If you are searching for a heartwarming, rich, and irresistibly creamy bowl of comfort, look no further than this Marry Me Chicken Soup. It’s a blend of savory chicken, luscious sun-dried tomatoes, tender pasta, and fresh spinach all brought together in a velvety broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Each spoonful bursts with flavors that make this dish so much more than a soup — it’s a celebration of comforting ingredients that will have you craving more. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or hoping to impress someone special, Marry Me Chicken Soup is the kind of meal that promises to be unforgettable.

Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward making this soup spectacular. Each one contributes vital flavors, textures, and colors that elevate the dish into a full sensory experience.

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes: adds a tangy, concentrated burst of flavor and beautiful color to the soup.
1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomato jar: brings a herby richness that infuses the base.
1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion: provides a sweet and savory backbone.
4 cloves garlic, minced: gives the soup its fragrant, aromatic depth.
3 tbsp tomato paste: intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the broth slightly.
32 oz chicken broth: forms the comforting, savory foundation of the soup.
1 cup heavy whipping cream: lends a luscious creaminess that makes the soup decadent.
4 tsp fresh basil: injects fresh herbal brightness.
2 tsp kosher salt: season perfectly to balance flavors.
1 ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning: adds classic Mediterranean warmth.
1 tsp garlic powder: reinforces that delicious garlicky punch.
¼ tsp crushed red pepper: gives the option for a subtle kick to amp up the flavor.
8 oz uncooked medium shell pasta: brings comforting chewiness to every spoonful.
3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped: adds color, nutrients, and a fresh bite.
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken: infuses hearty protein and a tender texture.
8 oz cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature: melts perfectly for creamy, dreamy indulgence.
1 ½ oz Parmesan cheese, finely shredded: adds sharp, savory notes and a smooth finish.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by warming that gorgeous tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the onions and garlic and let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft, fragrant, and just a touch golden. This simple step builds the aromatic foundation that will deeply flavor your entire soup.

Step 2: Build the Base

Next, stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Keep the heat steady and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. You’ll notice the tomato paste deepen in color and develop a richer flavor—this intensifies the tomato essence and prepares the broth for its luxurious taste.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Now, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Increase the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Then, reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for about 12 minutes to let all those beautiful flavors meld together into a harmonious broth.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

It’s time to add the uncooked medium shell pasta. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for another 12 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly and becomes tender without sticking to the bottom. This step ensures your soup has lovely little bites of pasta throughout.

Step 5: Make It Creamy and Delicious

Lower the heat to low before stirring in the fresh spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese cubes, and shredded Parmesan. Keep stirring for about 5 minutes until the cheeses melt into a rich, silky texture and the chicken warms through, transforming the soup into a decadent, creamy delight that melts in your mouth with every spoonful.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Finally, ladle the Marry Me Chicken Soup into warm bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve it up immediately with crusty bread or a crisp green salad, and prepare for the wave of compliments that are surely coming your way.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup

Garnishes

Adding just the right garnishes elevates your Marry Me Chicken Soup from lovely to unforgettable. Fresh basil leaves not only add a burst of color but also a herbal lift that compliments the creamy broth beautifully. A generous sprinkling of Parmesan adds a nutty, savory punch, while a pinch of red pepper flakes gives a subtle heat contrast that awakens your taste buds.

Side Dishes

This soup shines as the star of your meal but pairs perfectly with sides that balance its richness. Think rustic crusty bread to soak up every last drop or a fresh green salad with a lemony vinaigrette to add a bright, crisp counterpoint. Even simple garlic bread or roasted vegetables can make the meal feel heartier and more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little playful, serve Marry Me Chicken Soup in mini bread bowls or rustic ceramic soup crocks for an inviting, cozy vibe. Garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy touch. Adding edible flowers or a swirl of pesto on top can turn it into a gourmet experience perfect for entertaining guests or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup tastes just as amazing the next day because the flavors deepen overnight. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a good stir before reheating to reincorporate any settled cream or cheese.

Freezing

You can definitely freeze this soup, but keep in mind that fresh spinach and cream cheese don’t always retain their original texture after freezing. For best results, freeze the soup without the fresh spinach and add it fresh when reheating. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

When reheating Marry Me Chicken Soup, do it gently over low heat on the stove while stirring frequently to prevent the cream cheese from curdling. Alternatively, microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring in between until warmed through. If needed, add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! While medium shell pasta works wonderfully here, feel free to substitute with other small pasta shapes like rotini or ditalini. Just be sure to adjust cooking time as needed to keep your pasta perfectly tender.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, by swapping out heavy cream and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cream cheese, you can still enjoy a creamy texture without dairy. Just keep in mind the flavor will change slightly but remain delicious.

Can I prepare Marry Me Chicken Soup without pre-cooked chicken?

You can! Simply cook raw chicken breast or thighs in the Dutch oven with the onions and garlic, then shred it before continuing with the recipe. This extra step adds more hands-on cooking time but results in freshly cooked chicken throughout.

How spicy is the soup with the crushed red pepper?

The ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper provides a gentle warmth without overpowering the soup, making it suitable for most palates. If you love more heat, feel free to add extra or serve with more red pepper flakes as a garnish.

What makes this recipe called Marry Me Chicken Soup?

The name comes from its irresistibly rich, flavorful nature that is so good it might just inspire a marriage proposal! It’s that kind of special dish—comforting, luxurious, and created to impress.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a cozy experience packed with layers of flavor and creamy goodness. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s got such a romantic name and why it quickly becomes a favorite for any occasion. Give this recipe a try—you deserve a bowl of pure happiness in your day!

Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 30 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 51 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting and creamy tomato-based soup packed with flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, tender shredded rotisserie chicken, fresh spinach, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. Enriched with cream cheese and Parmesan, it offers a luscious texture perfect for any cozy meal.

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they are softened and fragrant, releasing their flavors.
Build the Base: Stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color, enhancing the soup’s rich tomato flavor.
Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add fresh basil, kosher salt, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 12 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked medium shell pasta to the soup. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape.
Make It Creamy & Delicious: Lower the heat to low. Stir in the fresh chopped spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cubed cream cheese, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir often for 5 minutes until the cream cheese melts smoothly and the chicken is warmed through, creating a creamy and hearty soup.
Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a fresh green salad on the side for a complete meal.

Notes

For a spicier variation, increase the amount of crushed red pepper according to your taste preference.
You can substitute rotisserie chicken with cooked shredded chicken breast if preferred.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove to prevent the cream from curdling.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 36 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering and Sautéing
Cuisine: American