This cozy Marry Me Chicken Soup features juicy chicken, creamy goodness, and tasty herbs that make each sip feel like a warm hug. It’s simply perfect for chilly days!
Honestly, if this soup doesn’t make you swoon, I don’t know what will! 😂 I like to serve it with crusty bread for dipping. So delicious and super easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A staple for sautéing, olive oil adds a wonderful flavor. If you run out, avocado oil or vegetable oil work fine too. I lean towards extra-virgin olive oil for a richer taste.
Chicken Broth: This forms the soup’s base. You can substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter option or homemade broth for an even more flavorful soup. Bone broth also gives a nice depth.
Heavy Cream: This gives your soup a creamy texture. Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version or coconut milk for a dairy-free choice. I prefer the richness of heavy cream, but lighter options are tasty, too.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a unique tangy flavor. If unavailable, you can use fresh tomatoes or even roasted red peppers. I find the sun-dried variety brings the best zest to the dish!
Egg Noodles: While traditional, feel free to swap with any pasta you have on hand, like penne or fettuccine. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also work, just adjust the cooking times as needed!
How Do I Cook Vegetables Perfectly in Soup?
Cooking your vegetables well sets the stage for a flavorful soup. Here’s how to ensure they’re perfectly soft and delicious:
- Start by heating olive oil in a pot over medium heat. This allows the onions to cook gently, becoming sweet and translucent.
- Add the garlic later, as it cooks faster and can burn. Be sure to stir everything about every minute!
- For the carrots and celery, cook until they just soften before adding spices. They need time to release their sweetness.
- Maintain a steady heat; too high might burn the veggies while too low can make them mushy.
With these tips, your soup will have a lovely base for all those delicious flavors to blend together!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 6 cups chicken broth
- For the Creamy Mixture:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- To Finish:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, making the total time around 40 minutes. You’ll spend a little time chopping and stirring, but it’s so worth it when you taste the finished product!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This step gives your soup a wonderful flavor foundation!
2. Cook the Vegetables:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook this colorful mixture for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
3. Season It Up:
Now it’s time to add the dried Italian seasoning and paprika to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined. This will enhance the flavors and make your soup extra tasty.
4. Add the Chicken Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. This is the moment where all those delicious flavors start to meld together.
5. Cook the Noodles:
Once the broth is boiling, add the egg noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions until they’re al dente, which means they should be cooked, but still firm to the bite. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes.
6. Stir in the Creamy Ingredients:
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until everything is heated through and the spinach has wilted beautifully.
7. Season and Serve:
Lastly, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Once it’s just right, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of goodness. Enjoy your heartwarming Marry Me Chicken Soup!
Can I Use Different Noodles for This Soup?
Absolutely! While egg noodles add a nice texture, you can use other types like fusilli, penne, or even gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different noodles may require different cooking times—so adjust accordingly!
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a less rich version. For a dairy-free option, consider using coconut milk or a cashew cream. Just keep in mind that these will alter the flavor slightly!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat. The noodles may soak up some broth, so feel free to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up if needed.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Yes! This soup is quite versatile. Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or peas. Just chop them into small pieces and add them when you add the carrots and celery to ensure everything cooks evenly!
