Marry Me Chicken Soup

If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug, this Marry Me Chicken Soup is the perfect choice. Inspired by the rich and flavorful Marry Me Chicken dish, this soup features tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and pasta in a creamy, dreamy broth. It’s a delightful combination of savory flavors that will have you falling in love at first bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Marry Me Chicken Soup offers all the comfort of a traditional chicken soup, but with a twist of rich, creamy goodness that makes it unforgettable. The blend of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning creates a deliciously complex flavor base, while the creamy broth is perfectly balanced by the slight heat from crushed red pepper. With tender chicken, pasta, and spinach, this soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own and guaranteed to warm your soul.

Ingredients

Main Components:

• 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

Flavor Boosters:

• 3 tbsp tomato paste

• 32 oz or 2 packages 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 if you like heat)

The Good Stuff:

• 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)

(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

2. Build the Base: Stir in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color.

3. Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 12 minutes.

4. Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

5. Make It Creamy & Delicious: Lower the heat to low, then stir in spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir often for 5 minutes until the cheeses melt and the chicken is warmed through.

6. Serve & Enjoy: Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a fresh green salad on the side.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings. The prep time is about 20 minutes, and the cooking time takes 40 minutes, for a total of 1 hour.

Variations

• Control the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less crushed red pepper and adjust to taste.

• Cream Cheese Hack: Room temperature cream cheese melts easier. If it clumps, press it against the side of the pot to blend.

• Switch Up the Pasta: Feel free to use different types of pasta like orecchiette, ditalini, or orzo. Just check the package instructions for cooking time.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

FAQs

How can I make this soup ahead of time?

This soup can be made a day ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use cooked chicken or cook your own chicken breast and shred it for this soup.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version of the soup, but the texture will be less creamy.

Can I freeze this soup?

While the soup can technically be frozen, the texture of the cream and cheese may change once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, celery, or even zucchini to the soup for more flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a rich, creamy, and delicious dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day. With its velvety broth, tender chicken, and comforting flavors, it’s no surprise that this soup will make your taste buds fall in love. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or treating yourself, this soup is sure to impress and bring warmth to every spoonful. Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!