If you love cozy meals that feel both special and easy, this Marry Me Chicken Soup brings creamy comfort in a bowl with flavors that fit any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup
This soup takes everything people enjoy about the popular Marry Me Chicken recipe and turns it into a warm, hearty, spoon-ready dish. The blend of creamy broth, tender chicken, pasta, and sun dried tomatoes makes it rich without feeling heavy. It is the kind of recipe that looks impressive while still being simple enough for busy nights. The ingredients cook in one pot, the flavor is balanced and comforting, and the end result is a meal that feels both homey and restaurant worthy. Families enjoy it because it uses mild seasonings and easy pantry ingredients, while cooks appreciate that it delivers a lot of depth with very little effort.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup
Main Soup Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil from sun dried tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups small shell pasta
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Ingredient Notes and Helpful Substitutions
Sun dried tomatoes:
Choose the variety packed in oil because it provides a deeper flavor and also gives you a ready cooking fat for sautéing. If needed, use dry packaged sun dried tomatoes that have been rehydrated in warm water, then add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Chicken:
Rotisserie chicken keeps the prep easy and fast. You can also use leftover baked chicken or poached chicken. For a vegetarian option, use white beans or diced tofu and switch to vegetable broth.
Cream:
Heavy cream gives the soup its signature silky richness. For a lighter version, use half and half. You may need a little extra Parmesan at the end to thicken the broth if you use lighter dairy.
Pasta:
Small shapes like shells, ditalini, or mini bow ties work well because they cook evenly and hold the creamy broth in their curves.
Cheeses:
Parmesan adds saltiness and umami. Cream cheese helps make the broth smooth. If you need a dairy free option, use unsweetened coconut cream and a dairy free Parmesan alternative.
Seasonings:
Italian seasoning and dried basil bring the classic Marry Me Chicken flavor. Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Place a large soup pot over medium heat and add two tablespoons of oil from the jar of sun dried tomatoes. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic until it becomes fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook it for one minute so it can caramelize. Stir in the chopped sun dried tomatoes.
Step 2: Simmer the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to loosen the tomato paste from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a steady simmer. Add the Italian seasoning, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked shell pasta to the simmering broth. Cook according to the package directions, usually between eight and ten minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. As the pasta cooks, the starch begins to thicken the broth and sets the foundation for a creamy texture.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Greens
Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken. Add the fresh spinach and cook until the leaves wilt. If the soup thickens too quickly, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.
Step 5: Melt in the Cream and Cheeses
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Add the softened cream cheese in small spoonfuls so it melts evenly. Stir until smooth. Add the Parmesan and continue stirring until everything blends into a creamy, silky broth.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Season with salt and black pepper. Let the soup simmer on low for an additional two to three minutes to help the flavors combine. Serve warm.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use softened cream cheese so it melts smoothly without forming lumps.
- Add pasta toward the middle of cooking to prevent overcooking.
- If the broth becomes too thick, thin it with chicken broth instead of water for better flavor.
- For a richer taste, add a small splash of the oil from the sun dried tomatoes at the end.
- Shred the chicken into thinner strands so it blends better with the pasta and broth.
- Add Parmesan gradually and taste as you go to avoid over salting.
Flavor Variations
Creamy Lemon Twist:
Add one tablespoon fresh lemon juice and a pinch of lemon zest for a bright flavor.
Tuscan Style:
Add white beans, extra spinach, and a small spoon of pesto.
Smoky and Mild:
Stir in a small amount of smoked paprika for a warm, gentle depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup with crusty bread, garlic knots, or warm focaccia. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For a charming touch, sprinkle each bowl with a little extra Parmesan and a few strips of fresh basil. It also works well as a comforting lunch, reheated gently the next day.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The pasta will continue absorbing liquid, so you may want to add a splash of broth when reheating. Warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the creamy texture. If you want to freeze it, freeze the soup without the pasta, then add cooked pasta when reheating. This helps preserve the texture and prevents mushiness.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 980 mg |
FAQ About Marry Me Chicken Soup
Is Marry Me Chicken Soup spicy?
No, the soup is naturally mild. The only heat comes from optional red pepper flakes, so you can adjust the spice level easily. Leaving them out makes the soup very family friendly. Adding a small amount gives the dish a balanced warmth without overwhelming the creamy flavor. This flexibility is one reason the recipe is so popular.
Can I make this soup gluten free?
Yes. Replace the shell pasta with gluten free pasta or use small diced potatoes. Gluten free pasta tends to cook faster, so watch the pot closely and test often for texture. You may need to add extra broth because gluten free pasta can absorb more liquid. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten free.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half and half works well for a lighter version. Whole milk can also be used, but you may want to add a bit more Parmesan to thicken the soup. For a dairy free choice, use unsweetened coconut cream. It will change the flavor slightly, but the broth stays rich and smooth.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup reheats well, especially if you keep the pasta separate until serving. The broth thickens in the refrigerator, so add a splash of chicken broth when reheating. Warm it gently on low to keep the creamy texture intact. Some people enjoy the next day’s flavor even more because the ingredients have time to blend.
How can I make this soup even heartier?
Add extra chicken, white beans, or small vegetables like diced carrots or zucchini. Another option is adding more pasta, though you will need additional broth to maintain the right consistency. These additions make the soup feel even more like a full meal while keeping the creamy character that defines it.
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Equipment
- large soup pot
- wooden spoon
- measuring cups and spoons
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp oil from sun dried tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups small shell pasta
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place a large pot over medium heat and add oil from the sun dried tomatoes. Sauté the diced onion until soft, then add garlic until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for one minute before adding the chopped sun dried tomatoes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to lift any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add Italian seasoning, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Add the shell pasta and cook according to the package directions (about 8–10 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and add the fresh spinach, letting it wilt into the soup. Add extra broth if needed to adjust consistency.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Add softened cream cheese in small spoonfuls so it melts evenly, then stir in Parmesan until the broth becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors, then serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Soup brings together comfort, richness, and simplicity in one satisfying bowl. It is easy enough for weeknights but delicious enough to share for special occasions. With its creamy broth, tender chicken, pasta, and sun dried tomatoes, it is a recipe that warms the table as much as it warms the heart. Whether you enjoy it on a cold evening or as a make ahead lunch, this soup will likely become a favorite in your kitchen.
