It smells like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house, only creamier. The kind of scent that makes everyone pause, close their eyes, and say, “What is THAT?” This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a viral sensation for good reasonit’s wonderfully creamy, comforting, and utterly cozy. A TikTok darling. Pinterest gold.
This one-pot meal is pure TLC in a bowlloaded with tender chicken, a rich garlic cream base, and just the right hint of herbs. Short on time but still want something that feels special? It offers the comforting warmth of creamy chicken soup combined with the satisfaction of a full chicken dinner.
I perfected this recipe during one of those “every burner is on” kind of nightsand still nailed it. I grew up adding shortcuts to big family recipes and kept that same magic here. You don’t need a holiday for this; I’ve tested it, and you’ll love how simple and delicious it is!
This Marry Me Chicken Soup checks all the cozy, nostalgic boxes. It’s creamy, comforting, and full of savory goodnessand the best part? It’s a one pot chicken soup, so there’s less mess to deal with after dinner. From busy weeknights to slow weekends, this dish fits right in.
Home cooks love it because it feels fancy (hello, sun-dried tomatoes!) but stays practical. Plus, the kid-approved pasta shells make it super family-friendly. There’s just something truly special about this creamy chicken souplike a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s talk ingredients! Every spoonful of this creamy chicken soup delivers incredible layers of flavor, thanks to just a few special items:
Sun-dried Tomatoes: These add tangy-sweet notes and an extra punch of flavor. Use the oil-packed ones for bonus richness!
Heavy Cream & Cream Cheese: They create that dreamy, velvety texture. Room temperature cream cheese works best to avoid lumps.
Rotisserie Chicken: A time-saving hero for tender, shredded chicken.
Parmesan Cheese: For that nutty, salty finish. A little extra on top never hurt anyone!
Medium Shell Pasta: These little shells are perfect for capturing every drop of broth.
Pro Tip: Keep fresh basil and extra Parmesan handy for garnishit’s the perfect finishing touch!
Quick Ingredient Swap Table
Ingredient
Substitution
Medium Shell Pasta
Orzo, Orecchiette, or Ditalini
Sun-dried Tomatoes
Fire-roasted canned tomatoes
Heavy Cream
Half-and-half (for a lighter soup)
Simple Steps to Make It
This easy chicken soup recipe comes together in five simple steps. Grab one pot and get ready to impress!
Sauté the Base: Start by heating that flavorful sun-dried tomato oil in your pot. Sauté onions and garlic until your kitchen fills with a cozy aroma.
Deepen the Flavor: Add the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until the paste turns a rich, deeper colorit’s key to developing a robust, deep flavor.
Create the Broth: Stir in chicken broth, cream, basil, and spices. Let it simmer to mingle all those luscious flavors.
Cook the Pasta: Toss in your pasta and stir occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the shells are tender and perfectly infused with broth.
Make It Creamy: Lower the heat and gently stir in spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Keep stirring until everything melts into a wonderfully creamy and delicious consistency.
Shortcut: Pre-measure ingredients to keep things stress-free!
How to Serve & Store
This comforting chicken soup is perfect for dinner, and a few finishing touches can make it even more special:
Serving Suggestions: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and maybe a touch of crushed red pepper for heat. Pair with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete cozy chicken dinner.
Storing Leftovers: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating Tips: Warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the soup thickens overnight.
Storage & Reheating Guide
Storage Method
How Long It Lasts
Refrigerator
Up to 4 days
Freezer
Up to 3 months (without pasta)
Note: If freezing, avoid adding the pastait can turn mushy. Cook and stir in fresh pasta when reheating instead.
Expert Insight: The Comfort of Marry Me Chicken Soup
This Marry Me Chicken Soup truly captures the essence of comfort food. Its creamy richness, combined with aromatic herbs, creates a soothing and satisfying experience with every spoonful. It’s a dish designed to warm you from the inside out, making it an ideal choice for a nourishing meal.
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How I Finally Nailed My Marry Me Chicken Soup
I went through more than a few kitchen mishaps perfecting this Marry Me Chicken Soupfrom overseasoning to undercooking the chickenbut each attempt brought me closer to that rich, comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug. Today’s version is the result of all those lessons, tested and ready for your family table.
FAQs ( Marry Me Chicken Soup )
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup ahead of time?
This recipe tastes even better the next day as flavors meld well overnight. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently over low heat to keep the sauce creamy and avoid curdling. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
What side dishes go well with this meal?
This dish pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread or garlic toast for soaking up the creamy sauce. A fresh green salad or simple steamed veggies add a nice balance. For a family friendly soup night, roasted potatoes or a light pasta salad complement the savory chicken flavors perfectly.
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter option, though it may reduce richness. Use bone-in chicken thighs if preferred, but reduce cooking time accordingly. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can replace dried ones to add brightness. Always adjust seasoning after substitutions for the best flavor.
How do I keep the soup creamy when reheating?
Reheat slowly on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Stir frequently and avoid boiling, which can cause separation. If the sauce thickens too much, whisk in a small splash of broth or milk to loosen it gently. This technique keeps the texture smooth and comforting.
Is this soup family friendly for kids?
This dish is mild, creamy, and perfect for picky eaters, making it great for family dinners. You can soften the garlic and herbs for younger kids by reducing their amounts. Serving with soft bread or crackers often encourages kids to enjoy this comforting chicken soup without fuss.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Soup is exactly the kind of cozy meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, savory soup with tender chicken and pasta that comforts without fuss. You’ll love how the rich cream sauce and sun-dried tomatoes blend into something both familiar and just a little speciallike Sunday dinner, but quicker and without the stress.
Here’s a little kitchen tip: swap the medium shells for orzo if you want a silkier texture, or add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a gentle kick. Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four daysjust add extra broth or cream when reheating to keep the texture just right. This soup offers all the ease of a one-pot dish, with none of the cleanup hasslea cooking tip I’ve learned from years in the kitchen.
I’d love to see your versions of this comforting chicken soup. Snap a pic or share a story about your easiest, tastiest family dinners. Did one-pot dishes like this ever show up on your table growing up? Save this recipe for your next cozy night in, and don’t be shy about sharing the love with friends and family who crave a little creamy comfort in their lives.
Marry Me Chicken Soup delivers creamy chicken soup with comforting flavors. Enjoy a family friendly soup full of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and pasta in a rich cream sauce. This cozy chicken dinner is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color.
Pour in chicken broth, cream, 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.
Add pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Lower heat to low, stir in spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir often for 5 minutes until cheeses melt and chicken is warmed through.
Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
