Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)

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

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)

This soup is not just another recipe; it’s a delightful experience.

• Comforting Warmth: Each bowl offers a cozy embrace on cold nights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of Italian seasoning and fresh ingredients creates an irresistible taste.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for lunch or dinner, it pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for leftovers, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style), gather your essential tools.

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: Provides even heat distribution for cooking all ingredients thoroughly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface and helps in deglazing effectively.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious soup:

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
• 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
• 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. Add the diced chicken along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, about 4–5 minutes.

Step 2: Cook 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 the Soup Base

Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to combine. Add the flour in stages to avoid excess drying. If using tomato paste, add it here and stir until mixed evenly.

Step 4: Add Broth and Pasta

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth while stirring to ensure no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Add the pasta along with remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover the pot and lower heat to simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and pasta is al dente.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Spinach

Stir in the heavy cream, spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 6: Final Adjustments

Taste your delicious creation! Adjust seasoning with additional salt or spices as needed before serving hot.

Now you have a warm bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) that’s ready to impress! Enjoy!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)

Serving Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) can elevate your dining experience. This comforting dish is versatile and pairs wonderfully with several accompaniments, making it perfect for any occasion.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough or Baguette: The tangy flavor complements the creamy soup well, perfect for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Adds a buttery, garlicky twist that enhances the overall taste.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: Chopped herbs add a fresh touch and vibrant color to the dish.
• Chili Flakes: A sprinkle can give a nice kick if you prefer a bit of heat.

Accompanied by Salad

• Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing balance the richness of the soup.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide a refreshing contrast.

As a Main Course

• Serve in Bowls: Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan for an elegant presentation.
• In Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve in hollowed-out bread bowls.

How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)

Perfecting your Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking experience:

• Bold Seasoning: Use fresh herbs and spices to enhance flavor depth. More seasoning brings out the best in each ingredient.
• Cream Consistency: Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on desired thickness. Less cream yields a lighter soup; more makes it richer.
• Pasta Timing: Cook pasta separately if storing leftovers to prevent mushiness. This keeps it al dente when reheated.
• Broth Quality: Use homemade chicken broth for superior taste. Store-bought options work too but may lack depth.
• Vegetable Varieties: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Slow Cooker Option: Use a slow cooker for easy preparation. Just add ingredients and let it simmer for an effortless meal.

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

Complement your Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) with delightful side dishes that enhance the meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots infused with garlic are perfect for sopping up soup.
2. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides freshness that balances the creamy soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add depth and health benefits to your meal.
4. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta adds comfort and pairs beautifully with the soup’s flavors.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers offer a hearty side that can be made in advance.
6. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil gives a refreshing bite alongside the rich soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style), there are some common mistakes that can affect the outcome of your dish. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Using too much broth: Adding excessive chicken broth can lead to a soupy texture rather than a creamy soup. Start with 6 cups and adjust based on your preference.

• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta for too long can result in mushy noodles. For best results, cook it al dente or separately if storing leftovers.

• Neglecting seasoning: Not seasoning adequately can make your soup bland. Taste and adjust the salt and spices throughout the cooking process.

• Skipping the deglaze step: Failing to deglaze the pot after browning the chicken may leave bits stuck on the bottom. This can cause uneven flavors; always stir well when adding broth.

• Not using fresh ingredients: Old vegetables or stale spices can dull the flavor of your soup. Ensure all ingredients, especially produce, are fresh for maximum taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept for 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Allow soup to cool before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing Instructions

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring each time until evenly heated.

• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, usually around 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style)?

Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) is a rich, creamy soup featuring tender chicken, vegetables, and Italian flavors that make it irresistible.

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just add it towards the end of cooking to heat through without overcooking.

How do I customize Marry Me Chicken Soup?

You can adjust ingredients based on your taste. Add different vegetables, herbs, or even swap heavy cream for lighter alternatives like half-and-half.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This soup stores well in both the refrigerator and freezer, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version of Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style), substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Soup (Tuscan Style) is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re cozying up at home or serving guests, this creamy delight will impress everyone at your table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients!