Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells: Creamy, Comforting Italian Bake
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy bowl of joy. Loaded with tender chicken, pasta, spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan, this soup hugs you from the inside out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs)
- 1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomato jar
- 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 32 oz chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 tsp fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (or more to taste)
- 8 oz uncooked medium shell pasta
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed (room temperature)
- 1 ½ oz Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; cook 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Build the Base: Stir in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the paste deepens in color.
- Simmer the Broth: Add chicken broth, cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer 12 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: Add pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Make It Creamy: Lower heat to low and stir in spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir often until melted and smooth.
- Serve & Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan, basil, and red pepper flakes. Serve with crusty bread or salad.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
- Adjust crushed red pepper for desired spiciness.
- Serve immediately for the creamiest texture, or store in fridge for up to 3 days.