Marry Me Chicken Soup – The Ultimate 30-Minute Comfort Bowl

You know a recipe has real staying power when people say it’s “so good, it might get you a marriage proposal.” That’s the reputation Marry Me Chicken has built for itself: rich, creamy, garlicky, with just enough kick to keep things interesting. But here’s a twist you didn’t know you needed: Marry Me Chicken Soup.

It’s everything you love about the original dish: bold flavor, tender chicken, and a silky texture turned into a soul-warming, one-pot soup. It’s cozy, it’s filling, and it’s downright irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just need a weeknight dinner that feels like a hug, this soup has your back.

And honestly? It might not get you a proposal, but it’ll definitely get you compliments.

Let’s dive into why this dish has become an internet darling and a dinner table regular.

What Is Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Imagine this: a hot, steamy bowl filled with juicy shredded chicken, tender pasta shells, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety broth spiked with garlic, basil, cream, and Parmesan. That’s Marry Me Chicken Soup.

It takes the viral Marry Me Chicken recipe, originally a skillet dish with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and turns it into a soup that tastes like you spent all day cooking, even though it comes together in under an hour.

The core ingredients include:

• Rotisserie chicken (or fresh cooked if you prefer)
• Heavy cream
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil
• Parmesan cheese
• Medium pasta shells
• Aromatic garlic and onion
• Fresh spinach
• Chicken broth

It’s packed with flavor and texture, and the best part is, it’s made in one pot. Less cleanup, more slurping.

Looking for another creative twist on a viral dish? You might also enjoy this Marry Me Chickpea spin, which is ideal for vegetarians.

Why Everyone Loves This Dish

So what makes this soup so addictive?

1. It’s Comforting Without Being Boring

There are a lot of “comfort food” soups out there, but let’s be honest, some of them are kind of… bland. Not this one. Between the heat of red pepper flakes, the creaminess of cheese and dairy, and the tang from sun-dried tomatoes, you’ve got layers of flavor in every bite.

2. It’s a Full Meal in One Bowl

There’s protein, carbs, and greens. No need to make a side dish unless you’re feeling extra. Though if you are, a slice of crusty bread or this comforting pastina soup pairs beautifully.

3. It’s Weeknight-Friendly

Using shortcuts like store-bought rotisserie chicken and pasta that cooks in the broth means this soup goes from stove to table in under an hour. Perfect for busy schedules but impressive enough for guests.

4. It Stores Like a Dream

You can double the batch and save some for later. This soup reheats beautifully and might even taste better the next day (seriously). We’ll cover storage in detail later on.

5. It’s Easy to Customize

Want to make it spicy? Add more pepper flakes. Need it dairy-free? Sub in coconut cream. Looking for low-carb? Skip the pasta and try it with cauliflower rice instead.

Pro tip: If you like your chicken creamy and bold, the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is another keeper.

Essential Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup

If you’ve made the original Mary Me chicken recipe, the base flavor profile will feel familiar. But transforming that skillet dish into a bowl of creamy chicken soup with pasta takes a few tweaks.

Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

Aromatics and Flavor Base

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

This combo creates a savory foundation. The tomato paste adds richness, while garlic and onion are classic staples in any homemade chicken soup.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• ½ cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil with herbs

This is the signature ingredient. It brings that bold, tangy flavor people rave about in Mary Me chicken pasta. Please don’t skip it!

Sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, tangy depth and are packed with nutrients, as shown in this Healthline breakdown.

Seasonings

• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

You can also sprinkle in Italian seasoning for more depth.

Chicken

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

Shortcut alert! Using pre-cooked chicken keeps this a quick weeknight chicken soup recipe. Or, if you have time, roast chicken thighs for extra tenderness.

Looking for other rotisserie-based ideas? Try this easy chicken quesadilla recipe that uses leftovers like a champ.

Pasta

• 1½ cups dry medium shell pasta

Shells hold the broth beautifully, but feel free to sub in orecchiette, ditalini, or elbows. If you’re going gluten-free, opt for chickpea pasta.

Greens

• 2 cups fresh spinach (stirred in at the end)

Spinach adds color, nutrients, and balance to the richness of the broth. Kale or arugula also works.

The Creamy Soup Base

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

These four create the magic: a silky, creamy soup with chicken and cheese that makes this recipe unforgettable.

The combination of cream and cheese gives the soup its luxurious body, just like this guide on creamy soup science from Serious Eats

Step-by-Step: How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Let’s bring it all together, one pot at a time.

1. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large soup pot, add 1 tablespoon of oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar) over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Toss in garlic and tomato paste, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Pro Tip: Using oil from the sun-dried tomato jar infuses extra flavor.

2. Add Tomatoes and Spices

Add the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let it all toast together for another minute.

