Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup

Heartwarming Comfort: Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup

There are days when nothing feels more comforting than a warm, hearty soup. It’s almost like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket! One of my all-time favorites is Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup. This dish is not only delicious but it’s also incredibly simple to prepare. You just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. What could be better than that?

Why This Recipe Stands Out

The beauty of this recipe lies in its fantastic blend of flavors. The creamy base combined with the tenderness of chicken and the fresh spin of sun-dried tomatoes creates a taste that’s hard to resist. My friends have actually teased me, saying it’s so good, it might just inspire a marriage proposal! I often revisit this recipe whenever I need a foolproof meal that guarantees smiles all around.

Speaking of tomatoes, I love using quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. They add a depth of flavor that’s absolutely essential to this soup. If you want to get the full range of flavors, you can find complete instructions on preparing this dish by exploring this page.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this delicious soup, here’s what you’ll need:

• ½ cup Julienne-Cut Sun-Dried Tomatoes packed in oil, drained
• 1 tablespoon Oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
• 1 ½ cups Chopped Yellow Onion
• 4 Medium Garlic Cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 2 (32-ounce) packages Chicken Broth (8 cups total)
• 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
• 4 teaspoons Chopped Fresh Basil
• 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons Dried Italian Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• ¼ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper
• 8 ounces Uncooked Medium Shell Pasta
• 3 cups Packed Roughly Chopped Fresh Baby Spinach
• 2 cups Shredded Rotisserie Chicken
• 8 ounces Cream Cheese, cubed and at room temperature
• 1 ½ ounces Parmesan Cheese, finely shredded
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
• Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
• Crushed red pepper, for garnish (optional)

Feel free to personalize it; I sometimes throw in some extra veggies like zucchini or yellow squash if I have them lying around.

Let’s Whip This Up!

Now the fun begins! First, grab a large skillet or Dutch oven and heat the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar over medium heat. The aroma of that oil is already enticing! After that, toss in the chopped onions and sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they become softened. Then, add the minced garlic for another minute—your kitchen will smell heavenly.

Next, stir in the tomato paste along with the drained sun-dried tomatoes and cook everything together for an additional two minutes. This step truly enhances the depth of flavor. Once ready, pour your mixture into the basin of your large slow cooker.

Now, add the chicken broth, heavy cream, fresh basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Stir everything well until combined. It’s time to cover your crockpot and set it to LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, boil the shell pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. This is a great time to prep your other ingredients too. When the timer nears the end, turn up the heat on your crockpot to HIGH (if it was on LOW) and add in the spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir everything until it’s well mixed, then let it cook for another 15-20 minutes until it’s creamy and hot.

Finally, mix in your cooked and drained pasta and get ready to scoop yourself a generous bowl. Garnish with fresh basil, more Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for an extra kick!

Making It Your Own

What makes this soup even more versatile is that you can easily adjust ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. If you want a little more heat, bump up the crushed red pepper. Looking for a healthier option? You could swap out the heavy cream for a lighter alternative, or even use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

Whenever I make this soup, I’m always reminded of chilly evenings with family. It’s the perfect meal to share around the dinner table with everyone, and it often sparks late-night conversations and laughter.

Leftovers and Storage

This soup keeps well in the fridge for a few days, so it’s perfect for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of extra chicken broth if necessary, as the pasta will absorb some liquid upon standing.

If you’re interested in exploring another version of this delightful dish, you can check out the alternative recipe that might spark your culinary creativity!

Conclusion

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup is more than just a dish; it’s a comfort food that warms the soul and brings people together. The rich flavors, comforting textures, and ease of preparation make it a staple in my home. I recommend checking out this recipe from Easy Peasy Meals for another delicious take on this beloved dish. Enjoy your cooking!