Marry Me Chicken Soup

Marry Me Chicken Soup

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting twist on the beloved Marry Me Chicken, transforming its creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce into a hearty, one-pot meal. Perfect for a cozy night in, this soup combines tender chicken, pasta, and vibrant greens in a rich, flavorful broth that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

Ingredients

  • cup julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil with herbs, drained
  • 1 tablespoon oil from the sun-dried tomato jar, divided
  • 1 cups chopped yellow onion
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 (32-ounce) packages chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • teaspoon crushed red pepper, plus more for garnish
  • 8 ounces uncooked medium shell pasta
  • 3 cups chopped fresh baby spinach
  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature
  • 1 ounces Parmesan cheese, finely shredded, plus more for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add the onion and garlic, sauting for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for about 2 minutes until the tomato paste deepens in color.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 12 minutes.
  5. Add the uncooked pasta and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, approximately 12 minutes.
  6. Lower the heat to low and fold in the spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir frequently until the cheese melts and the chicken is heated through, about 5 minutes.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time and keep the meat tender.
  • Gradually add red pepper flakes to control spice levels.
  • Room-temperature cream cheese blends more easily into the soup for a silky texture.
  • Feel free to substitute your favorite small pasta shapes, adjusting cooking time as needed.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is a meal on its own, but pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread, soft rolls, or a crisp green salad. Any accompaniment enhances the rich, creamy flavors and makes the experience even more comforting.

Storage

Allow the soup to cool completely, then store in an airtight in the refrigerator for up to four days. Perfect for leftovers or a ready-made meal for the next day.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 655
  • Total Fat: 44g (56% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 21g (104% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 188mg (63% DV)
  • Sodium: 2247mg (98% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrate: 36g (13% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g (12% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 33g (66% DV)
  • Vitamin C: 19mg (22% DV)
  • Calcium: 198mg (15% DV)
  • Iron: 3mg (17% DV)
  • Potassium: 825mg (18% DV)

Marry Me Chicken Soup

The Story Behind Marry Me Chicken Soup

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting adaptation of the original Marry Me Chicken, a dish that gained popularity in American home kitchens in the early 2010s. The original entre featured tender chicken in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce, famously described as so delicious it could inspire a marriage proposal. Transforming it into a soup allowed home cooks to enjoy the same rich flavors in a heartwarming, one-pot meal perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Regional Variations and Influences

Although the recipe is rooted in American cuisine, it carries subtle Italian influences, primarily through its use of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. In some regions of the United States, cooks add local twists, such as swapping pasta shapes or incorporating seasonal vegetables like zucchini or kale. Southern versions may include a heavier cream base, while Northern adaptations tend to favor a lighter broth for a more soup-like consistency.

What Sets It Apart From Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional chicken soups or Italian Wedding Soup, Marry Me Chicken Soup combines the richness of a creamy sauce with the heartiness of pasta and tender chicken. Its distinctive flavor comes from the balance of tangy sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic garlic and onions, and creamy cheese, setting it apart from simpler brothy soups. While Italian Wedding Soup relies on meatballs and a light broth, this recipe focuses on velvety textures and layered flavors that feel indulgent yet approachable.

Typical Serving Occasions

This soup is often served as a comforting weeknight dinner, a starter for a celebratory meal, or as a heartwarming dish for gatherings with friends and family. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic rolls, or a simple green salad. Some cooks even double the recipe to serve at luncheons or small parties, where its creamy, flavorful profile impresses without requiring complex preparation.

Fun and Interesting Facts

  • The name Marry Me Chicken was popularized by food bloggers and social media, emphasizing the dishs romantic, indulgent nature.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes are a key ingredient, adding a concentrated umami flavor that enhances the creamy broth.
  • Many cooks experiment with the recipe by swapping pasta types, using gnocchi, or adding fresh vegetables to suit personal taste.
  • Despite its decadent appearance, this soup is easy to prepare, often taking less than an hour from start to finish.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, making it a favorite for meal prep enthusiasts.

FAQ about Marry Me Chicken Soup

Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Yes, you can freeze Marry Me Chicken Soup. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stovetop. Note that the pasta may become softer upon reheating.

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for medium shell pasta, you can swap it for other small pasta shapes like ditalini, orecchiette, or elbow macaroni. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta's package instructions.

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. In fact, the flavors may deepen and improve after resting in the refrigerator. If you're preparing it in advance, store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve. If the soup thickens too much, you can add a little extra chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.

If you're looking for a substitute for cream cheese, you can use mascarpone, sour cream, or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still create a creamy soup.

Yes, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy milk like coconut milk or almond milk. Keep in mind that the soup's texture and richness will change slightly depending on your choice of substitute.

Yes, you can absolutely add more vegetables to the soup. Try adding diced carrots, celery, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the vegetables soften properly.

While Marry Me Chicken Soup is hearty on its own, it pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or rolls. You could also serve it alongside a fresh green salad, like an Italian leafy green salad or a citrusy walnut and gorgonzola salad, for a well-rounded meal.

If you don't have rotisserie chicken, you can cook chicken breasts or thighs and shred them. Simply cook them in broth or sauté them, then chop or shred the chicken to add to the soup.

Yes, you can reduce the sodium in the soup by using low-sodium chicken broth and cutting back on the amount of added salt. You can also omit the Parmesan or use a reduced-sodium version.

Comments

Ronald Brown

01/08/2024 04:13:43 PM

Such a fantastic recipe! I customized it to cater to my family's preferences by using low-sodium broth and other ingredients that are lower in fat. I find it unnecessary when people leave negative comments on recipes they haven't even tried. It's all about adapting and making adjustments to suit your own taste. Unfortunately, the internet has exposed me to the pettiness and rudeness of some individuals.

