If a soup could inspire a proposal, this would be the one. Rich, creamy, cozy, and irresistibly comforting, Marry Me Chicken Soup takes everything people love about the famous “Marry Me Chicken” and turns it into a spoon-worthy, one-pot meal.
If a soup could inspire a proposal, this would be the one. Rich, creamy, cozy, and irresistibly comforting, Marry Me Chicken Soup takes everything people love about the famous “Marry Me Chicken” and turns it into a spoon-worthy, one-pot meal. It’s the kind of soup that makes people think you cooked all day even though it comes together surprisingly fast.
This recipe delivers tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, pasta, spinach, and Parmesan simmered in a luxurious cream broth. Every bite is savory, comforting, and just indulgent enough to feel special without being complicated.
Perfect for date night, cozy weekends, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Creamy, rich, and deeply comforting
- One-pot and weeknight friendly
- Easy to customize with veggies, pasta, or protein
- Feels fancy without being fussy
- Even better the next day
This soup has that restaurant-quality vibe while still being simple enough to throw together at home.
Ingredients Overview
This soup uses familiar, easy-to-find ingredients that come together beautifully.
Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well.
- Breasts are lean and mild
- Thighs are juicier and richer
You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience just add it near the end so it doesn’t overcook.
Vegetables
A classic soup base adds depth and balance:
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Spinach (added at the end so it stays tender)
Flavor Boosters
- Sun-dried tomatoes (the signature Tuscan touch)
- Italian seasoning
- Parmesan cheese
- Optional tomato paste for deeper tomato flavor
Pasta
This isn’t traditional chicken noodle soup, so you have flexibility. Great options include:
- Small shells
- Ditalini
- Mini penne
- Rotini
- Cavatappi
Short pasta works best and holds up well in creamy soups.
Creamy Base
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Flour (for thickening)
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup
1. Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook until lightly browned. Remove excess moisture if needed.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.
3. Build the Base
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. If using tomato paste, add it now and stir until combined. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Simmer with Pasta
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then add the pasta, remaining Italian seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until the pasta is al dente and the chicken is fully cooked.
5. Make It Creamy
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and spinach. Let the soup simmer just a few more minutes until the spinach wilts and the broth becomes silky and rich.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Variations & Add-Ins
This soup is incredibly flexible. Try adding:
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
- Kale instead of spinach
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Crumbled cooked bacon
- A splash of dry white wine
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley
For extra indulgence, a small amount of Cajun seasoning adds incredible depth.
Cream Substitutions
If you’d like to swap the heavy cream:
- Half-and-half or whole milk (lighter, less thick)
- Full-fat coconut milk (slightly sweet, dairy-free)
- Cream cheese (extra thick and rich)
Keep in mind that substitutions will change the texture slightly.
How to Avoid Mushy Pasta
Pasta can soften as it sits. To prevent this:
- Cook pasta separately and add it just before serving
- Or slightly undercook the pasta in the soup
This is especially helpful if you plan on leftovers.
Storage, Reheating & Freezing
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
Reheating
The soup thickens as it sits (almost like a creamy pasta dish). Add a splash of broth or water when reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing
For best results:
- Freeze without the cream and pasta
- Add them fresh when reheating
This prevents separation and mushy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is everything comfort food should be creamy, cozy, flavorful, and just a little bit luxurious. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just treating yourself, this soup delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken, 1 teaspoon seasoning, salt, and pepper. Brown 4–5 minutes.
- Add onions, carrots, celery, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. Cook until translucent.
- Sprinkle in flour and tomato paste (if using). Stir well.
- Gradually whisk in broth, deglazing the pot.
- Add pasta, remaining seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer 20 minutes.
- Stir in cream, spinach, and parmesan. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
