Have you ever tasted something so rich, so heartwarming, that it feels like a warm hug in a bowl? Marry Me Chicken Soup delivers just that—a creamy, comforting, and flavor-packed experience that might just spark declarations of love. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or treating yourself to something indulgent, this soup will make every spoonful unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chicken Soup
This isn’t just another chicken soup recipe. It’s the perfect balance of savory and creamy, with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, tender rotisserie chicken, and a hint of spice. With every bite, you’ll taste the harmony of fresh ingredients and Italian-inspired flavors. The result? A soup so good, it’s worthy of its name.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup
Gather your ingredients before diving in. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this recipe to life.
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
Sun-dried tomatoes | ½ cup (drained) | Packed in oil with herbs. |
Oil from tomato jar | 1 tablespoon | Divided for sautéing. |
Yellow onion, chopped | 1 ½ cups | Adds sweetness and depth. |
Garlic cloves, minced | 4 cloves | About 4 teaspoons. |
Tomato paste | 3 tablespoons | Intensifies the tomato flavor. |
Chicken broth | 2 (32-ounce) packages | The base of the soup. |
Heavy whipping cream | 1 cup | For a luscious, creamy texture. |
Fresh basil, chopped | 4 teaspoons | Adds freshness and aroma. |
Kosher salt | 2 teaspoons | Balances the flavors. |
Italian seasoning | 1 ½ teaspoons | A blend of herbs for authentic flavor. |
Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | Boosts the garlic flavor. |
Crushed red pepper | ¼ teaspoon | Optional, for a little heat. |
Medium shell pasta | 8 ounces | Holds the creamy sauce perfectly. |
Baby spinach, chopped | 3 cups | Adds nutrition and texture. |
Rotisserie chicken, shredded | 2 cups | Saves time and adds tenderness. |
Cream cheese, cubed | 8 ounces | Must be at room temperature. |
Parmesan cheese, shredded | 1 ½ ounces | Plus more for garnish. |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Marry Me Chicken Soup
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil from your jar of sun-dried tomatoes in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
2. Cook the Tomato Base
Next, stir in the tomato paste and the drained sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step deepens the tomato flavor and creates a robust base for your soup.
3. Add Liquids and Seasoning
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy whipping cream, stirring to combine. Add the fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally for about 12 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
4. Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked medium shell pasta to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pasta cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta will absorb the flavors of the soup as it becomes tender.
5. Incorporate Spinach and Chicken
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the chopped baby spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese cubes, and Parmesan cheese. Stir frequently until the cream cheese and Parmesan fully melt and the chicken warms through. This should take about 5 minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with more shredded Parmesan, fresh basil, and a pinch of crushed red pepper for extra flair. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup
1. Use High-Quality Ingredients
Fresh herbs, real Parmesan, and a flavorful chicken broth make all the difference.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Keep an eye on the pasta to ensure it’s al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the creamy soup.
3. Customize Your Vegetables
While spinach is traditional, you can also add kale, zucchini, or mushrooms for a unique twist.
4. Adjust the Spice Level
If you love heat, increase the crushed red pepper or add a dash of cayenne.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
Calories | 550–600 |
Protein | 30g |
Carbohydrates | 25g |
Fats | 40g |
Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
1. Easy to Make
Using rotisserie chicken saves time without sacrificing flavor.
2. Perfect for Meal Prep
This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day.
3. Crowd-Pleaser
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this soup impresses every time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup up to the point where you add the pasta. Store it in the fridge and add the pasta when reheating to keep it fresh.
2. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt can work as substitutes, though they may slightly alter the flavor.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
4. Can I freeze this soup?
Cream-based soups can be tricky to freeze, as they may separate upon reheating. If freezing, omit the cream and add it after thawing.
5. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable stock, omit the chicken, and add more veggies or plant-based protein.
6. What side dishes pair well with this soup?
Crusty bread, a simple Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables make excellent accompaniments.
Why You Should Try Marry Me Chicken Soup Today
Life is full of fleeting moments, but the comfort of a warm bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup is something you can always count on. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavors that feel like a cozy embrace.
So grab your ingredients, head to the kitchen, and create a dish that’s bound to make you—and everyone you share it with—fall in love.
Ready to wow your taste buds? Let’s get cooking!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Bowl of Comfort and Love
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and pasta in a rich, velvety broth, this soup is perfect for cozy nights or when you want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained (packed in oil with herbs)
- 1 tbsp oil from the tomato jar
- 1 ½ cups yellow onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 (32-ounce) packages chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 tsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
- 8 ounces medium shell pasta
- 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed (room temperature)
- 1 ½ ounces Parmesan cheese, shredded (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and softened. - Cook the Tomato Base:
Stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to deepen the flavor. - Add Broth and Seasonings:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, mixing well. Add fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Increase heat to medium and bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally for about 12 minutes. - Cook the Pasta:
Add the uncooked pasta to the pot. Lower heat to medium-low and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. - Incorporate Spinach and Chicken:
Add chopped spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir until the cheeses fully melt and the chicken is heated through, about 5 minutes. - Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with more Parmesan, fresh basil, and a pinch of crushed red pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, roast the sun-dried tomatoes before adding them to the soup.
- Substitute kale or other greens if desired.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock and omit chicken, adding mushrooms or chickpeas instead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired