Introduction

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, this comforting soup is sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave something hearty and delicious.

A bowl of creamy soup filled with multiple layers: the base layer is a rich, creamy orange broth speckled with small oil droplets, mixed with bright red tomato chunks and soft white chicken pieces. On top, fresh green parsley leaves are scattered, with a light sprinkle of black pepper adding small dark spots throughout. The soup is served in a plain white bowl resting on a white marbled surface, with some green parsley leaves blurred in the background and a gold-colored spoon partially visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 (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

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, then let it simmer for 12 minutes.
Step 4: Add the pasta, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Step 5: Lower the heat to low and stir in the chopped spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir often for 5 minutes until the cheeses melt and the chicken is warmed through.
Step 6: Ladle the soup into bowls and 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.

Tips & Variations

If you prefer less heat, start with a smaller amount of crushed red pepper and adjust to taste.
Use room temperature cream cheese to help it melt more smoothly and avoid clumping.
Swap the medium shell pasta for orecchiette, ditalini, or orzo—just check cooking times on the package.
Pair the soup with garlic bread to soak up the creamy broth or a light green salad for contrast.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much as it heats.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with a creamy soup that has a light orange-yellow base with a slightly oily surface. The top layer contains chunks of white, tender chicken, bright orange carrot pieces, and small bits of translucent onion, all sprinkled with chopped green parsley and black pepper. The soup looks rich and smooth, with colors blending gently but still distinct. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with green parsley on the side and a blurred spoon in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs before adding them to the soup during the final step.