Skip to content 
Introduction
The viral “Marry Me Chicken” trend captivated foodies with its irresistibly creamy, rich flavors. Now, imagine those beloved tastes transformed into a comforting bowl of marry me chicken soup!
This adaptation brings all the magic of the original dish into a hearty, quick-to-prepare soup. Get ready for a weeknight dinner that’s rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup
You will quickly fall for this delightful soup for so many reasons.
- It’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy evenings.
- This soup is packed with the irresistible, savory flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and garlic.
- It’s incredibly creamy, hearty, and satisfying, making it a complete meal.
- Ideal for weeknight dinners, it comes together in under an hour.
- You’ll appreciate that it uses common pantry ingredients you likely already have.
- This is ultimate comfort food, wonderful for any season, bringing warmth to your table.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you will need to create this comforting marry me chicken soup:
- From Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 2 tablespoons oil from a jar of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes; 3/4 cup drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes with herbs.
- Aromatics & Flavor: 6 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons tomato paste.
- Liquids: 8 cups chicken broth.
- Pasta: 8 ounces small pasta shells (about 2 cups), or preferred small pasta.
- Vegetables: 1 (5-ounce) package baby spinach, coarsely chopped.
- Protein: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 8 ounces).
- Creaminess: 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cubed and softened.
- Cheese: 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish.
- Fresh Herbs: 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish, optional.
- Seasoning: 2 teaspoons kosher salt.
Notes & Substitutions
The oil from sun-dried tomatoes infuses a deep, umami base, while tomato paste enhances richness. For convenience, use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the overall saltiness in your creamy chicken soup. If small shells aren’t available, orecchiette, ditalini, or even small elbow macaroni work well. For dairy alternatives, consider half-and-half or heavy cream, though cream cheese provides unique tang and body.
Equipment
Gather these basic kitchen tools to make your delicious marry me chicken soup:
- Large Dutch oven or a sturdy pot.
- Cutting board and a sharp knife for prepping.
- Standard measuring cups and spoons.
- Wooden spoon or a spatula for stirring.
- A ladle for serving your hearty bowls of soup.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to bring your delicious marry me chicken soup to life.
- Prepare Tomato Base: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat until it shimmers, typically about 3 minutes. This infused oil is key for flavor. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring often, until it becomes fragrant, usually within 1 minute. Next, stir in the drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the tomato paste. Continue cooking and stirring constantly for about 2 minutes, until the tomato paste deepens slightly in color. This step helps to caramelize the tomato paste, enhancing its flavor profile.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes. This allows all the beautiful flavors to meld together, creating a rich foundation for your soup.
- Cook Pasta: Add the small pasta shells to the simmering broth. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just al dente. This usually takes around 6 minutes. Be sure to check your pasta package for specific cooking times, as they can vary. You want the pasta to have a slight bite, not be mushy.
- Finish Soup: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the coarsely chopped baby spinach, the shredded cooked chicken, the softened cream cheese cubes, and the finely shredded Parmesan cheese. If you are using fresh basil, add it now. Continue stirring often until both the cream cheese and Parmesan are completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the soup, and the chicken is heated through. This process typically takes about 5 minutes. Taste the soup and add extra salt only if needed, as the broth and cheeses contribute their own sodium.
- Serve: Ladle your warm, creamy marry me chicken soup into individual bowls. Garnish each serving with additional shredded Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves, if desired, for an extra touch of flavor and presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy! Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The pasta will soak up more broth as it sits, but the soup will still be delicious.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Make your marry me chicken soup even better with these simple suggestions.
- Pre-Cooked Chicken: Speed up your prep significantly by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Shredding it makes this recipe even faster for weeknights.
- Cream Cheese Prep: Always ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This helps it melt smoothly into the hot broth, preventing lumps and ensuring a perfectly creamy texture.
- Pasta Perfection: Keep a close eye on your pasta as it cooks. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and absorb too much liquid, so remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches al dente.
- Saltiness Control: Chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes all contain sodium. Taste your creamy chicken soup before adding any extra salt to avoid over-seasoning.
- Prevent Curdling: Stir the cream cheese in off the heat. This gentler approach helps prevent the dairy from separating or curdling when added to hot liquid.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This flavorful chicken soup is versatile enough for any meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful marry me chicken soup with a side of crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or a slice of focaccia for dipping into the rich broth. A simple side salad also pairs wonderfully, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
Storage
Store any leftover creamy chicken soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid, but the soup remains delicious.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If it’s too thick, add a splash of extra chicken broth or milk to achieve your desired consistency. Avoid boiling vigorously, as this can affect the creamy texture.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Incorporate diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or zucchini along with the sun-dried tomatoes for more veggies.
- Different Greens: Swap baby spinach for chopped kale or Swiss chard, adding them in the final step.
- Heartier Meal: Serve your marry me chicken soup over a bed of fluffy rice or add potato gnocchi for an even more substantial dish.
- Smoky Flavor: A small pinch of smoked paprika can add a wonderful depth and smoky note to the soup.
Nutrition
Enjoying a hearty bowl of this delicious chicken soup also provides good nutrition.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 415 |
| Total Fat | 27g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 78mg |
| Sodium | 1064mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 22g |
| Vitamin C | 34mg |
| Calcium | 197mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
| Potassium | 402mg |
Please note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQ
What is Marry Me Chicken?
“Marry Me Chicken” is a popular dish known for its rich, creamy, sun-dried tomato, and Parmesan sauce, rumored to be so good it could inspire a marriage proposal. This recipe adapts those beloved flavors into a comforting soup.
How can I reduce the sodium in this soup?
To lower the sodium in your marry me chicken soup, use low-sodium chicken broth and omit any added salt until you taste the finished dish. You can also rinse the sun-dried tomatoes before chopping them.
Can I make this Marry Me Chicken Soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace the shredded chicken with white beans, chickpeas, or plant-based chicken strips. Adjust seasonings as needed.
Can I freeze leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup?
While you can freeze this soup, creamy, pasta-based soups may change texture upon thawing. The pasta can become mushy, and dairy might separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
What kind of pasta works best?
Small, sturdy pasta shapes like small shells, ditalini, or orecchiette work wonderfully in this soup. They hold their shape well and are easy to eat with a spoon, soaking up the creamy broth perfectly.
Conclusion
This marry me chicken soup recipe delivers all the beloved flavors of the original viral dish in a comforting, easy-to-make soup format. Its rich, creamy texture and savory notes make it an absolute winner for any meal, especially on busy weeknights. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps ensure a delicious outcome every time. We hope you and your family enjoy this heartwarming and satisfying soup.
