Have you ever made a recipe so good that everyone falls in love with it? That’s exactly what happened when I made Marry Me Chicken Soup! This comforting dish is everything you want in a bowl of soup — creamy, flavorful, and hearty.

It’s packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and rich Parmesan cheese for a flavor explosion in every bite. Once you make this, you’ll understand why people can’t stop talking about it!

Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe — Source: realfoodwholelife

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Here’s the breakdown of what you’ll need, along with a few tips to make it even better. Your pantry and fridge will soon transform into everything you need for this truly irresistible soup.

1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomato jar: Adds a punch of flavor to the base. Pro-tip: Always use the oil from sun-dried tomatoes for maximum taste.
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienne cut): These bring the perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped: A classic aromatic that builds the savory foundation.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Because what’s a great soup without garlic?
3 tablespoons tomato paste: This deepens the flavor and gives the broth a slightly sweet tomato tang.
6 cups chicken broth (low sodium): Keeps the soup’s flavor rich and savory, without overpowering the ingredients with salt.
1 cup heavy cream: For that creamy goodness that feels indulgent yet comforting.
8 ounces pasta shells: These hug the broth, adding heartiness to every spoonful.
3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped: Adds a pop of color and nutrients.
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken: Effortless and tender addition that saves you prep time.
8 ounces cream cheese: Cube and soften it beforehand for easy melting.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The nutty and savory key to a rich finish.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: For a hint of herby balance.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the flavor foundation.
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional): A light heat kick, but feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.

Note: This recipe makes six hearty servings, with about two cups per bowl.

Variations

Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a vegan Parmesan substitute.
Pasta-Free: Skip the pasta and serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Boost the Protein: Add cooked chickpeas or diced tofu for an even heavier protein punch.
Extra Veggies: Include diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even chunks of butternut squash.

You can also enjoy similar hearty dishes like Smothered Baked Chicken Burritos for a flavorful twist.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large Dutch oven or soup pot: For sautéing and one-pot cooking.
Sharp knife: Perfect for chopping onions, garlic, and spinach.
Cutting board: Keeps your prep neat.
Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and ensuring nothing sticks to the pot.
Soup ladle: Ensures steady and even serving.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Here are the step-by-step instructions to make rich and comforting Marry Me Chicken Soup:

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Start by heating the sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the onions and garlic, stirring frequently until they become soft and aromatic. Next, stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes for a couple of minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 2: Develop the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and seasonings (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This creates a rich and creamy base for the soup.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Add the pasta shells to the simmering broth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the shells are just al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Final Ingredients

Lower the heat and fold in the fresh spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Simmer gently and stir often to melt the cheeses smoothly into the broth. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for that finishing touch. Serve immediately!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

From my experience, here are a few extra tricks to elevate your soup:

Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged. It melts better and tastes fresher.
Keep the cream cheese out of the fridge for about 30 minutes prior to cooking so it blends more seamlessly into the soup.
If you want a more intense flavor, use a Parmesan rind during the simmering process, then remove before serving.
Stir the soup frequently while adding cream and cheese to prevent curdling.
Taste as you go, especially after adding salt or red pepper flakes.

For more chicken-based recipes, check out Chicken Bacon Ranch Sloppy Joes for a fun and flavorful meal idea.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Marry Me Chicken Soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls for dipping. You can also serve it with a light green salad to balance the richness. For a rustic touch, ladle the soup into individual ramekins or rustic bowls and top each serving with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil.

Nutritional Information

The numbers below provide a quick glimpse at what you’re serving per portion:

Calories: 620
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 32g

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerate: Cool the soup completely and store it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: You can freeze the soup without the pasta for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating for best results.
Reheat: Warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth to get the consistency just right.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this soup!

Quick to Prepare: Minimal chopping and quick cook time.
Rich and Creamy: The cheesy, creamy broth is truly indulgent.
Customizable: Easy to adapt with different proteins, spices, or add-ins.
Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors blend.
Perfect for Gatherings: It’s hearty, warm, and serves many!

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your soup comes out perfectly every time:

Rushing the sauté: Take the time to properly soften the onions, garlic, and tomato paste. It’s an important step for building flavor.
Skipping the cream cheese preparation: If you don’t soften it, lumps may form.
Overcooking the pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta; you don’t want it to turn mushy.
Not seasoning in layers: Season the broth before adding chicken and cheese and adjust as needed.

Now that you’ve got all the steps, tricks, and tips at your fingertips, it’s time to whip up this amazing recipe. Get ready for a creamy, delicious bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup that’ll wow everyone at the table!

For more inspiration, explore our collection of Chicken Recipes to find your next favorite dish.

Ash Tyrrell