3. Pour in the Broth and Cream

Slowly add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Add Pasta and Simmer

Add dry pasta directly to the broth. Let it cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until al dente (check the box instructions, but typically 10–12 minutes).

You’re creating a creamy one-pot chicken soup, so don’t drain anything!

5. Stir in Chicken, Spinach, and Cheese

Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low. Stir in shredded chicken and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts.

Then add cream cheese and Parmesan. Stir until melted and fully incorporated.

NLP Tip: If the cream cheese clumps, press it gently against the side of the pot to smooth it out. This avoids a gritty texture, which is key for that creamy marry me chicken soup finish.

Finishing Touches

• Taste and adjust salt or pepper
• Top with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy
• Let it cool slightly so it thickens up. This is not a thin broth soup

Want a similar soup but with more classic flavors? You’ll love this chicken pot pie with cream of chicken soup, just as comforting, just as crave-worthy.

Pro Cooking Tips You’ll Want to Remember

Even though this soup is incredibly forgiving, a few clever techniques can take it from “tasty” to truly unforgettable.

1. Use the Oil from the Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Instead of olive oil, use a tablespoon of the sun-dried tomato oil for sautéing. It carries herbs and natural sweetness that deepen the flavor base.

2. Go Easy on the Red Pepper Flakes

Start small, then add more once you taste. It’s easier to dial up heat than to undo it. If you love spicy soups, this tip keeps it balanced, not overpowering.

3. Soften Your Cream Cheese Before Adding

If the cream cheese is cold, it might clump. Let it sit at room temperature before mixing it in. Then gently press any remaining bits against the pot’s side with a spoon.

NLP variation alert: This helps avoid the common “why is my soup grainy?” problem.

4. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Shell pasta will continue absorbing broth even after the heat is off. Cook it just shy of al dente, and it’ll be perfect by the time you serve.

Substitutions to Fit Your Needs

No matter your dietary goals, this recipe flexes beautifully. Here’s how to tweak it without losing flavor.

Dairy-Free or Vegan Twist

• Replace cream with unsweetened coconut cream
• Use plant-based cream cheese and vegan Parmesan
• Swap chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or even mushrooms

Want a hearty vegan alternative? This Marry Me Chickpea dish is bursting with a similar flavor, minus the meat.

Protein Alternatives

Not into rotisserie chicken? Try:

• Leftover roast turkey
• Cooked Italian sausage for a spicy twist
• Cubed, pan-seared chicken breast

If you’re cooking raw chicken instead of using a rotisserie, always make sure it reaches 165°F internally, according to USDA safety guidelines.

Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Version

Skip the pasta entirely and use:

• Cauliflower rice
• Zucchini noodles (zoodles)
• Diced steamed broccoli for bulk

This turns it into a keto creamy chicken soup without sacrificing that indulgent taste.

Delicious Variations You Must Try

Let’s be honest: once you fall in love with Marry Me Chicken Soup, you’ll want to experiment.

Marry Me Corn Chowder

Add corn kernels and diced potatoes for a sweeter spin. Great for summer-to-fall transitions.

Mushroom Marry Me Soup

Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version rich in umami. Baby bellas or shiitakes work best.

Garlic-Lover’s Dream

Double the garlic, top with roasted cloves, and sprinkle black pepper to make it a bold garlic cream soup.

For another irresistible twist on chicken and spice, don’t miss this jalapeño popper stuffed chicken. It’ll hit the same flavor notes in a whole new format.

Keep These Transition Tips in Mind:

• Always taste as you go
• Don’t rush the simmering process develops depth
• Keep your soup thick by not overloading with broth

And most importantly, have fun with it. Recipes like these are meant to be customized, shared, and repeated just like the good memories that surround the table.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Marry Me Chicken Soup Meal

A soup this cozy deserves the perfect sidekick. Whether you’re cooking for a date night or batch-prepping for the week, here’s how to turn your Marry Me Chicken Soup into a full, satisfying meal.

Best Breads to Serve with It

You’ll want something hearty to scoop up all that creamy goodness.

• Garlic bread – Adds boldness without competing with flavor
• Sourdough slices – Crusty and chewy, ideal for dipping
• Buttery biscuits – Southern comfort meets Italian creaminess

Tip: Toast leftover bread with Parmesan and herbs for DIY crostini.

Fresh Salad Pairings

Balance the rich soup with something light and crisp.

• Arugula with lemon vinaigrette
• Spinach and strawberry salad
• Classic Caesar with shaved Parmesan

If you’re making this for a special dinner, round it out with a dessert like homemade chicken gyoza on the side for fusion fun.

Can You Freeze Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Yes, and it freezes beautifully.

