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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup

creamy marry me chicken soup - featured image
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A happy accident turned into a family favorite—this creamy chicken soup features sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and tender chicken in a velvety broth. It’s budget-friendly, one-pot, and perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes until onions are translucent and veggies have softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Sear the chicken: Push veggies to the sides of the pot. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place in the center. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Build the broth: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Add dried thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir together.
  4. Simmer the chicken: Bring broth to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. Shred the chicken: Transfer chicken to a cutting board. Let rest for 2-3 minutes, then shred with two forks. Set aside.
  6. Add pasta and tomatoes: Stir orzo and chopped sun-dried tomatoes into simmering broth. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
  7. Make it creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and tomato paste. Whisk gently until fully incorporated and cheese has melted. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Return the chicken: Add shredded chicken back to the pot. Stir and let warm through for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Add extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For best results, grate fresh Parmesan instead of using pre-shredded. If soup thickens too much as it sits, add a splash of broth when reheating. For meal prep, cook without orzo and add when reheating to prevent mushiness. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken soup, marry me chicken soup, one-pot soup, budget-friendly soup, comfort food, sun-dried tomato soup

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/creamy-marry-me-chicken-soup-easy-budget-family-meal/