Kathleen Lopez

10/26/2024 01:48:49 AM

Simple and delicious! I only used 6 cups of water for a thicker consistency, perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly evening. Highly recommended. Bonus: Still single, but who knows what the future holds!

Victoria King

01/15/2025 11:58:48 AM

Delicious soup that my wife adored. I substituted some of the salt with chicken bouillon, swapped pasta for gnocchi for a twist, and cooked chicken breasts directly in the broth. Perfect for chilly weather, this hearty meal is a winner. Will be making it again for sure, although not a big fan of the name. Thinking of labeling it Italian Wedding Soup instead.

Julie Allen

04/30/2023 01:39:13 AM

Great recipe! I make this soup frequently! I don't make any changes to the ingredients, but I do double the amount of tomatoes, add a generous 5-7 ounces of fresh spinach, and sometimes add about half to a cup more chicken. It's a hit with everyone!

Benjamin Lopez

03/27/2023 05:48:17 PM

Rich and flavorful dish! I made it keto-friendly by skipping the pasta, which worked well for my husband. I managed to keep the carb level low for him without any issues. As someone who counts calories, I only allowed myself a small portion, but it was delicious! The best part was how convenient it was to make, as I already had all the ingredients in my fridge, freezer, or pantry. I estimated the spinach to be around 5 oz, and I used a sizeable chicken breast weighing approximately 11-12 oz from my freezer. I poached the chicken in broth before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.

Sharon Jackson

04/25/2023 09:27:28 AM

This soup is absolutely amazing! I believe it's the best dish I've cooked so far. The only modification I made was using ditalini pasta and cooking it separately before adding it to the soup.

Brandon Walker

01/19/2024 10:55:48 AM

I took this dish to a party and it was a hit! I followed the recipe closely, but made a few tweaks. I diced the sun-dried tomatoes slightly smaller and added extra. I cut down the salt by 25% and included a splash of milk (around 3/4 cup) to make it creamier. Next time, I'll use 6 oz of pasta shells instead of 8 oz. It turned out really well!

Brian Lee

08/01/2024 09:39:49 PM

I have prepared this dish multiple times. The only small change I make is boiling chicken breast in lightly salted water to create my own chicken broth, which I then shred to use in this recipe.

Linda Clark

12/19/2024 04:36:25 AM

I found this recipe to be quite simple and delicious. I made a few personal adjustments by including half a jalapeño and half a red pepper, both diced. Rather than using rotisserie chicken, I opted to brown 2 lbs of chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper. After pulling the chicken, I added it back in during the boiling process to finish cooking. Once cooked, I diced the chicken and added it back to the dish. I didn't have any Parmesan on hand, but the dish still turned out fantastic. Serving garlic bread on the side would likely complement the dish perfectly. Overall, I appreciate the recipe!

Ronald Smith

04/23/2025 10:19:48 AM

Here is the rewritten review: "This recipe is quite easy to prepare. I highly recommend following the steps and prepping everything before starting the soup. I would give this soup a perfect 10 out of 10 rating. Extremely delicious!"

Helen Parker

03/02/2025 06:45:01 PM

I followed the recipe instructions to a tee, and let me tell you, this soup is hands down the best I've ever made, and I've been cooking for over 60 years! My husband absolutely adored it too. The flavors are exquisite, and my taste buds are in heaven. I highly recommend it! We'll definitely be enjoying this again, and I can't wait to serve it to guests.

Victoria Lopez

12/20/2022 03:46:12 AM

I made this dish for dinner tonight and we absolutely enjoyed it. Make sure to have plenty of chicken broth on hand as the soup turns out quite thick. The flavors are simply delightful.

Jonathan Clark

07/24/2024 06:28:01 PM

I tried this recipe and followed the instructions as closely as possible with the ingredients I had. The only change I made was using 3/4 cup of whole milk + 4oz of melted unsalted butter instead of heavy whipping cream. I also added more pasta. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the flavor of the broth before adding the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese at the end. I would make this dish again, but I personally wouldn't include the cheeses.

Jason Martinez

02/24/2025 02:58:27 AM

This dish was quite enjoyable and definitely worth trying out (lol). I used half-and-half cream, and also added some diced carrots and celery.

Aaron Young

07/26/2024 12:46:14 AM

I prepared this dish for my mom, who usually dislikes soup. To my surprise, she actually complimented me on my cooking for the first time, describing it as "absolutely delicious." My husband loved it so much that he went back for seconds. Even my son, who is a picky eater and sticks to basic kids' food, finished his bowl. The aroma while it was cooking was delightful, and the taste exceeded my expectations. Thank you for sharing this recipe - it has earned a spot in my monthly meal rotation now!

Patricia Nelson

05/07/2025 02:34:51 AM

Rewritten review: The dish looked tempting and I was craving some soup, so I decided to try the double recipe for my large family. I was initially skeptical about using a whole pound of pasta for a soup, and my suspicions were confirmed – the end result was more like a pasta dish rather than a traditional soup. The cream cheese added a heaviness to the dish, so next time I'll leave it out to achieve a lighter soup consistency. Even with just 6 ounces of cream cheese, the dish still felt overly rich. I had to add a significant amount of chicken broth to make it more soupy, and I also threw in some extra red pepper for a kick. Overall, it's a decent recipe with a versatile nature – it can be enjoyed as both a pasta dish and a soup. Next time I make it as a soup, I'll reduce the amount of pasta and skip the cream cheese and Parmesan.

Kathleen Taylor

03/16/2025 11:08:40 AM

I substituted roasted red peppers for sun-dried tomatoes since I'm not a fan of the latter.

Rebecca Nguyen

10/09/2022 03:07:15 PM

These recipes look delicious and simple to make. As I no longer cook large meals, being a solo diner, they are perfect for me.