This isn’t just another soup. It’s a hug in a bowl. Tender chicken, a velvety Parmesan broth, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes come together in one rich, creamy, ridiculously cozy pot.
It has all the flavors of the famous Marry Me Chicken, turned into a one-pot soup that’s easy enough for any night of the week.
Make it for someone special or just treat yourself. It might not guarantee a proposal, but it will win over everyone at the table!
Why You’ll Love This Soup
One-Pot Simplicity – Less mess, more flavor.
Rich & Creamy – Every spoonful is packed with cozy comfort.
Quick & Easy – Ready in just about an hour!
Perfect for Leftovers – Because soup always tastes better the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is made with simple, cozy ingredients.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – oil-packed with herbs, plus a spoonful of their oil for cooking.
- Onion and Garlic – the savory base of the soup.
- Tomato Paste – adds rich, deep tomato flavor.
- Chicken Broth and Heavy Cream – make the broth creamy and comforting.
- Seasonings – fresh basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper.
- Shell Pasta – cooks right in the soup.
- Baby Spinach – stirred in for color and freshness.
- Rotisserie Chicken – shredded for an easy shortcut.
- Cream Cheese and Parmesan – melt in for a rich, velvety finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, sauté the aromatics. Heat 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Next, build the base. Stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Now simmer the broth. Add the broth, cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 12 minutes.
Then cook the pasta. Add the pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 12 minutes until tender.
Make it creamy. Lower the heat and stir in the spinach, chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir for 5 minutes until melted and warmed through.
Finally, serve. Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan, basil, and red pepper flakes.
That’s it! A hug in a bowl.
Expert Tips
Control the heat. Start with less crushed red pepper and adjust to taste.
Use room-temperature cream cheese. It melts easier. If it clumps, press it against the side of the pot.
Stir the pasta often. It keeps it from sticking to the bottom.
Serve right away. The pasta keeps soaking up broth as it sits.
Recipe Variations
I love this soup as it is, but it’s easy to change up.
Swap the shells for orecchiette, ditalini, or orzo, adjusting the cook time.
Use kale instead of spinach, or add sliced mushrooms.
For a lighter soup, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is hearty on its own, but garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
A fresh green salad makes a light, crisp contrast.
Recipe FAQs
1. Why is it called Marry Me Chicken Soup?
It’s inspired by Marry Me Chicken, named because it’s so good it might earn you a proposal!
2. Can I use raw chicken?
Yes. Add diced raw chicken with the broth and simmer until cooked through.
3. Can I freeze it?
Cream-based soups with pasta don’t freeze well. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within 4 days.
4. Is it spicy?
It has a gentle kick from the crushed red pepper. Adjust to taste.
5. What pasta works best?
Medium shells, orecchiette, ditalini, or orzo.
You May Also Love
If this Marry Me Chicken Soup has you craving more cozy bowls, here are a few more favorites I think you’ll enjoy. They’re all creamy and comforting.
- Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup – another cozy, creamy take on this favorite.
- Tuscan-Style Chicken Soup – a hearty bowl packed with Tuscan flavors.
- Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup – cheesy tortellini in a creamy soup.
- Creamy White Lasagna Soup – all the lasagna flavor in a cozy soup.
- Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta – the same flavors in a quick pasta.
Save a few of these for later, and you’ll always have something delicious to make!
Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl
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)
Instructions
- Sauté the AromaticsHeat 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.
- Build the BaseStir in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color.
- Simmer the BrothPour 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.
- Cook the PastaAdd the pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Make It Creamy & DeliciousLower 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.
- Serve & EnjoyLadle 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.
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Pro Tips & 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, just press it against the pot’s side to blend. Switch Up the Pasta – Orecchiette, ditalini, or even orzo work well—just check package instructions for cooking time.What to Serve With It
This soup is hearty on its own, but if you want a little something extra, try: Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up that creamy broth. Fresh green salad – A light, crisp contrast to the richness. A glass of white wine – Because why not?How to Store & Reheat
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.Final Thoughts
Whether you're cooking to impress or just treating yourself, Marry Me Chicken Soup is a recipe that delivers. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor that lingers long after the last spoonful—kind of like love itself. So, will this soup earn you a proposal? Maybe.But will it make your taste buds fall head over heels? Absolutely. Enjoy & happy cooking!
