I am so excited to share with you my all-time favorite comfort food: this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe. It’s a rich, creamy, and totally irresistible soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, tender chicken, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta makes this soup incredibly flavorful yet surprisingly easy to prepare. Every time I make it, the whole house fills with such a cozy aroma, and it never fails to impress anyone who tastes it.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
What makes this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe so special to me is the explosion of flavors dancing on my palate. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a deep, tangy richness while the blend of herbs like Italian seasoning and basil provides just the right amount of aromatic warmth. The cream cheese and heavy cream create an ultra-smooth, velvety texture that feels luxurious without being too heavy, and sprinkling parmesan at the end adds the perfect salty finish. It’s like a gourmet meal in a bowl but without the fuss!
Besides the amazing taste, I adore how simple and straightforward the preparation is. It’s not a soup you have to babysit; you just layer your ingredients thoughtfully, allow each step to build flavor, and then let the magic happen on the stove. Whether I’m making it for a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion like a cozy gathering with friends, this soup always stands out. It’s comforting, hearty, and elegant all at once—truly a recipe that earns its reputation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The genius of this soup lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role — from the sun-dried tomatoes to the cream cheese — blending to create a beautiful balance of texture, color, and flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Adds deep umami and tang, plus the infused oil is perfect for sautéing.
- Yellow onion: Provides natural sweetness and body to the soup base.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses a warm, fragrant aroma and depth.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a rich color.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that ties everything together.
- Heavy cream: For luxurious creaminess and velvety texture.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings freshness and earthiness.
- Dried basil: Adds herbal brightness and a hint of sweetness.
- Onion powder: Boosts savory depth without extra texture.
- Red pepper flakes: Gives the soup a subtle kick of heat.
- Bowtie pasta: Perfect little pockets that soak up the creamy broth.
- Baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and a nutritious touch.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Protein-packed and tender, the star of the dish.
- Cream cheese: Melts into the soup for richness and smoothness.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish as a garnish.
Directions
Step 1: First, drain the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar into a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot and heat it over medium heat until shimmering. This oil is packed with flavor and forms a fantastic base for the soup.
Step 2: Add the diced yellow onion to the hot oil and cook it for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until it starts to soften and turn translucent.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 3 minutes, making sure to keep stirring so the garlic doesn’t brown but releases all its fragrant goodness.
Step 4: Chop the drained sun-dried tomatoes roughly, then add them to the pot along with the tomato paste. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly in color, which intensifies its flavor.
Step 5: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine everything smoothly. Season the soup with kosher salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, onion powder, and red pepper flakes, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 6: Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes to allow all the flavors to mingle beautifully.
Step 7: Add the uncooked bowtie pasta and continue simmering for another 10 to 12 minutes or until the pasta is just al dente. Keep an eye on the pasta to avoid overcooking.
Step 8: Lower the heat to the lowest setting, then add the heavy cream, baby spinach, shredded chicken, and softened cream cheese. Stir gently to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cream cheese fully melts into the soup.
Step 9: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top before serving the soup hot and steaming!
Servings and Timing
This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe serves between 6 to 8 people, making it perfect for families or small gatherings. The prep time is about 10 minutes, which is mostly chopping and gathering ingredients. Cooking takes roughly 30 to 35 minutes, including simmering and pasta cooking, so the total time for a hearty, satisfying meal is around 40 to 45 minutes. There’s no resting or cooling time needed—you serve it immediately for best flavor and warmth.
How to Serve This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
When I serve this soup, I love to keep things simple but thoughtful. It pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or garlic breadsticks, which are perfect for dipping into that creamy, tomato-rich broth. A side salad with crisp greens and a lemon vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the soup and adds a fresh, vibrant contrast.
For garnish, a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley brightens the presentation and adds a fresh herbal note. You can also add an extra dusting of parmesan cheese tableside for guests who want a bit more cheesy goodness. Serving this soup in rustic bowls keeps the vibe cozy and inviting, especially when served hot and steaming right from the stove.
In terms of beverages, I love pairing Marry Me Chicken Soup with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness with their crisp acidity. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a cold iced green tea complements the herbal undertones in the soup beautifully. This recipe shines at family dinners, casual weeknight meals, or when you want to impress guests with a dish that feels special but is super easy to make.
Variations
Over time, I’ve played around with this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. If you want to swap out the bowtie pasta, penne or small shells work wonderfully too—they soak up the broth just as well and add a fun shape to the presentation. For a gluten-free version, I use gluten-free pasta or even spiralized zucchini for a lighter, veggie-packed twist.
If you want to make it vegan, try substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth, replace the shredded chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas, and use a vegan cream cheese alternative along with coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The result is still creamy, hearty, and full of flavor. For a bit of a spicy kick, I occasionally increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth.
Another variation I love is using rotisserie chicken to save time or adding roasted red peppers for a sweet, smoky nuance. You could also try cooking this soup in a slow cooker by adding all ingredients except for the cream cheese and spinach in the morning and letting it cook on low for 4-6 hours—add the last ingredients just before serving to preserve their freshness.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
When I have leftovers, I let the soup cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers with secure lids work best to keep the soup fresh. Stored properly in the refrigerator, leftovers will keep well for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making it a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this soup successfully, but I recommend freezing it before adding the cream cheese and fresh spinach to maintain the best texture upon reheating. Freeze in portion-sized freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. The soup will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove, adding the cream cheese and spinach fresh at that time.
Reheating
To reheat, I always warm the soup slowly on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream and cheese from separating. Avoid using a microwave if possible, as it can cause the creamy texture to become grainy. If the soup seems too thick upon reheating, just add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Adding extra fresh spinach during reheating is a great way to refresh the soup’s vibrancy.
FAQs
Can I make this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors actually deepen if you make it a day ahead. Just keep the cream cheese and spinach separate until reheating to ensure they stay fresh and vibrant.
What type of chicken works best in this soup?
I prefer cooked, shredded chicken breast for a lean option, but rotisserie chicken or even leftover cooked chicken thighs work perfectly well and add great flavor.
Can I make this soup without pasta?
Yes! If you want a lower-carb or lighter meal, simply omit the pasta or substitute with spiralized veggies like zucchini noodles to keep it hearty but fresh.
Is it possible to use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried ones?
While fresh tomatoes can be used, sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated, tangy richness that’s hard to replicate. If you must use fresh, roast them first to bring out deeper flavor.
How spicy is this soup and can I adjust the heat?
The soup has a mild warmth from the red pepper flakes, but it’s easy to adjust. Add more flakes for extra heat or omit them to keep it gentle and family-friendly.
Conclusion
I hope you feel inspired to try this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe—it’s one of those dishes that never fails to win hearts at my table. Creamy, flavorful, and so satisfying, it’s a perfect way to bring comfort and joy to any meal. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back again and again for that cozy, delicious taste that feels just like home.
