Marry Me Chicken Soup: Quick, Creamy, and Irresistible

Marry Me Chicken Soup is the cozy, comforting bowl of goodness that might just win you a proposal—or at least a second dinner request. This recipe takes all the creamy, sun-dried tomato flavors from the beloved “Marry Me Chicken” dish and transforms them into a hearty, slurp-worthy soup. Packed with tender chicken, pasta shells, and a dreamy Parmesan-cream cheese base, Marry Me Chicken Soup is both soul-soothing and ridiculously delicious. It’s a dish you’ll want to curl up with on chilly nights, or anytime you crave something rich but surprisingly easy to make in under an hour.

Table of Contents

What is Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a playful spin on the internet-famous Marry Me Chicken, known for its creamy tomato sauce with Parmesan, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Instead of serving it over pasta or rice, this recipe turns the flavors into a comforting soup. Think of it as chicken noodle soup’s glamorous cousin: still cozy and hearty but with a creamy Italian flair. With tender pasta shells, spinach, and plenty of melty cheese, it’s a bowl of comfort food that feels a little fancy without being fussy. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or impressing guests who love a good story behind their food.

Reasons to Try Marry Me Chicken Soup

First, it’s fast—ready in about 45 minutes, making it a weeknight win. Second, it’s versatile: serve it with crusty bread for a meal or as a starter for a dinner party. Third, the flavor is next-level. The sun-dried tomato oil, garlic, cream cheese, and Parmesan create a broth that’s velvety and savory with just the right tang. And let’s not forget the name—Marry Me Chicken Soup carries some charm! It’s one of those dishes that can win over picky eaters, warm up chilly evenings, and maybe spark a little romance. At the very least, you’ll be marrying your spoon to the pot for seconds.

Ingredients Needed to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

When it comes to making Marry Me Chicken Soup, the magic is all in the balance of creamy, savory, and tangy ingredients. Below, I’ll walk you through each item so you know not only what to add, but why it matters. Think of this as a guided shopping list that makes sure you’re cooking with confidence.

• Sun-Dried Tomato Oil (2 tablespoons): Don’t skip this! Instead of plain olive oil, we’re using the oil straight from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s infused with herbs and has a rich, slightly sweet flavor that gives the soup its signature taste.
• Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here. It lays the foundation for that bold, aromatic flavor that makes Marry Me Chicken Soup feel like a hug in a bowl.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes (3/4 cup, chopped): These are the heart of the recipe. They add tangy depth and a little chewiness to each bite. Look for the ones packed in oil with herbs for extra flavor.
• Tomato Paste (3 tablespoons): This is the secret weapon for creating a robust tomato base. Cooking it briefly with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes brings out a richer, almost caramelized taste.
• Chicken Broth (8 cups, low-sodium): A lighter broth gives you control over the salt while letting the Parmesan and cream cheese shine. This is what transforms all the ingredients into a hearty, comforting soup.
• Small Pasta Shells (8 ounces, about 2 cups): The little shells are perfect because they hold onto the creamy broth in every bite. If you love pasta in your soup, you’ll find this texture irresistible.
• Baby Spinach (1 package, about 5 ounces): Tossed in right at the end, spinach wilts beautifully and sneaks in some greens without overpowering the creaminess.
• Shredded Cooked Chicken (2 cups): This is where convenience comes in. A rotisserie chicken works perfectly, saving you prep time while still delivering juicy, tender bites.
• Cream Cheese (1 package, 8 ounces, cubed and softened): This is the creamy dream-maker. It melts into the broth and transforms it into a rich, silky base.
• Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, finely shredded, plus extra for garnish): Nutty, salty Parmesan ties everything together and adds that Italian-inspired flavor that makes this soup unforgettable.
• Fresh Basil (1/4 cup, chopped, plus extra for garnish): Basil is optional, but if you add it, you’ll taste that pop of freshness that balances the richness.
• Kosher Salt (to taste): Add at the very end, since your broth, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes already bring plenty of flavor.

If you love this ingredient list, you’ll probably enjoy trying another rich and creamy soup, like this Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup, which has a similar comfort-food vibe but with a little Southern kick.

