Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

Update : January 15, 2026

Bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup with fresh ingredients, perfect comfort food.

why make this recipe

Marry Me Chicken Soup is truly a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to your day. This soup is not only delicious but also features a rich blend of flavors and textures. Picture a creamy base filled with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and flavorsome spices that dance on your palate. It’s the kind of soup that can turn any dull day into a cozy experience. Perfect for cold nights or whenever you crave something heartwarming, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

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 the 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

To serve Marry Me Chicken Soup, ladle it into individual bowls. Garnish each bowl with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper can add a nice touch of heat if desired. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the delicious creaminess or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

how to store Marry Me Chicken Soup

To store leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator, where the soup can last for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to freeze it, ensure it’s stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy consistency.

tips to make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of the soup largely depends on the quality of ingredients like chicken broth and sun-dried tomatoes, so opt for the best you can find.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving to adjust seasonings according to your liking. More salt, pepper, or red pepper can enhance the flavors.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, like carrots or bell peppers, to boost nutrition and flavor.

variation (if any)

You can easily customize Marry Me Chicken Soup to your taste. For a healthier twist, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt. If you want a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, leftover turkey works perfectly in this soup and will still keep the flavor rich and comforting.

2. Is this soup gluten-free?
The recipe as written includes pasta, which is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of the soup.

3. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when ready to serve. Just be aware that the pasta may soak up some broth, so you might want to add a little more liquid when reheating.