Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

There’s something irresistibly cozy about a big, hearty bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with creamy, savory goodness. This Marry Me Chicken Soup is all about indulgent flavors, combining tender chicken, rich cream, fragrant basil, and the delightful tang of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a riff on the popular “Marry Me Chicken” recipe that’s said to be so delicious, it could inspire a proposal! This soup version takes those classic flavors and turns them into a comforting bowl of pure joy—perfect for cozy nights or impressing someone special.

I remember the first time I made this soup. It was one of those chilly evenings when all you want is something warm and satisfying. The smell of onions and garlic sautéing filled the kitchen, and as I added the tomato paste, I could already tell it was going to be a hit. By the time I stirred in the cream and Parmesan, I was practically drooling! My family devoured it, and now it’s one of our go-to meals when we want something a little extra special. If you’re a fan of creamy, hearty soups with a touch of Italian flair, this Marry Me Chicken Soup might just steal your heart too.

this RECIPE

A bit of history on “Marry Me Chicken” 🥣

The original “Marry Me Chicken” is a popular recipe in the world of comfort food, often made with juicy chicken breasts in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and basil. The name comes from its reputation as a dish so delicious, it might just inspire a marriage proposal! While no one knows for sure who coined the term, it’s become a beloved classic in kitchens everywhere. This soup adaptation keeps the key flavors of the dish—sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan—but turns it into a one-pot meal that’s perfect for cold days. It’s rich, hearty, and, like the original, utterly irresistible.

Let’s talk ingredients: the stars of this soup

This soup is all about layering flavors, so each ingredient brings something special to the bowl.

• Sun-dried tomato oil: We’re using the flavorful oil from a jar of sun-dried tomatoes to sauté our onions and garlic. It adds a hint of tomato flavor right from the start. If you’re out, olive oil works too, but the sun-dried oil gives it a unique depth.
• Yellow onion and garlic: These form the base of the soup, adding a mellow sweetness and a touch of pungency. Chop them finely to blend into the creamy texture.
• Tomato paste: This brings an intense tomato flavor, and cooking it until it darkens slightly makes the taste richer. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
• Chicken broth: The broth is the backbone of the soup. I recommend low-sodium so you can control the saltiness. For a richer flavor, you could even use homemade broth.
• Heavy cream and cream cheese: Together, they make the soup incredibly creamy and indulgent. If you want to lighten it up, you could try half-and-half, but the full cream really makes it special.
• Basil and Italian seasoning: These herbs bring in that classic Italian flavor profile. Fresh basil is best, but dried will work in a pinch—just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Baby spinach: Not only does spinach add a pop of color, but it also provides a boost of nutrients and a subtle earthy flavor. If you don’t have fresh spinach, kale or Swiss chard are good substitutes.
• Rotisserie chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a depth of flavor. You could also use leftover shredded chicken if you have it on hand.
• Parmesan cheese: Finely shredded Parmesan adds a nutty, savory kick that makes this soup truly decadent. Buy a block and grate it yourself for the best flavor!

Essential kitchen gear for perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup

This soup is simple to make and doesn’t require fancy equipment, but a few tools make it even easier.

• Dutch oven or large pot: A good heavy-bottomed pot is essential for evenly cooking the ingredients and preventing burning. Dutch ovens retain heat beautifully, but any large pot will work.
• Wooden spoon: For stirring without scratching the pot, a wooden spoon is perfect. It’s also helpful for gently pressing down the tomato paste to deepen its color.
• Microplane or fine grater: For grating Parmesan, a Microplane is ideal. Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds more flavor.
• Measuring spoons and cups: While this recipe is forgiving, measuring your ingredients helps keep the flavors balanced. A teaspoon too much of salt can change the whole taste.

Step-by-step: My tried-and-true method for creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup

Let’s get cooking! I’ll walk you through each step as if we’re in the kitchen together.

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat a tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in your Dutch oven over medium heat. When it’s shimmering, add your chopped onion and garlic. Stir frequently, cooking until they’re soft and fragrant—about 3 to 4 minutes. (Be careful not to let the garlic burn; it can turn bitter quickly!)
2. Add tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes: Now, add your tomato paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes. You’ll notice the paste darken to a slightly deeper red—this step intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a lovely richness.
3. Pour in the liquids and seasonings: Next, add the chicken broth, heavy cream, chopped basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Give everything a good stir, and bring it to a boil over medium heat. This should take around 12 minutes, with occasional stirring.
4. Add the pasta: Once your soup is boiling, add the uncooked pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook until al dente, about 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. (Tip: check the pasta a couple of minutes early; it’ll continue to soften as the soup sits.)
5. Finish with spinach, chicken, and cheese: Turn the heat down to low and add your chopped spinach, shredded chicken, cubed cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the chicken is heated through—about 5 minutes. The soup will be thick and creamy at this point, with flecks of spinach and sun-dried tomato throughout.
6. Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan, fresh basil, and a pinch of crushed red pepper if you like a little extra heat.

Variations and tweaks for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Feeling creative? Here are a few ways to switch it up:

• Gluten-free: Substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta or even cauliflower florets for a low-carb option.
• Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken for canned chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get that hearty texture and protein boost.
• Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese. The result will be a bit lighter but still creamy.
• Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for an extra savory, earthy depth.
• Spicy twist: Increase the crushed red pepper to give it more kick, or add a splash of hot sauce for a different type of heat.

Serving and presentation ideas

This soup is a showstopper in itself, but a few finishing touches can make it even more special. Serve it in wide, shallow bowls to show off the creamy broth and colorful spinach. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a few basil leaves, and a pinch of crushed red pepper for color. Crusty bread or garlic toast is a must for dunking—there’s nothing like soaking up that rich, creamy broth!

Beverage pairings

For a comforting, cozy meal like Marry Me Chicken Soup, a warm or refreshing drink is ideal. Here are a few of my favorite options:

• Lemon basil iced tea: The citrusy flavor complements the rich, creamy soup, and the hint of basil echoes the fresh herbs in the soup.
• Sparkling water with lime: If you prefer something simple, sparkling water with a twist of lime or lemon keeps things light and refreshing.
• Hot apple cider: On chilly nights, a mug of hot apple cider adds an extra layer of warmth and sweetness that balances the savory soup.
• Cucumber mint cooler: For a bright, palate-cleansing sip, try a refreshing cucumber and mint-infused water or mocktail.

Storing and reheating tips

If you have leftovers, lucky you! This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container, and when reheating, warm it over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water, as the pasta will soak up some of the liquid.

Freezing isn’t ideal due to the cream and pasta, which can turn grainy, but if you must, freeze without the pasta and add fresh pasta when reheating.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe serves about 6, but you can easily adjust it. For a smaller batch, halve each ingredient. If doubling, just make sure you have a large enough pot, as this soup is quite hearty! When scaling up, keep an eye on the pasta, as larger quantities might need a bit more liquid to cook fully.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, but sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated flavor that fresh ones don’t. If using fresh, consider roasting them first for a similar depth.

2. What’s the best pasta substitute?
Any short pasta will work, but shells are perfect for catching the creamy broth. Try fusilli or ditalini if you’re out of shells.

3. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
You can substitute coconut milk for cream and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The flavor will change, but it’s still delicious!

4. What’s a good vegetarian protein substitute for the chicken?
White beans or chickpeas are great vegetarian options, adding both protein and texture.

5. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add more crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce to taste. You could also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top when serving for extra heat.

This Marry Me Chicken Soup is truly a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving family, friends, or just treating yourself to something special. Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to put your own twist on it! Enjoy every creamy, comforting bite.

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