If you are searching for a soul-warming, rich, and utterly delicious soup, your search ends here with Marry Me Chicken Soup. This recipe brings together the vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, creamy cheeses, tender chicken, and fresh herbs in one irresistibly comforting bowl. It’s called Marry Me Chicken Soup for a reason—it’s so delightful and heartwarming that every spoonful feels like a celebration of love and care. Whether you’re looking to impress someone special or just want a cozy meal that satisfies, this soup promises to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s wonderful about the Marry Me Chicken Soup is how simple yet essential each ingredient is. Every element adds a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color that brings this dish to life in the most satisfying way.

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes: Adds a tangy, concentrated burst of flavor that elevates the soup’s richness.
1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomato jar: Carry the infused flavor into the base of the soup for extra depth.
1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion: Provides a natural sweetness and aromatic foundation.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings warmth and subtle pungency that wakes up the palate.
3 tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and enriches the broth’s color beautifully.
32 oz chicken broth (2 packages): The heart of the soup, giving it body and savory goodness.
1 cup heavy whipping cream: Creates a luscious, creamy texture that hugs every ingredient.
4 tsp fresh basil: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness that balances the creamy richness.
2 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all flavors without overpowering.
1 ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning: Brings an aromatic mix of herbs to complement the tomato base.
1 tsp garlic powder: Offers an additional layer of garlicky goodness.
¼ tsp crushed red pepper: Delivers a gentle heat that awakens the taste buds – adjust to your liking.
8 oz uncooked medium shell pasta: Perfectly sized to soak up the creamy broth and add heartiness.
3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped: Adds color, nutrients, and a tender leafy bite.
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken: Juicy and tender, this protein makes the soup satisfyingly complete.
8 oz cream cheese, cubed (room temperature): Melts into irresistible creaminess that smooths the entire soup.
1 ½ oz Parmesan cheese, finely shredded: Delivers a nutty, savory finish with just a hint of saltiness.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by warming 1 tablespoon of that flavorful sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking them gently for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This simple step builds a wonderful aromatic foundation for your Marry Me Chicken Soup, coaxing sweetness and enticing fragrance that invites you in.

Step 2: Build the Base

Next, stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes while constantly stirring. You’ll notice the tomato paste deepens in color and complexity, creating a rich, concentrated tomato base that’s absolutely essential for the soup’s luscious flavor.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth along with the heavy cream, fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, then let it simmer smoothly for 12 minutes. This simmering stage allows all the flavors to harmonize and develop that signature depth you want in your Marry Me Chicken Soup.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked medium shell pasta to the pot, then lower the heat to medium-low. Stir every so often as the pasta cooks for about 12 minutes until tender but still holding its shape. The pasta is crucial here since it soaks up that creamy broth and adds lovely texture to every spoonful.

Step 5: Make It Creamy & Delicious

Lower the heat to low and stir in the chopped baby spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese cubes, and shredded Parmesan. Keep stirring for about 5 minutes until the cheeses melt completely and the chicken warms through. This step transforms your soup into a velvety, creamy masterpiece packed with layers of flavor and heartiness.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle your piping hot Marry Me Chicken Soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to taste. It’s delightful served immediately alongside crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a meal that feels like a genuine hug on a chilly day.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes bring the final touch of brightness and appeal to your Marry Me Chicken Soup. Sprinkle with finely shredded Parmesan for a salty, nutty finish, add torn fresh basil leaves for herbal freshness, and scatter red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. These little extras elevate the presentation and flavor, making the experience even more special.

Side Dishes

This soup shines best with simple, complementary sides. Crusty artisan bread or a warm baguette is perfect for dipping into that creamy broth. Alternatively, serve alongside a light, refreshing green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness and add a crisp bite to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this soup in hollowed-out bread bowls to turn it into a standout centerpiece. You can also spoon it over a bed of cooked rice or creamy polenta for a comforting, spoonable meal. Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with a lemon wedge for an elevated dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Marry Me Chicken Soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing to maintain flavor and texture freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, simply reheat gently so the creaminess stays velvety smooth.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for longer storage. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep well frozen for up to 2 months. Note that the pasta may soften a bit in freezing, but the flavors remain just as inviting when thawed.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently to reincorporate any separated cream or cheese. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if it seems too thick. Avoid microwaving at high power to preserve the soup’s luscious texture and well-rounded flavors.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

While fresh tomatoes offer a lighter, juicier flavor, sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated, tangy depth that is signature to this Marry Me Chicken Soup. If you swap them out, consider slow-roasting fresh tomatoes first to intensify their flavor.

What type of pasta works best in this soup?

Medium shell pasta is ideal because it traps the creamy broth inside each bite, but other small, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini or ditalini also work beautifully without getting mushy during cooking.

Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. While it won’t taste exactly the same, you’ll still have a rich, comforting Marry Me Chicken Soup experience.

Can I use homemade chicken broth?

Absolutely! Homemade chicken broth will add even more warmth and depth to this soup, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned to match the recipe’s balance.

How spicy is the soup?

The crushed red pepper adds just a gentle kick by default, but you can adjust it to your heat preference. Add more if you love fiery flavors, or leave it out entirely for a mild, creamy delight.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Soup is truly one of those recipes that feels like a warm embrace in a bowl — rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor from first to last spoonful. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring a quiet night in, it’s a dish that invites comfort and joy like no other. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your home!

Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 5 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting dish packed with tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Italian herbs in a rich tomato and cream broth. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, offering a flavorful twist on traditional chicken soup with the addition of cream cheese and Parmesan for a luscious finish.

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of the sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
Build the Base: Stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color, enhancing the flavor of the soup.
Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy whipping cream. Add fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, then let it simmer for 12 minutes to blend all the flavors.
Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked medium shell pasta to the simmering soup. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12 minutes or until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
Make It Creamy & Delicious: Lower the heat to low and stir in the roughly chopped baby spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cubed cream cheese, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir often for 5 minutes until the cheeses melt smoothly and the chicken is heated through.
Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and an optional sprinkle of red pepper flakes for additional heat. Serve immediately alongside crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Notes

You can substitute rotisserie chicken with leftover cooked chicken or shredded chicken breast.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta varieties instead of medium shell pasta.
Adjust the crushed red pepper amount according to your preferred spice level.
Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly without lumps.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering, sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-American