Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Let me tell you, this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is the kind of dish that instantly wraps you up in a warm, comforting hug. I absolutely love how its creamy tomato base combines with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and pasta shells to create a bowl that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Whether you’re looking to impress someone special or just want a cozy dinner that hits the spot, you’ll find this soup hits all the right notes.

When I first tried making this recipe, I was amazed at how easily the flavors came together to create something that tastes so rich without feeling heavy. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want a meal that’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough to share with friends or family. Plus, this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is forgiving and adaptable, so you can tweak it to your liking and still get spectacular results every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe plays an important role, balancing richness and freshness with just the right textures. When shopping, look for quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil—they really boost the flavor here.

• Sun-dried tomatoes: Use julienne-cut and packed in herbs and oil for the best depth of flavor.
• Sun-dried tomato oil: Saves you a step and intensifies the soup’s tomato essence.
• Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and a gentle bite; don’t skip sautéing it properly.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is a must for that warm, aromatic base.
• Tomato paste: Boosts umami while giving the broth that gorgeous deep red color.
• Chicken broth: Choose a good quality low-sodium broth to control seasoning.
• Heavy whipping cream: Cream adds the signature velvety richness to this soup.
• Fresh basil: Brings brightness and freshness; adding some as garnish elevates presentation.
• Kosher salt: Essential to enhance all those complex flavors.
• Dried Italian seasoning: A handy blend that delivers savory herb notes.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle extra layer of garlicky warmth.
• Crushed red pepper: Gives a gentle heat kick—adjust according to your spice tolerance.
• Medium shell pasta: Perfect for holding the broth and ensuring lovely texture.
• Baby spinach: Adds color and mild earthiness, wilting into the soup just right.
• Shredded rotisserie chicken: Saves time and adds smoky, tender meat.
• Cream cheese: Cubed at room temp to melt smoothly and make the soup ultra creamy.
• Parmesan cheese: Finely shredded for a savory, nutty finish both inside the soup and as a topping.

Variations

I love making this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe my own by switching up the greens or the pasta shapes. Feel free to experiment—you’ll be surprised how versatile this soup is without losing any of its charm.

• Vegetarian version: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, and replace rotisserie chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty twist I’ve tried with delicious results.
• Spicy kick: Add extra crushed red pepper or a dash of smoked paprika; I discovered this trick when I craved a bit more heat.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta varieties—this soup keeps its creamy goodness just the same.
• Cheese swap: Try swapping cream cheese for mascarpone for a silkier finish, a variation I use when I want an extra luxe touch.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until it shimmers—this unlocks those intense flavors from the oil and the tomatoes. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking and stirring often until they soften and smell fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Don’t rush this step; properly softened onions are the base for a superb soup.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Depth

Next, stir in the tomato paste and the sun-dried tomatoes. Keep everything moving so the tomato paste slightly darkens, turning a richer red color—usually about 2 minutes. This step deepens the soup’s flavor significantly and I’ve found it really makes a difference in getting that “wow” factor.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then toss in the fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring every now and then, for about 12 minutes. This is when all the flavors start marrying into that signature creamy broth that you’ll want to dive into immediately.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Once boiling, add the medium shell pasta and reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir occasionally as the pasta cooks al dente in the broth, about 12 minutes. Stirring is key here to prevent the pasta from sticking or overcooking, so keep an eye on it and taste for tenderness.

Step 5: Finish with Greens, Chicken, and Cheese

Lower the heat to low, then add the baby spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cubed cream cheese, and grated Parmesan. Stir often while the cheeses melt smoothly into the soup and the chicken warms through—this takes about 5 minutes. The cream cheese is what gives this soup that dreamy creaminess I absolutely adore.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a pop of color and a little zing. Serve immediately to enjoy the soup at its creamy best.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love topping this soup with freshly shredded Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves because they add a fragrant brightness and a touch of elegance. A light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes is my go-to for a subtle kick that wakes up the whole bowl without overpowering it.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad to balance the creaminess, or some warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop. My family often enjoys it alongside garlic bread or a simple caprese salad for a light, Italian-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe in individual bread bowls—it’s a fun and rustic presentation that always impresses guests. Alternatively, a drizzle of infused olive oil or a swirl of pesto on top can elevate the look and flavor for a date night or dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, but I recommend adding fresh spinach again if you want that vibrant green freshness when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup successfully by skipping the pasta before freezing and adding it fresh after thawing. The cream cheese can sometimes separate slightly after freezing, so stirring well while reheating helps bring it back to smooth perfection.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much, I add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to the perfect consistency. Avoid microwaving too long to keep the cream from breaking.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen whenever I want something that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with comforting textures that never fail to impress. I truly recommend giving it a try—you’ll enjoy how simple ingredients come together to create such a hearty, flavorful meal that feels special every single time.

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