Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for a soup recipe that’s creamy, comforting, and seriously crave-worthy, you’ve got to try this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that instantly feels like a warm hug on a chilly day but also feels fancy enough to impress dinner guests (hence the name!). I absolutely love how the tangy sun-dried tomatoes and creamy broth come together—plus, the tender chicken and spinach add the perfect wholesome touch. Trust me, once you make this soup, it will quickly become your go-to for cozy nights in.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right ingredients is the key to this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe shining. The sun-dried tomatoes bring an unexpected depth of flavor, while the cream cheese adds that silky finish I adore. Here are some shopping tips to keep your soup recipe on point.

• Sun-dried Tomatoes in Oil: Use the jarred ones packed in oil for extra flavor and avoid rehydrating dry packs—they make the broth tastier.
• Yellow Onion: A large onion adds natural sweetness and aroma—dice it finely for even cooking.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here for the mellow aromatic boost.
• Tomato Paste: Look for a good quality paste since it gives the soup a rich tomato base.
• Chicken Broth: I always prefer homemade or low-sodium broth so I control the salt, but store-bought works great too.
• Heavy Cream: This brings creaminess and richness—you can substitute half-and-half but the soup won’t be quite as silky.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for balancing all the flavors properly.
• Dried Italian Seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs that tie everything together.
• Dried Basil: Adds a subtle, sweet herbiness.
• Onion Powder: Enhances the onion flavor without adding texture.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch gives a gentle heat that wakes up the flavors.
• Bowtie Pasta: I love how bowtie pasta holds up well in soup without getting mushy.
• Baby Spinach: Adds freshness and color, toss it in near the end so it just wilts.
• Cooked, Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully to keep this quick and easy.
• Cream Cheese: Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth blend into the soup.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: This finishes the soup with a salty, nutty punch.

Variations

I like to tweak this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe depending on the mood or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to experiment—this soup welcomes personalization!

• Use Different Pasta Shapes: I’ve tried shells and penne instead of bowties, and it works just as well—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Add More Veggies: Sometimes I toss in mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrients.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream and cream cheese for coconut cream and a dairy-free cream cheese—just a different but still luscious twist.
• Spicy Kick: If you love heat, double the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce before serving.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Infuse the Oil and Sauté Aromatics

The magic begins by draining the oil from those sun-dried tomatoes right into your pot—that oil is packed with flavor and creates the perfect base. Heat it over medium heat until shimmering, then add your diced onions. After about two minutes, toss in the garlic and keep stirring everything for another three minutes or until soft and fragrant. This step builds your soup’s aroma—don’t rush it, but watch carefully so the garlic doesn’t burn.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Base

Chop those drained sun-dried tomatoes roughly and stir them into the pot along with your tomato paste. Keep stirring for a minute or two until the paste darkens slightly—this deepening color means more robust flavor. I’ve learned that this little trick takes your soup from good to unforgettable.

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings, Then Simmer

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine everything smoothly. Then add kosher salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors marry perfectly, making a rich, soulful broth.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add your bowtie pasta to the simmering soup and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until just al dente. Keep an eye on the texture here—you want it tender but with a little bite. If the soup gets too thick, pop in a splash more broth or water.

Step 5: Stir in Cream, Chicken, Spinach, and Cream Cheese

Lower the heat to low and gently fold in the heavy cream, spinach, shredded chicken, and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts through and everything is combined beautifully. Let it cook another 5 minutes to warm through and let the spinach wilt but stay vibrant. This step is where the soup transforms into a velvety dream you won’t want to stop eating.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Serve Hot

Right before serving, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top and give the soup one last gentle stir. The parmesan adds just the right hint of saltiness and depth. Serve it hot in big bowls with crusty bread on the side—guaranteed to make everyone at your table smile.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a little extra fresh parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley when I have it on hand. It brightens things up and adds a fresh herbal punch. Sometimes a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice lifts the whole bowl amazingly well too.

Side Dishes

My go-to side with this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is definitely crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up every last drop. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is also a nice, refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in individual mini Dutch ovens or rustic crocks, garnished each bowl with a fresh herb sprig and a parmesan crisp on the side. It instantly makes it feel more special and restaurant-quality without any extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day! Just give it a good stir before reheating as the cream cheese can settle a bit.

Freezing

Freezing this soup is totally doable, though I recommend leaving out the pasta if you plan to freeze it—it tends to get mushy. Freeze the soup base separately, then cook fresh pasta when you reheat. If you want, you can freeze leftovers without pasta but personally, I prefer reheating just the broth and adding fresh pasta for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching and to re-incorporate the cream cheese. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. I avoid microwaving because it can separate the cream a bit, but microwave reheating in short bursts works in a pinch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe holds a special spot in my heart because it’s that perfect balance of easy comfort and impressive flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking to wow a crowd, it delivers every time. I truly believe once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—just like me. So go ahead, grab those ingredients, and treat yourself to a bowl of warm love!

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