Some recipes aren’t just food—they’re experiences. Marry Me Chicken Soup is one of those magical dishes. Inspired by the beloved Marry Me Chicken recipe, this soup takes everything we love about the creamy, savory, and tangy chicken dish and turns it into a rich, satisfying one-pot meal. It’s the kind of soup that comforts on a chilly day, impresses at a dinner party, and keeps you coming back for more.
But what makes this soup extra special? It’s not just about the ingredients (though they’re amazing). It’s the story behind it. The name comes from the idea that its irresistible flavors could lead to a marriage proposal—or at least a declaration of undying love for the chef who made it!
Whether you’re new to the Marry Me Chicken phenomenon or you’ve been a fan for years, this soup is a fun and cozy twist you’ll adore.
1. What is Marry Me Chicken Soup?
If you’ve never heard of Marry Me Chicken, let’s catch you up. The original dish is a creamy skillet chicken recipe with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and heavy cream. It’s rich, indulgent, and, as legend has it, so good that it could inspire a marriage proposal.
This soup version takes those same beloved flavors and makes them a little more cozy and approachable. It’s like the ultimate comfort food—warm, creamy, and full of hearty ingredients like tender chicken, pasta, and spinach.
And while it might sound fancy, it’s actually super easy to make. It all comes together in one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights, romantic dinners, or meal-prepping for the week ahead.
2. Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chicken Soup
There are a million reasons to love this soup, but here are the highlights:
It’s Packed with Flavor
From the tanginess of the sun-dried tomatoes to the creaminess of the broth, every bite is bursting with bold, satisfying flavors.
It’s a One-Pot Wonder
Nobody loves washing dishes, right? This recipe keeps things simple by cooking everything—yes, even the pasta—in one pot.
It’s Customizable
You can tweak the spice level, swap out the pasta for a low-carb option, or add your favorite veggies. It’s a recipe that works for everyone.
It’s Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re curled up on the couch with a bowl of soup or serving it at a dinner party, this dish feels special yet comforting.
3. Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup
To make this delicious soup, you’ll need the following:
Aromatics and Base:
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (1/2 cup, chopped): These tangy, slightly sweet tomatoes are the signature ingredient. Use the kind packed in oil for maximum flavor.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): A classic soup starter that adds sweetness and depth.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Because no good soup skips garlic.
- Tomato Paste (2 tbsp): For a concentrated burst of tomato flavor.
Creamy, Savory Touches:
- Chicken Broth (4 cups): The base of the soup that ties everything together.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Adds richness and makes the soup velvety smooth.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): This helps thicken the soup and gives it a tangy, creamy flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated): For that salty, umami-packed finish.
Hearty Additions:
- Rotisserie Chicken (3 cups, shredded): Makes the recipe faster and adds tons of flavor.
- Pasta (1½ cups, medium shells or your favorite shape): Cooked directly in the soup for convenience.
- Spinach (2 cups, fresh): Adds a pop of color and a boost of nutrition.
Seasonings:
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little heat.
4. How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup
Making this soup is surprisingly simple, even if it tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil from your sun-dried tomato jar in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Base Ingredients
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot, stirring until well combined. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Stir in the pasta and cook it directly in the soup. This step infuses the pasta with the flavors of the broth. Cook according to the pasta’s package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
Step 4: Add the Final Ingredients
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir until the cream cheese and Parmesan have melted into the soup. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil.
5. Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup
For Smooth Cream Cheese:
Use room-temperature cream cheese to prevent clumping. If it’s straight from the fridge, soften it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Cooking Pasta in the Soup:
If you plan to have leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual servings. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much liquid over time.
Adjusting the Spice:
Love heat? Add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer mild? Skip them entirely.
Quality Ingredients:
Since this soup relies on bold, simple flavors, high-quality sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and chicken broth will make a big difference.
6. How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup
Serving your Marry Me Chicken Soup with the right sides can elevate the entire meal. Here are a few more ideas:
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up every last drop.
- Crusty Rolls: A simple, hearty option.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp, tangy green salad balances the richness of the soup.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers:For a more substantial meal, serve your soup alongside stuffed bell peppers filled with rice, veggies, and cheese.
- Roasted Vegetables :Roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make for a hearty and nutritious side
- Roasted Vegetables :Pair your soup with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich for a classic combination that’s always a hit.
7. Storing and Reheating
Refrigerating:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
If you’d like to freeze the soup, avoid adding the pasta before freezing. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it.
8. Stories with Marry Me Chicken Soup
Let me share a little story about how I stumbled upon this soup. It was a chilly winter evening, and I was craving something comforting but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I remembered the Marry Me Chicken Soup dish and thought, “Why not turn this into a soup?” So, I grabbed some sun-dried tomatoes, a rotisserie chicken, and a handful of other ingredients. The result? A creamy, tangy soup that warmed me up from the inside out. My family loved it so much that it became a regular favorite.
Another time, I decided to experiment by adding a bit of spinach for some greenery. It not only made the soup look more vibrant but also added a nice texture. It’s these little tweaks that make cooking fun and personalized.
9. FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Soup
Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken Soup”?
The original Marry Me Chicken dish is said to be so good it could inspire a marriage proposal. This soup takes those same flavors and turns them into a cozy, shareable meal.
What thickens this Marry Me Chicken Soup?
The cream cheese and Parmesan cheese work together to create a rich, thick consistency.
How can I avoid mushy pasta?
Cook the pasta separately if you’re planning on leftovers. Add it to the soup just before serving.
Can I make this Marry Me Chicken Soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream, the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, and the Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Wrapping It Up
Marry Me Chicken Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a moment. Whether you’re serving it to someone special or simply treating yourself, this rich, creamy, and flavorful soup is guaranteed to impress. With bold ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, it’s a dish that feels indulgent without being overly complicated.
So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create something unforgettable. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with every spoonful! If you try this recipe, share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you.