If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy dinner, Marry Me Chicken Soup is everything you need and more. Imagine a bubbling pot of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant garlic, a swirl of cream, and just the right touch of Parmesan, all mingling with twirly bits of pasta and bright green spinach. It’s rich, it’s comforting, and it’s bursting with Italian-inspired flavors. Whether you’re making a romantic meal for two or a pot to feed your favorite people, this soup is guaranteed to spark requests for seconds—and maybe proposals for thirds!

Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish is a shining example of how a handful of everyday ingredients can create serious magic. Every element here plays an essential role, from the juicy chicken to the twang of sun-dried tomatoes and creamy, dreamy broth that ties it all together. Don’t skip or skimp—each bit helps deliver that signature Marry Me Chicken Soup flavor and comfort!

Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing, it adds richness and depth right from the start.
Chicken breasts or thighs: Diced for quick cooking and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness—use whichever you have.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out every ingredient’s natural flavors.
Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and body to the broth.
Garlic: Three cloves for punchy, unmistakable flavor that instantly elevates the dish.
Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that infuses the soup with warm, classic notes.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick, totally adjustable to your spice preference.
Chicken broth: The savory backbone that builds up all that flavor in the soup base.
Heavy cream (or half-and-half): Makes the soup extra luscious and silky—ready to wrap you up in comfort.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Intensely flavored and tangy, they add bursts of color and intrigue.
Short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells): These shapes catch every bit of the soup’s goodness, making every spoonful special.
Parmesan cheese: For that classic salty, nutty finish—stir some in and save some for garnish!
Spinach: A pop of fresh green and gentle earthiness that balances the rich broth.
Fresh basil: The brightest touch for garnish, bringing a fragrant, fresh finish to your bowl.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Give your diced chicken a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper, then toss it in. Let it sear for about five minutes, stirring once or twice—you’re looking for a gentle golden edge. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked yet; it’ll finish later, but this savory browning is where the flavor journey begins!

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies & Spices

Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon (keep the goodness in the pot!), and now add in your diced onion. Let it soften, taking on a little color—about four to five minutes is perfect. Keep things moving so nothing sticks. Toss in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re craving a hint of heat. Let them cook for just a minute, releasing all their wonderful aroma.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in those sun-dried tomatoes and your favorite short pasta. Give everything a gentle mix and turn the heat up to bring it just to a boil. As soon as bubbles appear, lower the heat and let the pot gently simmer for about ten minutes. The pasta will soften, soaking up those unreal flavors—and the kitchen will start to smell heavenly.

Step 4: Return the Chicken

Time to welcome your golden chicken back to the party! Stir it in and let the soup continue at a low simmer until the chicken is juicy and fully cooked through. This step ensures every bite of Marry Me Chicken Soup is loaded with protein and irresistibly satisfying.

Step 5: Finish with Greens & Cheese

Lower the heat and add your freshly grated Parmesan and handfuls of vibrant spinach. Just a couple of minutes, and the cheese will melt into creamy ribbons while the spinach softens and turns a luscious green. Taste and tweak the seasoning with salt and pepper, then marvel as your pot transforms into soup perfection!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup

Garnishes

A bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup deserves to be dressed up just as beautifully as it tastes. Scatter on a shower of extra Parmesan for salty decadence, add torn fresh basil leaves for brightness, and maybe some cracked black pepper for good measure. If you like your soup extra fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil on top is incredibly inviting.

Side Dishes

This creamy soup holds its own, but it pairs up beautifully with crusty bread, warm baguette, or even garlicky breadsticks to soak up every delicious drop. If you’re looking to round out the meal, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a refreshing side that balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or special nights in, try ladling Marry Me Chicken Soup into rustic bowls and topping with twirls of basil and a sable of sun-dried tomato. Or, serve it in small mugs as a comforting starter alongside antipasto skewers. This soup makes a stunning centerpiece for everything from cozy couch dinners to elegant gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), let the soup cool to room temperature. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors mellow and deepen, making tomorrow’s bowl possibly even more irresistible. Just note, the pasta continues to soak up the broth, so you may want to thin it out with extra chicken stock later.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Marry Me Chicken Soup. For best results, do so before adding the spinach and Parmesan, as dairy and greens don’t always love the freezer. Portion soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leave space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Add fresh spinach and cheese when you reheat for a just-made taste.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a pot over medium heat, stirring gently. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen if the soup has thickened. If you’ve saved some for freezing, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently. Be sure not to boil it hard, which can break the creamy emulsion—slow and steady wins!

FAQs

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup dairy free?

Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and use your favorite non-dairy Parmesan substitute. The soup will have a slightly different flavor, but it will still be creamy and inviting.

What pasta shapes work best in this soup?

I love using short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or small shells—these are perfect for catching the creamy broth in every bite. You can also substitute with gluten-free pasta or even rice if you need a wheat-free option!

How spicy is Marry Me Chicken Soup?

It’s entirely up to you! The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth but are totally optional. For a mild version, simply leave them out. If you love a little heat, feel free to add more to taste.

Can I make this soup with cooked rotisserie chicken?

Definitely! Just start the recipe by sautéing the onion and garlic, then stir in shredded rotisserie chicken along with the broth. The soup comes together even faster, and the flavors are still absolutely irresistible.

Does Marry Me Chicken Soup taste better the next day?

If you ask me, yes! The flavors have a chance to mingle and become even richer overnight. Just keep in mind the pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so you might want to add some extra broth when reheating for best texture.

Final Thoughts

One spoonful and you’ll understand why people have been raving about Marry Me Chicken Soup! It wraps you up in creamy, garlicky goodness with every bite of chicken, sun-dried tomato, and pasta. If you’re looking to bring smiles (and maybe a few proposals for another bowl) to your table, make this recipe soon and let yourself fall in love!