If you are looking for a soul-warming, flavor-packed dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is just what you need. Combining tender ground chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a silky cottage cheese finish, this soup is bursting with vibrant Italian-inspired flavors. It’s comforting, hearty, and surprisingly easy to make, promising to impress anyone lucky enough to share a bowl with you. Whether you want to cozy up on a chilly evening or simply crave a delicious, nourishing meal, this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe will quickly become your go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pot filled with a rich red tomato sauce base, with chunks of light brown meat scattered throughout. On one side of the pot, there is a pile of fresh, bright green spinach leaves sitting on top of the sauce. A wooden spoon rests inside the pot, partially submerged in the sauce. The pot is placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients that blend beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the juicy ground chicken bringing protein and substance, to the sun-dried tomato oil adding rich depth and a touch of tangy sweetness. Fresh spinach brightens the color and adds a healthful boost, while the cottage cheese creates an irresistibly creamy finish.

1 lb. ground chicken: A lean and tender protein that absorbs all the warm Italian flavors.
1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil: Adds a rich, fruity undertone that elevates the soup’s taste.
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that infuses every bite with Mediterranean charm.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a smooth cooking base and enhances richness.
½ yellow onion, diced: Offers sweetness and a mild crunch when sautéed.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a warm, pungent flavor that is essential in Italian cooking.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors perfectly; adjust according to seasoning in your Italian blend.
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, cut into strips: Delivers chewy texture and concentrated tomato sweetness.
3 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the soup’s color and tomato flavor.
4 oz. ditalini pasta: Small, tube-shaped pasta that holds the soup beautifully.
6 cups chicken broth*: The flavorful, warming liquid base that ties everything together.
2 cups torn spinach: Adds freshness and a vibrant pop of color.
1 cup blended cottage cheese: Blended until smooth to give the soup a luxuriously creamy texture without heaviness.
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch that adds a nutty, salty kick.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

Start by combining the ground chicken with sun-dried tomato oil and Italian seasoning in a bowl. This simple mix brings bold, aromatic flavor to the meat before it even hits the heat. Set this aside and get ready to turn it into tender, bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Break the chicken mixture into pieces roughly the size of small meatballs and cook for 2-3 minutes, turning so they brown nicely on all sides. This step builds the foundation of rich flavor and an attractive texture that makes every spoonful satisfying.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Tomato

Now, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, salt, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This melds those savory ingredients perfectly to create a vibrant, savory base for your soup.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta in Broth

Pour in the ditalini pasta and chicken broth, then bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom. The broth reduces slightly, enriching the soup with each bubble.

Step 5: Incorporate Spinach and Cottage Cheese

When the pasta is tender and the soup looks beautifully thickened, stir in the torn spinach leaves. Let them wilt gently in the hot soup before removing it from heat. Then, slowly add the blended cottage cheese. It might curdle at first depending on the soup’s temperature, but keep stirring and soon you’ll have a silky smooth, creamy consistency that makes this recipe so special.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan

Serve your Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe hot and generously topped with grated Parmesan cheese. This final sprinkle adds a lovely sharpness that balances the creamy and tangy notes perfectly, making every spoonful irresistible.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with a thick, red tomato soup that has small round pasta pieces scattered throughout. There are chunks of light brown meatballs and dark red sun-dried tomatoes mixed in, along with wilted dark green spinach leaves. The soup is topped with a light sprinkling of grated cheese, giving a slightly grainy texture on top. A spoon rests inside the bowl, and the bowl is placed on a white marbled surface next to a smaller white bowl filled with fresh green spinach leaves and another bowl of sun-dried tomatoes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a few fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley alongside grated Parmesan can brighten the presentation and add fresh herbal notes. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top enhances the richness and makes the colors pop. Cracked black pepper freshly ground adds a pleasant heat without overpowering the flavors.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or garlic breadsticks—perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth. A simple side salad with crisp greens and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup and keeps the meal balanced and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe in rustic bread bowls for an eye-catching and cozy presentation. Alternatively, ladle it into elegant soup tureens when entertaining guests, letting everyone help themselves while enjoying the comforting aroma that fills the room.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it just as delicious the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the ingredients.

Freezing

If you want to keep this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe on hand for busy days, freezing works well. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. It stays good for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that pasta may soften a little after freezing but will still taste fantastic.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the soup seems too thick after storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid boiling to preserve the creamy texture contributed by the cottage cheese.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground chicken with another type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully in this soup if you prefer a slightly different flavor or can’t find ground chicken. Just keep the rest of the seasoning the same.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

You can substitute the cottage cheese and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives. Blended tofu or cashew cream can add creaminess, while nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor boost.

Can I use dried herbs instead of Italian seasoning?

Yes, a combination of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary can replace the Italian seasoning. Mix about 1 teaspoon each for a similar herbaceous kick.

What type of pasta works best in this soup?

Ditalini is ideal because of its small tubular shape that holds the broth well. However, you can swap with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, orzo, or mini shells.

How thick should the soup be?

This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe should have a nicely thickened broth that’s not too watery—creamy but still spoonable. The tomato paste and blended cottage cheese help achieve that luscious, velvety texture.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is a standout comfort dish that’s surprisingly easy to pull together yet impressive enough to serve any day of the week. Rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh and savory notes, it’s the kind of soup that warms your heart and invites smiles all around the table. Once you try it, it’ll definitely be a repeat favorite in your kitchen—trust me on this one!