Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe: Creamy, Cozy, and Irresistibly Comforting

When I tell you that this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is more than just a bowl of soup, I’m not exaggerating. One bite and you’ll understand why it earns its name. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and filled with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, pasta, and melty Parmesan in every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking to impress a guest or just need a warm hug in a bowl on a weeknight, this Tuscan-inspired soup delivers.

From the moment it starts simmering on the stove, your kitchen fills with the aroma of garlic, Italian herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes. And when it hits the table? Expect smiles, seconds, and yes… maybe even a proposal.

The Story Behind My Marry Me Chicken Soup

I first stumbled on the “Marry Me” concept through a creamy pasta dish that went viral, and for good reason. But with soup season in full swing and cold winds rolling through our Colorado evenings, I wanted that same flavor in a cozier form. So I adapted the original into this Marry Me Chicken Soup, and honestly, I haven’t looked back.

It was a Wednesday evening. I was short on time, but I had some chicken breasts thawing and a craving for something rich and soothing. I pulled out my Dutch oven, grabbed a handful of pantry staples, broth, cream, garlic, Parmesan, and let intuition take the wheel. Thirty minutes later, I had a creamy Tuscan-style soup that made my whole family pause mid-bite.

We were hooked. I served it with crusty bread, and my husband actually looked up and said, “Okay, you could serve this at our wedding.” I laughed, but the name stuck. Now it lives right beside our other favorites like Marry Me Chicken Pasta and Marry Me Gnocchi, because anything that good deserves a little romance.

Why This Soup Is a True One-Pot Wonder

This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe checks every box:

• It’s creamy but not heavy, thanks to the perfect balance of broth and cream.
• It’s full of protein and veggies, with chicken, spinach, celery, and carrots.
• The flavor is restaurant-quality, but you can make it in under an hour.
• It’s customizable. Swap cream for coconut milk, or use rotisserie chicken if you’re in a rush.

And most importantly, it’s the kind of soup you crave again the next day. If you’re a fan of dishes like my Tomato Egg and Beef Noodle Soup, you’ll appreciate the way this one layers richness with ease.

It also freezes well, reheats like a dream, and is elegant enough to serve for a dinner party but comforting enough for sick days, too. It’s the perfect bridge between everyday soup and a special occasion dish.

Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

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• Author: Sofia Child
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 10 cups 1x

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Description

Creamy and comforting, this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe blends Tuscan-inspired flavors with chicken, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan for a rich, cozy meal everyone will love.

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Ingredients

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1 teaspoon olive oil

1–1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced

2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning, divided

Salt and pepper, to taste

½ cup diced carrots

½ cup diced celery

½ cup diced onions

¼ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes

3 garlic cloves, minced

¼ cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)

6–8 cups chicken broth

6 oz small pasta shells

1 cup heavy whipping cream

½–1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano

2½–3 cups fresh spinach

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2. Add diced chicken, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Brown for 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. Add carrots, celery, onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. Cook until soft.

4. Stir in flour to coat veggies. Add tomato paste if using.

5. Gradually whisk in chicken broth. Bring to a boil.

6. Return chicken to the pot. Add pasta, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

7. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked and pasta is tender.

8. Stir in cream, Parmesan, and spinach. Simmer 5 more minutes.

9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.

Notes

Start with 6 cups broth for a thicker soup. Add more to thin as needed.

Use rotisserie chicken to save time, add it near the end to avoid overcooking.

Cook pasta separately if storing leftovers to prevent mushiness.

Swap cream for cream cheese or coconut milk for dairy-free version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American, Tuscan

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 790mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Ingredients That Make This Marry Me Chicken Soup Truly Irresistible

This isn’t your average chicken soup. The secret to the magic of this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is in the quality and balance of ingredients. We’re blending creamy textures, savory protein, aromatic veggies, and bold seasonings, all layered into a one-pot masterpiece that cooks in under an hour.

Below is the full list of everything you’ll need, along with tips, swaps, and what each ingredient brings to the bowl.

Exact Ingredients & Measurements

Tip: Start with 6 cups of broth. Add more at the end if your soup is thicker than you like. It’s easier to thin it out than to fix a watery base.

This blend of chicken, sun-dried tomato, and Parmesan flavor is what makes it feel so elevated, like something you’d find on the menu at a cozy Tuscan café.

