There’s something magical about the perfect bowl of soup. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavors that make you feel instantly at ease. Marry Me Chicken Soup takes that comfort to a whole new level, blending creamy textures, savory herbs, and rich sun-dried tomatoes into a dish that’s not only delicious but downright irresistible. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it on your own, this soup is guaranteed to make you fall in love with every spoonful.
Why Marry Me Chicken Soup Is the Perfect Comfort Food
What makes this soup special is its balance of flavors and textures. Tender rotisserie chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy cheese come together in a dish that feels both luxurious and approachable. It’s hearty enough to stand alone as a meal, yet elegant enough to serve on a special occasion. The name isn’t just a playful nod—it’s a testament to the soup’s ability to wow anyone who tries it.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this creamy and flavorful soup:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut, drained) | ½ cup |
| Oil from sun-dried tomato jar | 1 tablespoon |
| Yellow onion (chopped) | 1 ½ cups |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 4 (about 4 tsp) |
| Tomato paste | 3 tablespoons |
| Chicken broth | 2 (32-ounce) packages |
| Heavy whipping cream | 1 cup |
| Fresh basil (chopped) | 4 teaspoons |
| Kosher salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Italian seasoning (dried) | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Crushed red pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Medium shell pasta (uncooked) | 8 ounces |
| Baby spinach (roughly chopped) | 3 cups |
| Rotisserie chicken (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Cream cheese (cubed, room temperature) | 8 ounces |
| Parmesan cheese (finely shredded) | 1 ½ ounces |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather and prep all your ingredients. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, shred the chicken, and cube the cream cheese.
2. Heat the Oil and Sauté the Aromatics
In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is softened and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add Tomato Paste and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Stir in the tomato paste and drained sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color and becomes aromatic.
4. Build the Broth Base
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, and add the chopped basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
5. Cook the Pasta
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the uncooked shell pasta to the soup. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente—this should take about 12 minutes.
6. Add the Spinach and Chicken
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the roughly chopped baby spinach and shredded rotisserie chicken. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through.
7. Incorporate the Cream Cheese and Parmesan
Add the cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the soup becomes creamy and smooth, about 5 minutes.
8. Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for an extra kick. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chicken broth and freshly shredded Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Adjust the Spice: Add more or less crushed red pepper depending on your spice tolerance.
- Cook the Pasta Separately: If you’re planning to store leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Customize the Greens: Swap spinach for kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Sodium | 980mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 5g |
This soup is rich, satisfying, and packed with nutrients to keep you full and happy.
Why Marry Me Chicken Soup Is Perfect for Any Occasion
This dish is as versatile as it is delicious. It’s ideal for:
- Weeknight Dinners: Quick and easy to prepare after a busy day.
- Date Nights: Impress your partner with its rich flavors and elegant presentation.
- Comfort Food Cravings: Perfect for cold days or when you need a little extra TLC.
- Meal Prep: Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for a convenient, flavorful meal anytime.
Creative Variations to Try
1. Low-Carb Version
Replace the shell pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
2. Vegetarian Twist
Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth, doubling the spinach or adding chickpeas for extra protein.
3. Extra Cheesy Soup
Add shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese for an even creamier, cheesier dish.
4. Smoky Flavor
Incorporate smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a subtle smoky undertone.
FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Soup
1. Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Any cooked, shredded chicken works well in this recipe.
2. How should I store leftovers?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
3. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but freeze it without the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
4. What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Pair it with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace the cream cheese and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives.
6. How can I make it spicier?
Increase the crushed red pepper or add a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Final Thoughts: A Recipe to Fall in Love With
Marry Me Chicken Soup isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Creamy, flavorful, and packed with comforting ingredients, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or treating yourself, this soup is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
So, gather your ingredients, grab your favorite pot, and get ready to create a soup that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious. You just might fall in love with it—and so will anyone you share it with!
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Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Bowl of Comfort That Wins Hearts
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and savory herbs, Marry Me Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort dish. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy evenings, or impressing loved ones with a bowl of heartwarming deliciousness.
Ingredients
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut, drained)
- 1 tablespoon oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
- 1 ½ cups yellow onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 8 cups (2 packages) chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
- 8 ounces medium shell pasta (uncooked)
- 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed, at room temperature
- 1 ½ ounces Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather and prep all your ingredients. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, shred the chicken, and cube the cream cheese.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Add Tomato Base: Stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring until the tomato paste darkens and becomes aromatic.
- Build the Broth: Add chicken broth, heavy cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the uncooked pasta and simmer for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- Add Spinach and Chicken: Lower the heat to low. Stir in spinach and shredded chicken. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through.
- Incorporate Cheese: Add cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan. Stir until fully melted and the soup is creamy, about 5 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for extra heat. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Freezing: Freeze without pasta to prevent mushiness. Add fresh-cooked pasta when reheating.
- Spice Level: Adjust the crushed red pepper to your spice preference.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
