Why Make This Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Soup is not just a dish; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. With rich flavors and creamy textures, it’s sure to please your palate and gather your loved ones around the table. This soup is perfect for chilly days, or when you need a bit of comfort food. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and hearty chicken creates a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet is easy to make. It’s a dish that might even win you a few hearts!

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Ingredients

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs)
1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomato jar
1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp tomato paste
32 oz or 2 packages chicken broth
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 tsp fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
2 tsp kosher salt
1 ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp crushed red pepper (or more if you like heat)
8 oz uncooked medium shell pasta
3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
8 oz cream cheese, cubed (room temperature)
1 ½ oz Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (plus more for garnish)

Directions

Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Build the Base
Stir in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color.
Simmer the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 12 minutes.
Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Make It Creamy & Delicious
Lower the heat to low, then stir in spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir often for 5 minutes until the cheeses melt and the chicken is warmed through.
Serve & Enjoy
Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a fresh green salad on the side.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup

Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup warm in deep bowls. Garnish with more Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a touch of color and flavor. A slice of crusty bread or a side salad pairs perfectly with this soup, making it a complete meal.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken Soup

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, where it can be kept for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove.

Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut to add flavor without extra cooking.
Feel free to customize the vegetables; adding carrots or celery can enhance the soup.
For added richness, use half and half instead of heavy cream.

Variation

You can make a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with a lower-fat milk or using Greek yogurt as a creamy element. Additionally, add more greens like kale or zucchini for extra nutrients.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this soup?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken, but be sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding.

2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, omit chicken, and consider adding more vegetables or beans for protein.

3. How spicy is this soup?
This recipe has a mild heat due to crushed red pepper. You can adjust the amount to fit your spice preference.