If you’re looking for a soup that’s not just comforting but downright delicious, this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is hands down a winner. I absolutely love how this soup combines creamy, tangy sun-dried tomatoes with tender chicken and a touch of spice-it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It s perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress someone special without spending hours in the kitchen.
When I first tried this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe, I was amazed at how rich and flavorful it turned out with surprisingly simple ingredients. You’ll find that the combination of sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, and fresh basil makes it stand apart from your typical chicken soups. Trust me, once you make this, it ll become a go-to whenever you want comfort food that s a little elevated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Flavorful: The blend of cream cheese and sun-dried tomatoes creates a rich and tangy broth that’s irresistible.
- Easy One-Pot Meal: You can have this hearty soup on the table in about an hour with just one pot for easy cleanup.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit your dietary needs or what s in your fridge.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this recipe – it s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe has a role in building that perfect balance of creaminess, savoriness, and a hint of heat. Choosing quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and fresh basil really elevates the flavor, so keep an eye out for those when shopping.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut): These add a sweet, tart depth and their oil packs loads of flavor.
- Oil from sun-dried tomato jar: Using this instead of plain oil boosts the tomato flavor right from the start.
- Yellow onion: The base of many soups; caramelizing it brings out subtle sweetness.
- Garlic cloves: Adds unmistakable aroma and flavor-don t skimp on this!
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and deepens the soup s color.
- Chicken broth: Use a good-quality broth or homemade for richer taste.
- Heavy whipping cream: This gives the soup that luscious, velvety texture.
- Fresh basil: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning-adjust to taste.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A blend that complements the tomato and chicken beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Adds a little extra punch without overpowering.
- Crushed red pepper: Just enough heat to keep things interesting.
- Medium shell pasta: The perfect shape to cradle the broth and chicken.
- Fresh baby spinach: Adds color and nutrition without altering texture.
- Rotisserie chicken (shredded): Shortcut for tender, flavorful meat.
- Cream cheese (room temperature): Melts easily into the soup, making it creamy and smooth.
- Parmesan cheese (finely shredded): Adds savory depth and a slightly nutty finish.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you want to lighten it up or make it more indulgent, these variations help you tailor it to your taste or dietary needs.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap the shell pasta for gluten-free pasta or even cauliflower rice-I’ve done both and loved how the soup still felt hearty.
- Add extra veggies: I sometimes toss in chopped zucchini or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrients.
- Use leftover chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my secret shortcut, but shredded leftover roasted chicken works just as well.
- Spice it up: Add extra crushed red pepper or a dash of smoked paprika if you want a smoky heat variation.
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. Add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic-this combo forms the flavorful base. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is key because you want those aromatics to release their sweetness without browning too much.
Step 2: Build Tomato Flavor
Next, stir in the tomato paste and the sun-dried tomatoes. Keep stirring constantly to avoid burning the tomato paste and let it deepen in color for about 2 minutes. This intensifies the tomato flavors and gives the soup lovely richness.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally-this usually takes about 12 minutes. You ll notice the soup starts to thicken slightly and smell amazing.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Drop the medium shell pasta into the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn t stick to the bottom. It should be perfectly al dente in about 12 minutes-this timing ensures the pasta keeps its texture and doesn t get mushy when you add the other ingredients.
Step 5: Add Greens, Chicken, and Cheeses
Lower the heat to low, then stir in the fresh spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring often until the cream cheese and Parmesan melt smoothly into the broth and the chicken is warmed through, about 5 minutes. This final step is where the soup turns luxuriously creamy, and the spinach wilts perfectly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by garnishing with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper to taste. Serve immediately-you’ll want to enjoy this soup piping hot for the best flavor and comforting experience.
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Use Jarred Tomato Oil: Don t discard the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar-it s concentrated flavor gold that you want to sauté your aromatics in.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Letting the cream cheese sit out before adding makes it melt faster and avoid lumps in your soup.
