Marry Me Chicken Soup

Creamy, cozy, and irresistibly comforting—Marry Me Chicken Soup is everything you crave in a bowl. This elevated take on a traditional chicken soup delivers bold flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, tender shredded chicken, baby spinach, and al dente pasta shells, all enveloped in a rich, Parmesan-laced cream broth. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold day, perfect for when you want to impress or just treat yourself.

This soup borrows inspiration from the famous “Marry Me Chicken” recipe—known for being so delicious it could inspire a proposal—and transforms it into an ultra-satisfying one-pot meal. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a family dinner, or a solo comfort food fix, this soup is sure to win hearts and make regular appearances in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Full-bodied, creamy flavor with a spicy kick from red pepper flakes
• Packed with protein from shredded chicken and rich in texture from tender pasta shells
• Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes balance the richness with freshness and tang
• One pot, easy cleanup, and just the right amount of indulgent

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create the perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• Dutch Oven or Large Pot: A heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heat distribution and allows flavors to develop slowly.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Gentle enough to stir without damaging delicate ingredients like spinach and pasta.
• Ladle: For easy serving, especially with chunky soups like this.
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: Prepping chicken, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes requires clean, efficient cuts.

Each tool plays a critical role in making your cooking smoother, more precise, and ultimately more enjoyable.

Preparation Tips

Start by searing the chicken breasts to build depth of flavor—don’t skip this step. Use oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar for extra taste when sautéing garlic. If you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken, add it toward the end to prevent overcooking. When choosing pasta shells, opt for medium-sized ones; they hold broth beautifully without overpowering the dish. Finally, stir in the cream and spinach at the end for maximum freshness and a silky finish.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup

• 2 tablespoons oil (preferably from sun-dried tomato jar)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• 5 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 1/2 cups medium pasta shells

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Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of the sun-dried tomato oil. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside. (Skip if using pre-cooked chicken.)

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, add another tablespoon of the oil. Sauté minced garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, and onion powder for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Return the seared chicken to the pot. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and let simmer for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the soup base.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add the pasta shells directly into the soup and cook for about 10–12 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Add Creamy Goodness

Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 3–4 more minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 7: Finish with Greens

Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh spinach until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper on top.

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Notes

This soup is rich and flavorful thanks to the depth from sun-dried tomatoes and the creamy base. Using leftover rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even quicker. For a thinner soup, you can add an extra cup of broth. If you prefer a thicker consistency, let it simmer uncovered a little longer after adding the pasta.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the chicken: It can turn rubbery. Pull it out as soon as it’s cooked through and shred it immediately.
• Skipping the pasta timing: Adding the pasta too early can cause it to become mushy. Keep it al dente for the best texture.
• Using low-quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds more depth than pre-shredded versions.
• Boiling after adding cream: This can cause the soup to curdle. Always reduce the heat before adding cream.

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Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream from separating. The pasta will absorb more broth over time, so add a splash of chicken stock or cream when reheating. This soup is not ideal for freezing due to the dairy content and pasta, which can change texture after thawing.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Cholesterol: 95mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more flavorful and stay tender.

Is there a dairy-free version of this soup?

Yes, you can use coconut cream or a non-dairy creamer and skip the Parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Swap the pasta for gluten-free shells or use rice. Always check broth labels to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Can I freeze this soup?

It’s not recommended due to the cream and pasta. If you must, freeze it before adding the cream and pasta.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

You can use roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes, though the flavor will change slightly.

How spicy is this soup?

Mild to medium heat. Adjust red pepper flakes to your preference.

Can I use pre-cooked shredded chicken?

Yes! Just add it in Step 4 and reduce simmer time.

What sides go well with this soup?

Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a crisp green salad make great pairings.

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Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Soup is not just a cozy comfort dish—it’s a full-flavored experience that transforms simple ingredients into a bowl of love. Rich, creamy, and loaded with savory depth, this recipe is destined to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for guests or curling up with a book, it delivers warmth and satisfaction every single time.

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