Instructions to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Making Marry Me Chicken Soup is simpler than you think, but the key is to layer the flavors step by step. Follow along carefully and you’ll end up with a pot of creamy, soul-warming soup that tastes like it simmered all day. Here’s the full breakdown:

Step 1: Create the Flavorful Tomato Base

Start by grabbing a large Dutch oven or heavy soup pot. Add 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomato oil and warm it over medium heat until it shimmers. This oil already has all those beautiful herbs built in, so it gives you a head start on flavor. Next, toss in 6 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn—it should smell sweet, not bitter.

Now stir in the 3/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with 3 tablespoons of tomato paste. Let this mixture cook for about two minutes, stirring constantly. The tomato paste should deepen in color, giving you a richer, more robust base. This is the foundation of your Marry Me Chicken Soup—a slightly sweet, tangy, and savory tomato layer that sets the stage for everything else.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Once your base is fragrant, pour in 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Stir to combine, then raise the heat to medium-high and bring it to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the sun-dried tomatoes will soften, and the garlic-tomato paste mixture will dissolve into the broth, creating that signature creamy-tomato essence. Think of this step as letting all your flavors get to know each other.

If you’re a fan of tomato-rich soups, you might also enjoy trying Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings for another cozy, flavor-packed option.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Lower the heat to medium-low and add 8 ounces of small pasta shells. Stir well so they don’t clump together at the bottom. Let the pasta cook for about 6 minutes, or until just al dente. Remember, the pasta will continue cooking as the soup finishes, so you don’t want it too soft at this stage. Taste a shell—if it has just a tiny bit of bite, it’s ready.

Step 4: Add the Greens and Chicken

Now comes the hearty part! Stir in 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken and your 5-ounce package of chopped spinach. The spinach will wilt almost instantly, adding color and nutrition without overpowering the creamy base. The chicken soaks up all the tomato-garlic goodness while making this soup filling enough to serve as the main dish.

Pro tip: If you’re in a rush, a rotisserie chicken is your best friend here. It’s tender, flavorful, and saves you tons of prep time.

Step 5: Make It Creamy and Cheesy

Remove the pot from the heat and add cubed cream cheese and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Stir slowly but consistently until the cream cheese melts completely and the Parmesan disappears into the broth. This is when the magic happens—your soup transforms into a silky, luscious pot of comfort.

If you’re using fresh basil, toss in 1/4 cup chopped basil now for a burst of freshness. Stir gently until everything is combined.

Step 6: Taste and Serve

Give your Marry Me Chicken Soup one final taste. Because the broth, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes already bring plenty of salt, you may not need much more. Add a pinch of kosher salt only if necessary.

Ladle the soup into bowls, then garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if you’d like. Pair with crusty bread for dunking, and dinner is officially served.

What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Soup

This soup is filling enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or warm bread. A loaf of crusty sourdough or garlic bread is perfect for dunking into the creamy broth. If you’re feeling cozy, add a side of roasted veggies for balance. For a themed meal, serve it alongside another comforting soup like Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup or go tomato-forward with Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup. And for dessert? Something light, like fruit or a little chocolate, keeps the focus on that dreamy soup.

Key Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Soften the cream cheese before adding it to avoid lumps.
• Cook pasta just until al dente—remember it will keep soaking up broth.
• Adjust the broth amount if you prefer soupier or thicker consistency.
• Don’t skimp on Parmesan; it’s what makes the broth so velvety.
• Taste at the end before adding salt—Parmesan and broth often add enough.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep in mind the pasta will soak up broth over time, so you may need to add extra chicken broth when reheating. Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often until creamy again. If microwaving, heat in short bursts and stir in between to avoid hot spots. For freezing, store the soup base without the pasta, then cook fresh pasta when reheating for best texture.

FAQs

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the pasta separate if you’re planning to store it. Add fresh pasta when reheating.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or even tortellini work well.

What’s a good substitute for cream cheese?
Mascarpone or heavy cream will give a similar richness, though the texture may differ slightly.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not as written, but you can add red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—swap in veggie broth and use cannellini beans instead of chicken.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Soup is comfort food with a little flair, the kind of recipe that makes an ordinary night feel special. Whether you’re serving it to your family, making it for a date night in, or just craving something hearty yet simple, this soup delivers. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—and yes, it might just earn you a marriage proposal, or at least a very enthusiastic “Can I have seconds?”

Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.

Print