Marry Me Chicken Soup

You know those recipes that make you want to cozy up on the couch with a big bowl and forget about the world? That’s exactly what this Marry Me Chicken Soup does for me. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm, creamy hug, packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and just enough Parmesan to make it irresistible. I first made it on a chilly Sunday when my best friend was over, and halfway through her first spoonful, she joked, “If this soup were a person, I’d propose!” The name stuck, and now it’s a regular in our house.

What I love most? It’s a one-pot wonder, minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. The broth gets its richness from a splash of cream and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, while the sun-dried tomatoes add this deep, almost sweet tang that balances everything perfectly. And let’s not forget the spinach wilting in at the end, sneaking in some greens without anyone noticing. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a family dinner, or just yourself, this soup turns any meal into something special.

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Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup

Listen, I know soup isn’t usually the most exciting dish, but this Marry Me Chicken Soup? It’s a game-changer. Here’s why:

• One-pot wonder: Less dishes, more time for seconds (or thirds, no judgment here).
• Creamy without being heavy: That silky texture from the cream and Parmesan? Pure comfort in every spoonful.
• Sun-dried tomato magic: They add this deep, rich flavor that makes the broth taste like it simmered all day (even though it didn’t).
• Kid-approved: Sneaky spinach for the win, it wilts right in, and picky eaters won’t even notice.
• Weeknight easy: From fridge to table in under an hour, with minimal fuss.

Trust me, one bite and you’ll see why this soup lives up to its name!

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy, flavor-packed soup. I’m picky about a few key ingredients, like using real butter and freshly grated Parmesan, but I’ll note where you can swap things if needed:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces – thighs add extra richness)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided (plus more to taste – I use Diamond Crystal)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (that golden color adds depth!)
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced, about 1 ½ cups – sweet onions work too)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced – measure with your heart, really)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
• ½ cup julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes (drained if oil-packed – about 2 ½ oz)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste (that little can in your fridge is perfect)
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (so you control the saltiness)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh if you’re fancy)
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional but gives a nice warmth)
• 8 ounces dried medium pasta shells (about 2 ¾ cups – elbows or orecchiette work too)
• 5 ounces baby spinach (about 5 packed cups – it cooks down a ton)
• ¾ cup heavy cream (half-and-half works in a pinch)
• ½ ounce grated Parmesan cheese (about ¼ cup, plus more for serving – freshly grated melts better)

See? Nothing too fancy, just good, honest ingredients that come together like magic.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Alright, let’s get cooking! This Marry Me Chicken Soup comes together in just a few simple steps, but I’ll walk you through each one to make sure it turns out perfect. Grab your favorite big pot (I use my trusty Dutch oven) and let’s go:

1. Season the chicken: Toss those bite-sized chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Don’t skip this, it’s the first layer of flavor!
2. Brown the chicken: Melt butter in your pot over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in 2 batches (crowding the pan = steamed chicken, and we want golden bits!). About 4-6 minutes per batch should do it. Scoop it out with a slotted spoon and set aside, those juices are liquid gold, so keep ‘em!
3. Sweat the veggies: Lower the heat to medium. Add onion, garlic, black pepper, and the remaining salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent. Your kitchen should smell amazing right about now.
4. Tomato power: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes, you’ll see the paste darken a shade, which means it’s getting nice and flavorful.
5. Bring in the broth: Pour in chicken broth, thyme, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom, then bring it all to a boil.
6. Pasta time: Add the pasta shells and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Test a piece at 10 minutes, you want al dente, not mushy! (The pasta keeps cooking a bit even after you turn off the heat.)
7. Bring it all together: Return the chicken (and those precious juices!) to the pot. Add spinach, cream, and Parmesan. Stir gently for about 2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and everything looks creamy and dreamy.
8. Taste and tweak: Give it a try! Need more salt? Pepper? A little extra Parmesan? Now’s the time to make it yours.

Pro tip: If the soup seems too thick after sitting, just stir in a splash of broth or water when reheating. And whatever you do, don’t skip the extra Parmesan on top, it’s the crowning glory!

Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Soup

Want to take your soup from good to “I’d propose to this” levels? Here are my go-to tricks:

• Salt smart: Always use low-sodium broth and adjust at the end, those sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan add saltiness too!
• Don’t overcook the pasta: It keeps softening in the hot soup, so pull it when it’s just al dente.
• Spinach last: Toss it in right before serving so it stays vibrantly green and doesn’t turn mushy.
• Cream control: For a lighter version, swap half the cream for whole milk, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
• Leftover magic: The flavors deepen overnight! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days (add broth when reheating if it thickens).

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Life happens, sometimes you need to swap things! Here’s how to tweak this Marry Me Chicken Soup without losing that cozy magic:

• Heavy cream: Half-and-half works (use 1 cup) for a lighter touch, or coconut milk for dairy-free (adds a hint of sweetness).
• Pasta: Gluten-free shells or small diced potatoes (add with broth) keep it hearty.
• Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard are great, just chop finely and add earlier to soften.
• Extra veggies: Sauté mushrooms with the onions or stir in roasted red peppers for color.
• Spice it up: A dash of smoked paprika or extra red pepper flakes gives a smoky kick.

Just remember: more add-ins = thicker soup, so adjust broth as needed!

Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Soup

This soup is a meal all on its own, but I love pairing it with a hunk of crusty bread for dipping, garlic toast takes it over the top! A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing cuts through the richness. And please, don’t skimp on the extra Parmesan showered on top. That’s non-negotiable in my house!

Storing and Reheating Marry Me Chicken Soup

Here’s the scoop on keeping your leftovers as dreamy as day one (because trust me, you’ll want seconds):

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The pasta soaks up broth, so add a splash when reheating, it’ll loosen right up.
• Freezer: Freeze without pasta for best texture (it turns mushy). Thaw overnight, then stir in freshly cooked shells when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over medium-low, stirring often. Microwaving works too, just cover and stir every minute to prevent separation.

Pro tip: The flavors get even better overnight, if you can wait that long!

Marry Me Chicken Soup Nutrition Facts

Here’s the scoop on what’s in each cozy bowl (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Fat: 18g (9g saturated)
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg

Remember, these are estimates, your numbers might vary slightly depending on exact ingredients (like how much Parmesan you shower on top!).

FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Soup

Why This Marry Me Chicken Soup Is the Best

This Marry Me Chicken Soup takes all the creamy, flavorful goodness of the classic dish and transforms it into a comforting, hearty soup. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, rich cream, and aromatic herbs, every spoonful is packed with irresistible flavor. It’s cozy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve to guests, just like the original recipe that inspired it. Plus, it comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! And for more delicious and comforting recipes, don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for kitchen inspiration year-round.

More Comforting Soup Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved this Marry Me Chicken Soup, here are more hearty and flavorful soups you’ll want to try next. Each one is easy to make and perfect for cozy meals at home:

• Sausage Potato Soup
• Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
• Lasagna Soup
• Stuffed Pepper Soup

These soups are just as rich and satisfying, giving you plenty of new recipes to keep your meal rotation exciting and delicious.

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