This is a creamy chicken soup recipe that actually holds up well when stored properly. Here’s how to do it right:

How to Freeze It

1. Let the soup cool completely.
2. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
3. Label and date.
4. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slowly on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or cream if it’s too thick.

This soup is based on the viral Marry Me Chicken recipe made popular by NY Times Cooking.

What to Know Before Freezing

• Pasta may soften slightly after thawing. If that bothers you, cook and freeze the soup without pasta. Add fresh pasta when reheating.
• Stir well while reheating to reincorporate cream and cheese.

Looking for more freezer-friendly meals? This chicken and yellow rice recipe is another great option for batch cooking.

For a heart-healthier version, use low-sodium broth as recommended by the Mayo Clinic.

How Long Does Marry Me Chicken Soup Last?

In the refrigerator:

• Keeps for 3 to 4 days in a sealed container.

In the freezer:

• Up to 3 months when stored properly.

Reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture. Avoid boiling, or you risk breaking the cream.

Can You Make It Ahead?

Absolutely. In fact, it often tastes better the next day. As the flavors sit, the garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes deepen into a savory, slow-cooked flavor without the hours of simmering.

Quick trick: Leave the spinach out if you’re storing it. Add fresh greens during reheating so they stay vibrant and not mushy.

Crowd-Serving Ideas

This recipe easily doubles or triples. For game day, potlucks, or family dinners, serve in a slow cooker on warm. Keep a basket of bread and toppings (Parmesan, red pepper flakes, basil) nearby for guests to customize.

Want another crowd-pleaser? Try this chicken pot pie with cream of chicken soup, it’s like Mary Me Chicken’s cozy cousin.

Perfect! Now we’re on Part 5, where we’ll:

• Add an SEO-rich FAQ section
• Compare Marry Me Chicken Soup with classic chicken soup
• Increase keyword density with natural usage
• Insert NLP-style questions and answers
• Reinforce internal link usage

Let’s keep building Rank Math–friendly content while keeping it super readable.

Marry Me Chicken Soup vs. Classic Chicken Soup

Let’s settle the delicious debate. Is Marry Me Chicken Soup just a trendier version of classic chicken soup, or does it deserve its own spotlight?

1. Richness and Creaminess

• Classic chicken soup is broth-based, light, clear, and simple.
• Marry Me Chicken Soup, on the other hand, is thick, creamy, and luxurious, thanks to heavy cream, Parmesan, and cream cheese.

This isn’t your grandma’s get-well soup. This is a date-night in a bowl.

2. Flavor Depth

Traditional soups lean on celery, carrots, and herbs. Marry Me Chicken Soup uses:

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Garlic and basil
• Tomato paste
• Red pepper flakes

Each spoonful is bold and unforgettable, like a warm hug that flirts back.

3. One-Pot Meal Status

While old-school chicken soup may need extra sides to feel like a full meal, Marry Me Chicken Soup is complete on its own. You’ve got protein, carbs, veggies, and flavor layered all in one pot.

For another crave-worthy one-pot dish, check out this chicken and yellow rice recipe that’s easy to love.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion: Why This Recipe Steals Hearts

Let’s face it, some recipes are just special. They go beyond feeding your stomach; they warm your soul, bring people together, and become something you crave over and over again.

Marry Me Chicken Soup is one of those dishes.

It blends bold Italian flavors with creamy comfort in a way that’s hard to resist. From the richness of Parmesan and cream to the zing of sun-dried tomatoes, every bite tells a story. It’s easy enough for weeknights, romantic enough for anniversaries, and good enough that people will ask, “Can I have this again next week?”

And they should. Because once you try this soup, it’s staying in your rotation.

Still hungry? Try this easy chicken quesadilla recipe for another fast, comforting win.

Marry Me Chicken Soup

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• Author: Lucy
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Creamy, comforting, and full of bold flavor, this Marry Me Chicken Soup is a one-pot wonder that blends shredded chicken, pasta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes into a meal worthy of a proposal.

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Ingredients

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

1 ½ cups dry shell pasta

2 cups fresh spinach

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil

1 medium onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp tomato paste

¼ tsp red pepper flakes

1 tsp dried basil

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

4 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup grated Parmesan

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a pot. Sauté onion for 5 minutes.

2. Add garlic and tomato paste. Stir until fragrant.

3. Add sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

4. Pour in broth and cream. Stir and bring to simmer.

5. Add pasta. Cook uncovered until al dente.

6. Stir in chicken, spinach, and cream cheese. Let spinach wilt.

7. Add Parmesan. Stir until creamy.

8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.

Notes

Use the oil from sun-dried tomatoes to enhance flavor.

Substitute cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

Best served with crusty bread or garlic rolls.

Stores for 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: One Pot
• Cuisine: American