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. It’s packed with flavor and warmth in every spoonful, ensuring it impresses anyone who tastes it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in a Bowl: This soup offers a warm embrace on chilly nights, making it the ultimate comfort food.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish without stress.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for lunch or dinner, this soup can be served on its own or with crusty bread.
• Family-Friendly: Its creamy texture and delicious flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch for easy lunches throughout the week or freeze leftovers for later.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gathering your tools will streamline your experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Essential for even cooking and maximum flavor development as you sauté ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot, ensuring a smooth blend of flavors.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style):

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 and Creaminess

• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
• 6–8 cups chicken broth (start with 6 cups)
• 6 oz pasta (e.g., Italian small shells)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2–1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese

For Freshness

• 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: Heat the Oil and Cook the Chicken

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

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

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

Step 3: Thicken with Flour

Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to combine. Add the flour gradually to avoid excess drying. If you’re using tomato paste for extra flavor, add it here and stir well.

Step 4: Add Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to ensure no lumps form. Use your spoon to deglaze any bits stuck at the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Boil and Cook Pasta

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

Step 6: Stir in Cream and Spinach

Stir in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7: Taste & Adjust

Taste your soup! Adjust seasoning with more salt or spices if needed before serving hot.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)

Serving Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) can elevate your meal experience and impress your guests. Here are some delightful ways to serve this comforting dish that will surely warm hearts.

In Rustic Bowls

• Using rustic bowls adds a charming touch to your presentation and keeps the soup warm longer.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with slices of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping, enhancing the rich flavors of the soup.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Accompanied by Salad

• A light side salad can balance the richness of the soup, making for a well-rounded meal.

As a Dinner Party Starter

• This soup makes an excellent starter for dinner parties, setting a cozy tone for the evening.

In Meal Prep Containers

• For busy weekdays, portion out servings in meal prep containers for easy reheating throughout the week.

How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)

Perfecting your Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) will ensure every bowl is full of flavor and comfort. Here are some essential tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavors, giving your soup a vibrant taste.
• Season Gradually: Add salt and spices gradually during cooking to prevent oversalting; taste as you go.
• Avoid Mushy Pasta: Cook pasta separately and add it just before serving to maintain its texture.
• Adjust Consistency: Control the thickness by varying chicken broth amounts based on preference for creaminess.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings like croutons or grated cheese for added texture and flavor.
• Slow Cooker Option: Use a slow cooker for a hands-off approach; just remember to add pasta at the end for perfect results.

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

Pairing side dishes with Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) can enhance your dining experience. Consider these delicious options to complement your meal.

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice, garlic bread serves as a perfect vessel for soaking up every drop of soup.
2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
3. Cheesy Biscuit Bites
   Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese provide a delightful addition that pairs well with any soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted veggies bring sweetness and depth, balancing out the rich flavors of your soup.
5. Caprese Salad
   Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a light, flavorful salad that complements Tuscan cuisine beautifully.
6. Pasta Salad
   A chilled pasta salad offers a nice texture contrast while keeping it light alongside hot soup.
7. Stuffed Mushrooms
   These savory treats can be filled with ingredients like cheese and herbs that harmonize with Tuscan flavors.
8. Herb Focaccia
   Soft focaccia bread infused with herbs is ideal for dipping into creamy soups like this one!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style), it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how to ensure your soup turns out perfect every time.

• Skipping the seasoning – Not seasoning your chicken and vegetables can lead to bland soup. Always season as you go for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking the pasta – Cooking the pasta too long can make it mushy. Aim for al dente texture, or cook it separately and add it just before serving.
• Not using enough broth – Insufficient broth can result in a thick, unappetizing soup. Start with 6 cups and add more if you prefer a thinner consistency.
• Adding cream too early – Adding heavy cream too soon can cause it to curdle. Stir it in just before serving for best results.
• Ignoring ingredient swaps – Sticking rigidly to the recipe without considering alternatives can limit your creativity. Feel free to swap ingredients based on your taste or what you have on hand.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3–4 days for best flavor and freshness.

Freezing Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.
• Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Remember to leave space at the top of containers for expansion.

Reheating Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat the soup in a covered oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, about 2–3 minutes.
• Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) is special because it combines tender chicken, rich creaminess, and tasty vegetables into a comforting dish that warms the heart.

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?

Yes! You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Just add it at the end to warm through without overcooking.

How do I adjust the thickness of my soup?

To adjust thickness, start with less broth and add more if needed during cooking. Remember that pasta will absorb some liquid too.

What type of pasta works best?

Small pasta shapes like shells are ideal since they hold onto the creamy sauce well. However, feel free to use any small pasta you prefer!

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. This comforting dish is perfect for cozy nights or weeknight dinners—give it a try!