This comforting Marry Me Chicken Soup is packed with tasty chicken, creamy broth, and vibrant veggies, all simmered together for a delicious twist on classic soup. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Just imagine cozy nights with a steaming bowl in your hands, and maybe a slice of bread for dipping! It’s my go-to for those chilly days. You might just fall in love with it! 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is vital for flavor and cooking the chicken. You can use vegetable oil or avocado oil if you don’t have olive oil handy. They’ll work just as well without changing the taste too much.
Chicken Breast: Diced chicken breast is perfect here, but boneless thighs also offer juiciness. For a quicker option, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save you some time; just shred it into the soup.
Heavy Cream: This gives the soup its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or evaporated milk can be substitutes. For non-dairy choices, coconut milk provides a nice creaminess, though it will add a slight coconut flavor.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes lend great flavor. If you have fresh tomatoes, use about 2 cups, just make sure to chop them beforehand. You could also use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky taste.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is traditional, but you could use other pasta shapes, like shells or elbows, if you prefer. For gluten-free diets, there are gluten-free tortellini options on the market too!
How Do I Properly Sauté Onions and Garlic?
Sautéing onions and garlic lays the flavor foundation for your soup. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Allow it to warm up.
- Add the diced onions first. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and a bit translucent.
- Then add the minced garlic. Stir and cook for just 1 minute. Garlic burns easily, so keep an eye on it!
Once they’re both aromatic and golden, add your tomatoes and herbs to build even deeper flavors in your dish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 package (10 oz) tortellini (cheese or your choice)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup requires about 15 minutes for prep and another 20 minutes for cooking. So, in total, you’ll need around 35 minutes to prepare this comforting soup. Perfect for a quick dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic:
In the same pot, toss in the diced onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until you can smell its delicious aroma.
3. Add Tomatoes and Herbs:
Now, sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs and add the drained diced tomatoes. Stir this mixture and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes while you enjoy the fragrant steam rising from the pot.
4. Bring the Broth to a Boil:
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and raise the heat to bring it to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until it’s well combined.
5. Cook the Tortellini:
Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with the tortellini. Let everything simmer together for about 8-10 minutes, or until the tortellini are cooked according to the package instructions.
6. Add Fresh Spinach:
Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and watch it quickly wilt, which should take about 2 minutes. This adds not only flavor but also a lovely pop of color to your soup!
7. Incorporate Cheese:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and blends into the creamy broth. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if you think it needs it.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, ladle your warm soup into bowls. If you like, garnish with fresh basil for an extra touch. This creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is perfect with some crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Substitute Tortellini with Another Pasta?
Absolutely! If you can’t find tortellini, you can use any small pasta like penne, shells, or farfalle. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions so that the pasta is al dente when added to the soup.
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. Just keep in mind that using milk will make the soup less creamy, so you can mix in a little cornstarch or flour to thicken it if desired.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tortellini may absorb some of the broth, so you could add a little additional broth or water when reheating to restore the desired consistency.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add extra veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just sauté them alongside the onions for a few minutes before adding the garlic. This way, they’ll cook evenly and enhance the soup’s flavor!
