There’s something about a warm bowl of soup that wraps you in comfort, just like a cozy hug. Enter Marry Me Chicken Soup – a delightful dish that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day. Packed with flavor and filled with hearty ingredients, this soup is perfect for those quiet evenings at home, family gatherings, or whenever you need to feel cared for.

Why Make This Recipe

Why settle for an ordinary soup when you can make something extraordinary? Marry Me Chicken Soup combines the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, creamy cheese, and tender chicken to create a dish that might just lead to love at first bite! This soup is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a wonderful choice for new cooks and experienced chefs alike. It’s a fulfilling meal that’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish while being light enough for repeated enjoyment!

How to Prepare Marry Me Chicken Soup

Preparing Marry Me Chicken Soup is simple! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delightful bowl of soup ready in no time.

Ingredients:

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs)
1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomato jar
1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp tomato paste
32 oz or 2 packages chicken broth
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 tsp fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
2 tsp kosher salt
1 ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp crushed red pepper (or more if you like heat)
8 oz uncooked medium shell pasta
3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
8 oz cream cheese, cubed (room temperature)
1 ½ oz Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (plus more for garnish)

Steps:

Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Build the Base
Stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color.
Simmer the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, fresh basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 12 minutes.
Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender.
Make It Creamy & Delicious
Lower the heat to low, then stir in the spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir often for 5 minutes until the cheeses melt and the chicken is warmed through.
Serve & Enjoy
Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a fresh green salad on the side.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup

Serve your Marry Me Chicken Soup hot in a bowl, topped with a sprinkle of fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. This soup is perfect for cozy dinners or as a dish to impress guests!

How to Store Marry Me Chicken Soup

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before placing it in the freezer.

Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Perfectly

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh basil and quality chicken broth make a big difference in flavor.
Adjust the heat: If you love spice, feel free to add more crushed red pepper or even some diced jalapeños.
Cook pasta separately: If you plan to store leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls when serving to prevent it from getting mushy.

Variations

Feel free to get creative! You can add vegetables like carrots or celery for extra crunch or switch out the pasta for rice or quinoa. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and replace the chicken with hearty beans or more veggies.

FAQ

1. Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great, but any cooked chicken you have on hand will do perfectly.

2. What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can skip them or use fresh tomatoes instead. Just sauté them along with the onions.

3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sauté the aromatics first, then combine everything in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours for a flavorful soup.

Enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup – a true hug in a bowl!