The Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe That Will Win Hearts
Marry Me Chicken Soup isn’t just a meal—it’s a love letter served in a bowl. Picture this: you’re standing in your kitchen on a chilly evening, the aroma of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil dancing through the air, while your loved ones gather around the table with anticipation.
This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s the kind of dish that creates memories, sparks conversations, and yes, might just inspire a marriage proposal or two.
Born from the viral “Marry Me Chicken” trend, this soup version takes all those irresistible flavors—creamy texture, savory herbs, and tender chicken—and transforms them into the ultimate comfort food experience.
With every spoonful, you’ll discover why this recipe has become the secret weapon of home cooks everywhere who want to create something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Last month, my neighbor Sarah tried this recipe for her anniversary dinner, and her husband literally asked for the recipe before dessert arrived.
That’s the magic of Marry Me Chicken Soup—it combines restaurant-quality flavors with the warmth of homemade comfort food. The rich, creamy broth gets its depth from sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, while chunks of rotisserie chicken and tender pasta shells make every bite satisfying.
What makes this recipe truly special is how it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The cream cheese melts into silky perfection, the Parmesan adds that perfect salty finish, and the baby spinach brings a pop of color and nutrition.
Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or feeding a hungry family, this soup delivers impressive results with minimal effort. Explore more quick & easy recipes here for additional meal inspiration.
Ingredients List
This Marry Me Chicken Soup brings together simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create something magical. Here’s everything you’ll need, organized by category for easy shopping and prep:
| Main Components | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs) | ½ cup |
| Oil from sun-dried tomato jar | 1 tbsp |
| Yellow onion, chopped | 1 ½ cups |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Flavor Boosters | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tomato paste | 3 tbsp |
| Chicken broth | 32 oz (2 packages) |
| Heavy whipping cream | 1 cup |
| Fresh basil (plus more for garnish) | 4 tsp |
| Kosher salt | 2 tsp |
| Dried Italian seasoning | 1 ½ tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Crushed red pepper | ¼ tsp (or more for heat) |
| The Good Stuff | Amount |
|---|---|
| Uncooked medium shell pasta | 8 oz |
| Fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped | 3 cups |
| Shredded rotisserie chicken | 2 cups |
| Cream cheese, cubed (room temperature) | 8 oz |
| Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (plus more for garnish) | 1 ½ oz |
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—most ingredients are pantry-friendly, making it perfect for those weeknight dinners when you want something special without a trip to multiple stores. Find more healthy recipe ideas here to complement your meal planning.
Step-by-Step Directions
Creating this irresistible Marry Me Chicken Soup is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these detailed steps to ensure perfect results every time:
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Heat the reserved oil from your sun-dried tomatoes in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation
Add the tomato paste to your aromatics and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors. Pour in the chicken broth and add the sun-dried tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Bring the mixture to a boil, then add your uncooked shell pasta. Cook according to package directions minus 1 minute (the pasta will continue cooking in the soup). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Base
Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the heavy whipping cream, stirring constantly. Add the cubed cream cheese and whisk until completely melted and smooth. This creates that signature velvety texture that makes Marry Me Chicken Soup so irresistible.
Step 5: Final Additions
Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped baby spinach, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Exact Timing to make Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Active Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Serves: 6-8 people generously
This timing assumes you’re using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and have all ingredients prepped and ready to go. The beauty of this recipe is that most of the cooking happens in one pot, making cleanup a breeze while delivering maximum flavor impact.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional profile of your Marry Me Chicken Soup helps you make informed decisions about portion sizes and meal planning. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 485 | 24% |
| Total Fat | 28g | 36% |
| Saturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Cholesterol | 95mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 890mg | 39% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35g | 13% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g | 11% |
| Total Sugars | 8g | – |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Vitamin A | 2,850 IU | 57% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 285mg | 22% |
| Iron | 3.2mg | 18% |
Key Nutritional Insights:
- High Protein Content: Each serving provides 25g of complete protein from chicken and dairy, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety
- Rich in Vitamin A: The spinach and cream contribute significantly to your daily vitamin A needs, supporting eye health and immune function
- Calcium Source: The combination of cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan provides about 22% of daily calcium requirements
- Moderate Calorie Density: At 485 calories per serving, this soup can fit into most balanced meal plans when paired with lighter sides
Healthier Alternatives
Transform your Marry Me Chicken Soup into a lighter version without sacrificing the rich, comforting flavors that make it special. These modifications maintain the recipe’s appeal while boosting nutritional benefits:
| Original Ingredient | Healthier Alternative | Benefits | Flavor Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy whipping cream (1 cup) | Half-and-half + Greek yogurt (½ cup each) | Reduces calories by 200, adds probiotics | Maintains creaminess with slight tang |
| Regular cream cheese (8 oz) | Light cream cheese or cashew cream cheese | Cuts calories by 30-40% | Nearly identical taste and texture |
| Shell pasta (8 oz) | Whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta | Increases fiber and protein content | Nuttier flavor, more satisfying |
| Full-fat Parmesan | Nutritional yeast + small amount regular Parmesan | Lower sodium, adds B vitamins | Cheesy umami flavor maintained |
| Rotisserie chicken (2 cups) | Grilled chicken breast or thighs | Control sodium and additives | Fresher taste, customizable seasoning |
| Regular chicken broth | Low-sodium bone broth | Reduces sodium by 40%, adds collagen | Richer, more complex flavor |
Additional Modification Options:
- Vegetable Boost: Add diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and fiber
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and cashew cheese for those with lactose intolerance
- Lower Carb Option: Replace pasta with cauliflower florets or zucchini spirals
Discover more nutritious dinner ideas here to expand your healthy meal repertoire while keeping flavors exciting.