- Stir Often: Keep stirring especially after adding pasta and cheeses to prevent sticking and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
- Don t Overcook Pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better when reheated-avoid mushiness by timing carefully.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Whenever I serve this soup, I like to sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves on top just before eating; it adds a fresh, herby brightness that cuts through the creaminess. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes also wakes up the flavors wonderfully. If you want a bit more texture, toasted pine nuts or a few crunchy croutons work beautifully too.
Side Dishes
I usually pair this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe with a crusty artisan bread or a warm garlic toast for dipping. A simple side salad with vinaigrette balances the richness nicely. Sometimes, I serve it alongside roasted veggies for a heartier meal that everyone loves.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to ladle this soup into rustic bread bowls- they make for a cozy, edible presentation that guests always pause to admire. Another idea is to top individual bowls with a swirl of cream and a sprig of basil for a restaurant-style feel at home. It s a thoughtful touch that makes the meal feel even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because of the pasta, it thickens as it sits, so adding a splash of broth or water when reheating refreshes the soup back to its perfect consistency.
Freezing
Freezing this soup is possible, but I recommend leaving the pasta out if you plan on freezing it. You can cook fresh pasta when reheating after thawing, which helps keep texture intact. I ve found that freezing with pasta can lead to mushy noodles once reheated.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add extra chicken broth or water as needed to loosen the soup. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the cream from separating. This slower reheating keeps the flavors vibrant and texture silky.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes in this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe?
You could, but sun-dried tomatoes give a unique sweet and tangy depth that fresh tomatoes can t fully replicate. If using fresh tomatoes, consider roasting them first to concentrate their flavor, but expect a slightly different taste profile.
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Is this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?
Not as written because cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan are key to the creamy texture and flavor. However, you can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and coconut milk or cashew cream, though the flavor will vary.
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Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the soup up to the point before adding spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Store the base in the fridge and finish the last step right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
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What s the best pasta to use for Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe?
Medium shell pasta is ideal because it holds the creamy broth nicely. But small pasta shapes like mini rigatoni, or even orzo, also work well if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings people to the table with smiles. It s cozy, creamy, and packed with flavors that feel like a special treat every time. I love recommending it because it s approachable enough for weeknights but impressive enough to serve when guests come over. Give it a try-you ll find it s a bowlful of comfort and love that’s well worth making again and again.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 6 servings (about 2 cups each)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting, creamy bowlful of love featuring sun-dried tomatoes, tender shredded rotisserie chicken, fresh spinach, pasta shells, and a cheesy tomato broth enriched with cream and Parmesan. This hearty soup combines vibrant flavors and creamy textures for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or cozy nights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup drained julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil with herbs
- 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomato jar, divided
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
- 4 medium garlic cloves, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 (32-ounce) packages chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 teaspoons chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish (optional)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, plus more for garnish
- 8 ounces uncooked medium shell pasta
- 3 cups packed roughly chopped fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 ounces Parmesan cheese, finely shredded, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Gather ingredients: Assemble all ingredients measured and prepped to have everything ready for cooking, ensuring an organized process.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking while stirring often until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste and the sun-dried tomatoes, cooking while stirring constantly. Let the tomato paste deepen in color slightly, approximately 2 minutes. This step enhances the tomato flavor of the broth.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the chopped fresh basil, kosher salt, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, which should take about 12 minutes.
- Cook pasta: Add the uncooked medium shell pasta to the boiling soup mixture. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, roughly 12 minutes. This ensures the pasta cooks properly without becoming mushy.
- Finish soup with spinach, chicken, and cheeses: Lower the heat to low. Stir in the chopped fresh spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese cubes, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Cook while stirring often, until the cream cheese and Parmesan are fully melted and the chicken is heated through, about 5 minutes. This creates a rich, creamy texture and melds the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the soup at its best.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor; you may also use cooked chicken breast or thigh meat.
- Fresh basil brightens the soup; if unavailable, substitute with dried basil but reduce quantity to 1 teaspoon.
- Adjust crushed red pepper to taste for your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup will be less rich.
- Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature for easier melting and incorporation.
- To make ahead, prepare the soup up to the pasta step, then add pasta and finish cooking just before serving for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
