Marry Me Chicken Soup

There are recipes that comfort, recipes that satisfy, and then there are recipes that simply make your heart sing. Marry Me Chicken Soup is one of those magical dishes that combines creamy richness, tender chicken, and fresh flavors in a bowl you’ll want to dive into again and again. Perfect for chilly evenings, date nights at home, or whenever you need a little culinary romance, this soup truly lives up to its dreamy name.

With sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, spinach, and a touch of heat, this soup brings a gourmet touch to a classic comfort-food favorite. Let’s explore why this recipe is a must-try, break down its ingredients, and walk you through step-by-step instructions to make the perfect creamy chicken soup every time.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Rich & Creamy: The combination of cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan creates a velvety texture that coats your spoon in pure comfort.
• Full of Flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, and Italian seasonings create layers of delicious, savory taste.
• Quick Weeknight Meal: Uses rotisserie chicken and pantry staples, making it achievable even on busy nights.
• Customizable Heat: A touch of crushed red pepper gives warmth without overwhelming, with room to adjust.
• Healthy Veggies Included: Fresh spinach adds color, nutrition, and a fresh contrast to the creamy broth.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe makes about 6–8 servings of hearty, creamy soup.

Main Components

• 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

Flavor Boosters

• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 32 oz (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)

The Good Stuff

• 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)

Tools & Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy equipment to make this soup, but having the right tools makes the process smooth:

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater
• Ladle for serving
• Optional: immersion blender (if you prefer a smoother soup)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for a creamy, flavorful Marry Me Chicken Soup:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

• Chop onions and garlic, roughly chop spinach, shred the rotisserie chicken, and cube cream cheese.
• Measure out all seasonings, tomato paste, broth, and pasta.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• In a large soup pot, heat 1 tbsp oil from the sun-dried tomato jar over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.

3. Build the Flavor

• Add sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to coat the onions and garlic.
• Let cook 1–2 minutes to deepen the tomato flavor.

4. Add Liquids and Seasonings

• Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
• Add fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper.
• Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.

5. Cook the Pasta

• Add uncooked medium shell pasta to the simmering soup.
• Cook according to package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Add Chicken and Cream Cheese

• Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken and cubed cream cheese.
• Continue stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.

7. Add Spinach and Parmesan

• Stir in fresh baby spinach and Parmesan cheese until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is fully incorporated.

8. Serve and Garnish

• Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit chicken and use vegetable broth; add more pasta or beans for protein.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with vegan alternatives, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Spicier: Increase crushed red pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Lower Carb: Swap pasta for spiralized zucchini or cauliflower shells.
• Make Ahead: Assemble all ingredients except pasta and spinach in the pot, refrigerate, and cook later.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This soup is creamy, savory, and slightly tangy, with a hint of heat from the crushed red pepper. Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated tomato flavor, while Parmesan and cream cheese create richness and depth.

Drink Pairings

• Wine: Light Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio balances creaminess.
• Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon or a crisp iced tea complements the soup.

Best Sides

• Crusty bread or garlic breadsticks
• Simple side salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables for extra texture

Nutritional Overview

Approximate nutrition per serving (1/6 of recipe):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	430 kcal
Protein	27 g
Carbs	28 g
Fat	24 g
Fiber	3 g
Sodium	820 mg

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free if using GF pasta, high protein, contains dairy.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep Ingredients: Chop onions, garlic, spinach, and shred chicken in advance.
• Store Components Separately: Keep cream cheese and pasta separate until ready to cook for best texture.
• Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding extra broth if soup thickens.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just thaw and shred before adding to the soup.

2. Can this soup be made in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Cook onions, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste first. Add remaining ingredients except pasta and spinach, and cook on low 3–4 hours. Add pasta and spinach 15 minutes before serving.

3. Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Yes, but cook the pasta separately when freezing. Combine with the soup when reheating to prevent mushy noodles.

4. Can I use Parmesan from a bottle?
Yes, though freshly grated Parmesan provides better flavor and creaminess.

5. Is this soup suitable for kids?
Yes, reduce or omit crushed red pepper for a milder version.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep Ingredients	10–15 min
Sauté Aromatics	4–5 min
Simmer Soup	10–15 min
Cook Pasta	8–10 min
Add Chicken, Cheese & Spinach	5 min
Total	40–50 min

Serving Suggestions

• Bowl Presentation: Ladle into colorful bowls and top with basil and Parmesan.
• Family Style: Serve in a large soup tureen with a ladle and sides of bread.
• Meal Prep: Portion into microwave-safe containers for lunch or dinner prep.

Recipe Variations

1. Creamy Pesto Marry Me Soup: Stir in 2 tbsp pesto for an herby twist.
2. Tuscan Chicken Soup: Add artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomato pesto for extra flavor.
3. Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or shirataki shells in place of pasta.
4. Spicy Chicken Soup: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Ingredient Spotlight

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• Choose julienne-cut, oil-packed tomatoes for convenience and flavor.
• Store in their oil for months in the fridge for future recipes.

Cream Cheese

• Room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly, creating the velvety soup texture.
• Full-fat cream cheese provides the richest flavor; low-fat versions work too.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Layer Flavors: Sautéing onions, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes develops deep flavor before adding liquids.
• Cream Cheese Tip: Cube and bring to room temperature before adding to prevent clumps.
• Balance Heat: Start with ¼ tsp crushed red pepper, taste, and adjust gradually.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Separate Components: Pasta and spinach should be added fresh when reheating.
• Freeze Soup Base: Freeze the creamy broth with chicken and sun-dried tomatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: Overnight in fridge, then simmer gently until heated through.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	430 kcal	Creamy and filling
Protein	27 g	High-protein thanks to chicken
Carbs	28 g	From pasta; swap for low-carb alternative if desired
Fat	24 g	Rich from cream cheese and heavy cream
Fiber	3 g	Spinach adds nutrition
Sodium	820 mg	Adjust broth if needed

Expanded Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Soup is the perfect combination of creamy, comforting, and flavorful—a bowl that warms the heart as much as the belly. With tender chicken, cheesy richness, and a touch of spice, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it on a cozy night at home, a casual dinner with friends, or meal prepping for the week.

Try this recipe, garnish it with fresh basil and Parmesan, and watch it disappear at the table. It’s easy, indulgent, and versatile a dish that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe repertoire. Make it once, and you’ll see why it lives up to its romantic name.

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