Name: Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 to 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces; 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 sundried tomatoes; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup flour; 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional); 6-8 cups chicken broth (start with 6 cups); 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 6 oz Italian small shell pasta; ½ to 1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese; 2 ½ to 3 cups fresh spinach

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 77 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish so delicious it might just have the power to win someone’s heart, then the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. This soup brings together tender chicken, a medley of fresh vegetables, creamy broth, and a hint of Parmesan cheese to create a bowlful of comfort that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s rich with flavor but surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for cozy dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. Once you taste this soup, you might just find yourself thinking it’s worthy of a proposal!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four stages of cooking a dish in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. In the first stage, there are raw small pink chicken pieces seasoned with dried herbs on top. In the second stage, cooked chicken pieces are mixed with bright orange shredded carrots, white chopped onions, dark red sun-dried tomatoes, and light green celery chunks all in separate piles. The third stage shows the mix of all earlier ingredients stirred together, now sprinkled with a white powder that looks like flour. In the last stage, the dish turns into a thick orange soup with creamy texture, topped with a mound of white shredded cheese or cream in the middle. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients that all play vital roles in building layers of flavor and texture. Each item, from tender chicken to fresh spinach, combines to produce a soup that’s hearty and satisfying without being overwhelming.

1 teaspoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
1 to 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced: The star protein that makes this soup hearty and filling.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided: Brings Italian herb flavors that elevate the entire soup.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the ingredients.
½ cup diced carrots: Adds sweetness and a pleasant crunch.
½ cup diced celery: Provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and texture.
½ cup diced onions: Forms a flavorful base with a touch of natural sweetness.
¼ cup diced sundried tomatoes: Brings a tangy and umami depth that’s unexpected in chicken soup.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses aromatic boldness that awakens the palate.
¼ cup flour: Used to thicken the soup for that perfect creamy consistency.
2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional): Adds a rich, slightly sweet tomato flavor, enhancing the soup’s complexity.
6-8 cups chicken broth: The soothing liquid base that carries all flavors; start with 6 cups and add more if desired.
6 oz pasta (Italian small shells recommended): Turns the soup into a hearty meal with tender bites in every spoonful.
1 cup heavy whipping cream: Provides luscious creaminess that makes this soup irresistible.
½ to 1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese: Adds sharp, nutty notes that elevate the soup to a new level of deliciousness.
2 ½ to 3 cups fresh spinach: Brightens the dish with leafy freshness and vibrant color.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating a teaspoon of olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced chicken pieces along with one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste. Let the chicken brown on all sides for about 4 to 5 minutes — this step builds a nice golden crust that locks in juiciness and flavors.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Sundried Tomatoes

Once your chicken is beautifully browned, add in the diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic to the same pot. Cook everything together until the onions turn translucent and all the vegetables soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. This will fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.

Step 3: Thicken the Base

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and chicken gradually, stirring well to combine. This is the secret ingredient that thickens your soup to a warm, velvety texture. If you’re using tomato paste for that extra tang, add it here and give it a good stir so it melds perfectly into the mix.

Step 4: Add Broth and Pasta

Slowly whisk in your chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then add your small shell pasta alongside the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, plus more salt and pepper to taste. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook al dente while the chicken becomes tender and the flavors meld beautifully. Pro tip: If you prefer, you can cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to avoid mushiness.

Step 5: Final Creamy Touches

Time for the magic moment — stir in the heavy whipping cream, fresh spinach, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to soften the spinach and thicken the soup even more. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, making sure every spoonful bursts with satisfaction.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

A white bowl with a red outer edge holds a rich, creamy orange soup filled with three main visible layers: small pasta shells, green leafy spinach pieces, and small bits of red sun-dried tomatoes, all mixed evenly throughout the thick soup base. The soup looks smooth and slightly speckled with herbs, and the white bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Nobody does garnishes better than this soup. Sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan or fresh cracked black pepper on top right before serving. For an extra pop of color and flavor, a few fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley make this comfort soup look as divine as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Since this soup is rich and filling on its own, simple sides shine best. A crusty artisan bread or warm garlic knots are ideal for dipping into every creamy spoonful. Pair it with a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the heaviness and keep your meal bright and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this at a dinner party or want to woo a special someone, serve the soup in elegant bowls or mugs for cozy vibes. Adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes can add layers of flavor and a little flair, guaranteed to get compliments without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe stores wonderfully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your leftovers just as mouthwatering as the first serving.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup but keep in mind the pasta might become softer after thawing. If you want to freeze, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it fresh after reheating. Freeze the soup base in well-sealed containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating

When warming leftovers, gently reheat over medium-low heat and stir often. Feel free to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup back up if it’s thickened too much. This will help revive the creamy texture you crave.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds a wonderful depth of flavor, but since it’s pre-cooked, add it towards the end and just warm through so it doesn’t overcook and dry out.

What if I don’t have heavy cream? Can I substitute it?

Yes, you can swap heavy cream with half and half, whole milk, or for a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk. Just keep in mind that the soup won’t be as thick or creamy, but it will still be delicious.

Is the tomato paste essential?

No, the tomato paste is completely optional. If you want a tomato-forward flavor, add it. Otherwise, the sundried tomatoes already provide enough subtle tomato richness for the soup.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Combine all ingredients except the pasta, cream, spinach, and Parmesan in the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Add the pasta, cream, spinach, and cheese at the end, then stir and serve.

How do I avoid mushy pasta when reheating leftovers?

Cooking pasta separately is a great trick to keep it from getting mushy. Store the soup and pasta separately, then combine just before serving or reheating for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is everything you want from a home-cooked meal: comforting, packed with flavor, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or someone special, this soup delivers warmth and love in every spoonful. Give it a try and discover why it might just become your new go-to recipe for cozy nights!