Ingredient Swaps & Customization Tips

This soup is flexible, perfect for adapting to your pantry or dietary needs.

Try these smart substitutions:

• Rotisserie chicken: Skip the browning step and add precooked chicken at the end to avoid overcooking. It brings a roasted flavor that adds depth, just like the tricks I use in Forgotten Chicken Recipe.
• No cream? Use half and half, whole milk, or even full-fat coconut milk. The soup will be slightly thinner but still delicious.
• Want low-carb? Skip the pasta and double the spinach or add zucchini noodles at the end.
• Cream cheese swap: Replace the cream with 4 oz of softened cream cheese for a rich, tangy finish, just like in my Garlic Parmesan Sauce.

Why These Ingredients Work So Well Together

• The sun-dried tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances the cream.
• Spinach gives the soup a bright finish while adding nutrients.
• Parmesan builds that cheesy, umami-rich finish you expect in every bite of a “Marry Me” recipe.

This combination mirrors what makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta such a hit, only this time, it’s delivered in soup form, perfect for dipping crusty bread or enjoying with a simple salad.

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

Once your ingredients are prepped, making this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is a smooth, satisfying process. You’ll build layers of flavor starting with sautéed chicken and vegetables, followed by a creamy broth enriched with Parmesan, pasta, and fresh spinach. This recipe comes together in just under an hour, all in one pot.

Here’s exactly how to bring this soup to life.

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken (1–1½ lbs), then sprinkle in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

Shortcut Tip: Using rotisserie chicken? Skip this step and add it at the end to prevent overcooking. This trick works like a charm in dishes like my Forgotten Chicken Recipe.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

In the same pot (without cleaning it), add:

• ½ cup diced onions
• ½ cup diced carrots
• ½ cup diced celery
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauté everything over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 3: Add Flour and (Optional) Tomato Paste

Sprinkle in ¼ cup all-purpose flour gradually while stirring. This creates a roux to thicken your soup. Stir well to prevent clumps.

If using 2 tablespoons tomato paste, stir it in now for extra richness and a deeper tomato flavor.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth

Slowly pour in 6–8 cups of chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps and deglazing any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle rolling boil.

Once boiling, return the chicken to the pot. Add:

• 6 oz small pasta shells
• Remaining 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cover and reduce heat to low, simmering for 20 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and chicken is fully cooked.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream, Spinach & Parmesan

Once the pasta and chicken are done, stir in:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2½–3 cups fresh spinach
• ½–1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano

Let everything simmer gently for another 5 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the soup thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Taste & Adjust

Give your soup a final taste. Add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan if desired. If it feels too thick, stir in an extra splash of broth. Remember, it’s always easier to thin out a soup than to thicken one too late.

This final simmer gives the soup that creamy finish that makes every spoonful crave-worthy. It’s like the cozy cousin of my Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs, rich, comforting, and full of love.

How to Serve, Store & Reheat Marry Me Chicken Soup

This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is more than just a cozy meal, it’s flexible, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for everything from romantic dinners to big family Sundays.

Let’s cover how to serve it, how to store leftovers, and answer the top questions people are searching for.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy, Tuscan-style soup deserves an equally warm and comforting pairing. Try:

• Crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping into that rich, cheesy broth.
• A simple green salad with balsamic dressing to balance the richness.
• Over cooked rice or quinoa for a gluten-free twist.
• Topped with extra Parmesan, cracked pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil for restaurant-style flair.

And if you’re building out a full comfort-food menu, serve it alongside one of my all-time favorites like Marry Me Gnocchi or something lighter like Comforting Soup: 10 Unique Recipes for Every Season.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Storage:
Let the soup cool fully, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Reheat gently over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or water to thin it out if needed. Microwaving works too, use 70% power in 1-minute intervals.

Freezing:
Want to freeze it? I recommend leaving out the pasta if you plan to freeze, as it can get mushy. Freeze the soup base in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh-cooked pasta at the end.

A Soup Worth Falling For

This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is everything I want in a bowl: creamy, rich, full of tender chicken, and bold with garlic and Parmesan. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a loved one who needs a little extra care, it’s the kind of meal that speaks straight to the heart.

Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent place in your recipe rotation, right next to your favorite classics like Marry Me Chicken Pasta and Garlic Parmesan Sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions