness.
– Onion: A diced small onion brings out sweetness and a flavorful base. Seriously, can anything beat the smell of onions cooking?
– Garlic: Oh, garlic—how I adore you! Minced garlic adds depth of flavor that makes every soup better.
– Chicken Broth: This is crucial for that rich, savory base. I love using low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
– Heavy Cream: The secret weapon for that creamy texture! It transforms this soup into a luxurious delight.
– Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy broth. I’ve actually become a big fan of the jarred ones for convenience!
– Fresh Spinach: The leafy greens not only provide color but also a nutrient boost. Just love those vibrant green flecks in every bowl!
– Tortellini: Whether you go fresh or frozen, these little pasta delights are perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. More carbs = more happy people!
– Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of this blend sends your taste buds straight to Italy—bellissimo!
– Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life. Always season to taste!
– Grated Parmesan Cheese: A finishing touch for an umami kick.
– Fresh Basil or Parsley: Bright and fresh garnishes that make everything look more appetizing.
– Crusty Bread: Because what’s a soup without some bread for dipping? Honestly, it’s non-negotiable in my book!
Is Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Good for You?
Let’s break this down, shall we?
The good news is that this soup is packed with **chicken**, which is a fantastic source of lean protein! Plus, that **spinach** brings in tons of vitamins and minerals, like vitamin K and iron. You also get the rich flavors from **sun-dried tomatoes**, which are full of antioxidants.
However, there are some considerations. The **heavy cream** does add quite a bit of richness and calories, so it’s not always the healthiest option if consumed in large amounts. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you could swap in some half-and-half or even unsweetened coconut milk! Just bear in mind that the creaminess might change a bit, but hey, it’s all about balance, right?
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup?
1. First, heat that olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced chicken breast. Cook until they are nicely browned and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. In the same pot, add your diced onion and garlic. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Oh, the aroma!
3. Pour in your chicken broth and crank up the heat until it reaches a boil.
4. Toss in the tortellini and follow the package instructions—usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh or longer if frozen.
5. Once the tortellini is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and the cooked chicken. Mix it all up!
6. Throw in the spinach and Italian seasoning, stirring until the spinach wilts. It’s getting colorful!
7. Give it a little taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to let those amazing flavors meld.
8. Ladle the yummy soup into bowls and don’t skimp on the grated Parmesan and fresh herbs. Serve with that crusty bread for the ultimate experience!
Sip, Savor, and Repeat!
This soup is perfect for chilly days and can easily be made ahead. If there’s any leftover (which I highly doubt), it stores well in the fridge for up to three days—just reheat before serving. And if you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers or carrots—get creative!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, and let’s warm up with a pot of creamy goodness! And if you find yourself falling in love with this soup (as I did), drop me a comment or send me a photo of your scrumptious creation. Happy cooking!
