Marry Me Chicken Soup is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and aromatic flavors that will win your heart in every bite. Inspired by the irresistible “Marry Me Chicken” dish, this soup brings the same rich, comforting experience in a warm, bowl-ready form. Packed with tender rotisserie chicken, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of spices, this soup is both hearty and flavorful. The creamy texture, courtesy of heavy cream and cream cheese, makes it feel indulgent without being overly heavy. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or looking for a delicious and filling meal, Marry Me Chicken Soup is sure to impress. It’s the kind of dish that might just make you want to propose to your bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Flavor

This soup is creamy and comforting thanks to the combination of heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan. It’s a luscious base for all the other delicious ingredients.

2. Simple to Make

Despite its indulgent flavors, Marry Me Chicken Soup comes together relatively quickly and requires basic ingredients that are easy to find.

3. Packed with Protein and Veggies

With rotisserie chicken and spinach, this soup provides a good source of protein and nutrients, making it a wholesome meal that keeps you satisfied.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a weekend lunch, or a comforting soup for guests, this recipe is versatile and works for any time of day or gathering.

5. Customizable and Delicious

You can add extra veggies, adjust the spice level, or even swap out ingredients like pasta for another grain. It’s easy to make it your own!

Ingredients

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned (drained, packed in herb-infused oil)
1 tablespoon oil from the sun-dried tomato jar (divided)
1 ½ cups yellow onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 (32-ounce) cartons chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish, optional)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 ½ teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (plus extra for garnish, optional)
8 ounces medium shell pasta, uncooked
3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened
1 ½ ounces Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (plus extra for garnish)

Variations

Spicy Version: Add more crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the cream cheese for a lighter version of this soup.
Different Pasta: Swap out shell pasta for another pasta shape, such as penne, farfalle, or ditalini.
Add More Veggies: Try adding carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to make the soup even heartier and more nutritious.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Tomato Paste and Broth

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize and deepen in flavor. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Stir well to combine, then bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked shell pasta to the soup and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Spinach

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and chopped spinach. Let the soup simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is heated through.

Step 5: Add the Cream Cheese and Parmesan

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cubed cream cheese, allowing it to melt and blend into the soup. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the soup is creamy and smooth.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

For Extra Creaminess: Make sure to soften the cream cheese before adding it to the soup to ensure it melts smoothly.
Add More Flavor: If you like your soup with a stronger garlic flavor, you can add a bit more garlic powder or minced garlic.
Pasta Tip: To avoid the pasta becoming too soft or mushy, try adding it to the soup only during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Make It Ahead: You can prepare the soup up until adding the cream cheese and Parmesan, and then refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. Just reheat and add the cream cheese and cheese when you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve

Marry Me Chicken Soup is perfect as a standalone meal or served with sides. Pair it with a fresh garden salad or a warm, crusty bread for dipping. The rich and creamy texture of the soup pairs wonderfully with a light side, making it the perfect comfort meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature before storing leftovers in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

For freezing, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, farfalle, or rotini. Adjust cooking time according to the pasta shape.

2. Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup stores well in the fridge for a few days, and the flavors actually improve over time. Just be sure to add the spinach and cream cheese when reheating to maintain the texture.

3. Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use cooked chicken breast or thighs instead of rotisserie chicken. Just be sure to shred the chicken into small pieces before adding it to the soup.

4. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

To make this soup dairy-free, you can use a non-dairy cream like coconut milk or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative, and substitute the cream cheese and Parmesan with dairy-free versions.

5. How can I make this soup spicier?

Add more crushed red pepper, hot sauce, or even diced jalapeños to the soup to increase the heat.

6. Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to freeze it before adding the cream cheese and Parmesan, as dairy may separate when frozen.

7. How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

To prevent the pasta from overcooking, add it to the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking and keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

8. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried basil, but fresh basil provides a more vibrant flavor. If using dried, reduce the amount to 1-2 teaspoons.

9. Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes, you can make this soup vegan by using plant-based chicken, dairy-free cream, and vegan cream cheese and Parmesan.

10. How can I make the soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend part of the soup with an immersion blender or add more cream cheese to thicken it up.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Soup is the kind of dish that will make you fall in love with soup all over again. With its creamy texture, tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a blend of flavorful seasonings, this soup offers comfort in every spoonful. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying meal for a busy weeknight or a dish to impress guests, Marry Me Chicken Soup is guaranteed to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you might just be proposing to your bowl!