Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)

Get ready to fall in love with this comforting Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)! A blend of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce makes this dish perfect for cozy nights or weeknight dinners. Packed with flavor and warmth in every spoonful, it’s a meal that’s sure to impress.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Soup Base
• For Thickening & Flavor
• For Broth & Creaminess
• For Finishing Touches
• For Garnish
• How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)
• Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
• Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
• Step 3: Add Flour and Tomato Paste
• Step 4: Incorporate Chicken Broth
• Step 5: Cook Pasta
• Step 6: Add Cream and Spinach
• Step 7: Adjust Seasoning
• How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)
• Pair with Crusty Bread
• Top with Fresh Herbs
• Add a Squeeze of Lemon
• Serve in Individual Bowls
• Accompany with a Salad
• Garnish with Extra Cheese
• How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)
• Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)
• Reheating Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) unique?
• Can I use different types of pasta in this recipe?
• How do I make this soup healthier?
• Can I prepare Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) ahead of time?
• Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, making this soup is a breeze even for beginner cooks.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of Italian seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan creates a deliciously rich flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or paired with a salad or bread, this soup suits any occasion from casual dinners to special gatherings.
• Comfort Food: The creamy texture and hearty ingredients make this soup the ultimate comfort food, ideal for chilly evenings.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores well in the refrigerator or freezer, allowing you to enjoy it later without compromising taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure smooth preparation. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Essential for evenly cooking your ingredients while also providing ample space for simmering the soup.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface; helps in preventing sticking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the best flavor balance in your Marry Me Chicken Soup.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1–1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/4 cup diced sundried tomatoes
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

For Thickening & Flavor

• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)

For Broth & Creaminess

• 6–8 cups chicken broth (start with 6 cups)
• 6 oz pasta (e.g., Italian small shells)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

For Finishing Touches

• 1/2–1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
• 2 1/2–3 cups fresh spinach

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
1. Add the diced chicken along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook until browned on all sides, about 4–5 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pot:
1. Add the onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic.
2. Cook until the vegetables are translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Flour and Tomato Paste

Sprinkle the flour over the mixture:
1. Stir well to combine. Add the flour gradually to avoid excess drying.
2. If using tomato paste, add it now and stir thoroughly.

Step 4: Incorporate Chicken Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth while stirring:
– Ensure no lumps form by deglazing the bottom of the pot with your spoon.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil:
– Add pasta along with remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
– Cover the pot and reduce heat to simmer for about 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and pasta is al dente.

Step 6: Add Cream and Spinach

Stir in heavy cream:
– Add spinach and grated Parmesan cheese.
– Let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your Marry Me Chicken Soup:
– Adjust seasoning with additional salt or spices if needed before serving.

Now you’re ready to serve up this delightful dish! Enjoy every warm spoonful of your Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style).

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)

Serving Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) is all about enhancing the comforting flavors and making the meal feel special. Here are some delightful ways to present this hearty dish.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Serve warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping into the rich soup. A baguette or sourdough works wonderfully.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top of each bowl for a pop of color and added freshness that complements the creamy texture.

Add a Squeeze of Lemon

• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors significantly. This simple addition can enhance the overall taste experience.

Serve in Individual Bowls

• Present the soup in individual bowls for a more formal feel at dinner parties. This makes it easier for guests to enjoy their servings.

Accompany with a Salad

• Pairing with a light salad adds crunch and variety. Consider a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.

Garnish with Extra Cheese

• Offer additional grated Parmesan Reggiano on the side for those who love an extra cheesy flavor in their soup.

How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)

Perfecting your Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) requires attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance your cooking process.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs elevate the flavor profile, making your soup taste more vibrant.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, start with less broth. You can always add more if needed.
• Cook Pasta Separately: To avoid mushy pasta, cook it separately and add it just before serving. This keeps your soup’s texture intact.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and spices throughout cooking for balanced flavor.
• Consider Slow Cooking: For deeper flavors, try slow cooking. Letting everything simmer together allows the ingredients to meld beautifully.
• Add Cream Last: Stir in the cream at the end of cooking to prevent curdling and maintain its rich, velvety texture.

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)

To round out your meal, consider these delicious side dishes that complement Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style). Each option offers something unique while enhancing your dining experience.

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice! Serve warm garlic bread for a flavorful dipper into your soup.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing makes a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
3. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a light appetizer.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add both flavor and nutrition to your meal.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs provides added protein and fiber alongside your soup.
6. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms bring an earthy element that pairs well with creamy soups.
7. Focaccia Bread: Soft, herbed focaccia is excellent for soaking up every last drop of your delicious soup.
8. Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables creates an inviting appetizer spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style), it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can lead to chewy, dry pieces. Aim for a golden brown on the outside and ensure it’s just cooked through.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Under-seasoning can result in bland soup. Always taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for maximum flavor.
• Adding Too Much Pasta: Overloading your soup with pasta can make it gummy. Measure out your pasta to maintain a balanced texture in the soup.
• Skipping the Deglazing Step: Failing to deglaze the pot after browning the chicken can cause burnt bits at the bottom. Use your spoon and broth effectively to scrape up those delicious flavors.
• Not Adjusting Consistency: If your soup is too thick, it may be unappealing. Start with less broth and add more as needed until you reach your desired consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Cool down the soup completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between, until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) unique?

This soup combines creamy textures with robust Italian flavors, making it a standout comfort dish perfect for any occasion.

Can I use different types of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute with any small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo for a delicious twist on Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style).

How do I make this soup healthier?

To lighten up the recipe, consider using less cream or substituting with half-and-half. You could also add more vegetables for added nutrition.

Can I prepare Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) ahead of time?

Yes! This soup tastes even better when made ahead of time, allowing flavors to meld together. Just store it properly and reheat as needed.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Definitely! Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) freezes well; just follow proper storage techniques.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the creaminess level. Give this delightful recipe a try—it’s sure to impress anyone who tastes it!

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