Serving Suggestions
Crusty Bread Companions
Serve your Marry Me Chicken Soup with warm, crusty sourdough bread or garlic breadsticks for the ultimate comfort food experience. The bread provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up every last drop of that creamy, flavor-packed broth. For a healthier twist, try whole grain dinner rolls or homemade focaccia topped with fresh herbs.
Fresh Salad Balance
Balance the richness of the soup with a crisp, light salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette. The acidity from the dressing cuts through the cream beautifully, while the fresh vegetables add textural contrast and help round out the meal nutritionally.
Wine Pairing Perfection
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, whose acidity complements the creamy base. For red wine lovers, a light Chianti works beautifully with the Italian-inspired flavors of basil and sun-dried tomatoes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Pasta
One of the biggest mistakes when making Marry Me Chicken Soup is cooking the pasta until it’s completely tender during the initial boiling phase. Remember to undercook the pasta by about 1 minute since it will continue cooking in the hot soup. This prevents mushy, overcooked pasta that breaks apart and creates an unpleasant texture.
Adding Dairy Too Quickly
Rushing the cream and cream cheese addition can lead to curdling or lumpy texture. Always reduce the heat to medium-low before adding dairy ingredients, and stir constantly while incorporating them. If using cold cream cheese, make sure it’s cubed and at room temperature for smoother melting.
Skipping the Tomato Paste Cooking Step
Many home cooks add tomato paste directly to the broth without cooking it first with the aromatics. This crucial step of cooking the tomato paste for 1-2 minutes develops deeper, more complex flavors and prevents the raw, acidic taste that can overpower the soup’s delicate balance.
Storing Tips
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup may thicken as it cools due to the pasta absorbing liquid and the cream setting. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore the desired consistency, and heat gently over medium-low heat to prevent the dairy from separating.
Freezer Considerations
While this soup can be frozen for up to 3 months, keep in mind that cream-based soups sometimes separate when thawed. For best results, consider freezing the soup base without the pasta and cream cheese, then adding fresh pasta and dairy when reheating. If freezing the complete soup, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly, whisking frequently to re-emulsify.
Make-Ahead Strategy
For meal prep success, prepare all components separately and combine when ready to serve. Cook the pasta al dente and store separately from the soup base. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and maintains the soup’s optimal texture when reheated throughout the week.
FAQs
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, Marry Me Chicken Soup is excellent for meal prep with a few modifications. Prepare the soup base (everything except pasta and spinach) up to 3 days ahead and store refrigerated. Cook fresh pasta and add it along with the spinach when reheating. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and keeps the spinach vibrant. The flavors actually improve after a day as they meld together.
What’s the best way to reheat Marry Me Chicken Soup without the cream separating?
Reheat Marry Me Chicken Soup gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from breaking. If the soup has thickened during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore consistency. Avoid microwaving at high power; instead, use 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval. Never let the soup come to a rolling boil during reheating.
Can I substitute different vegetables in my Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe?
Absolutely! Marry Me Chicken Soup is very adaptable to different vegetables. Try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini with the onions. Kale or Swiss chard work well instead of spinach, though they’ll need a few extra minutes to cook. Roasted red peppers add a sweet, smoky flavor that complements the sun-dried tomatoes beautifully. Just maintain similar cooking times for best results.
How can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup dairy-free while keeping it creamy?
Transform your Marry Me Chicken Soup into a dairy-free version using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and cashew cream cheese or silken tofu blended with nutritional yeast. Coconut milk (full-fat) creates excellent richness, while cashew cream provides the tangy flavor profile. Use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives or increase the nutritional yeast for that cheesy umami flavor that makes this soup so irresistible.
Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Description
Fall in love with this creamy, flavorful Marry Me Chicken Soup — a comforting, romantic twist on the viral Marry Me Chicken dish. Packed with tender rotisserie chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a silky cream cheese broth, it’s the perfect cozy meal for recipes with chicken, recipes for dinner, or recipes using cream cheese.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs)
- 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomato jar
- 1 1/2 cups yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 32 oz (2 packages) chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 teaspoons fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (or more for heat)
- 8 oz uncooked medium shell pasta
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1 1/2 oz finely shredded Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to develop deep flavor.
- Pour in chicken broth and add sun-dried tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then add uncooked shell pasta. Cook according to package directions minus 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Add cream cheese cubes and whisk until fully melted and smooth.
- Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped spinach, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and soup thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with extra basil and Parmesan before serving.
Notes
This Marry Me Chicken Soup blends the flavors of creamy pasta and savory chicken in one heartwarming bowl. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and add extra crushed red pepper if you prefer a little kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: marry me chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, recipes with chicken, recipes using cream cheese, recipes for dinner
