Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a rich and creamy soup that combines sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, tender shredded rotisserie chicken, and creamy cheeses to create a comforting and flavorful bowl that’s perfect for any occasion. This hearty soup features tender pasta and fresh spinach, making it a delicious, filling meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 37 minutes
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Components
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs)
- 1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomato jar
- 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Flavor Boosters
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 32 oz or 2 packages chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 tsp fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (or more if you like heat)
The Good Stuff
- 8 oz uncooked medium shell pasta
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed (room temperature)
- 1 ½ oz Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Build the Base: Stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color, enhancing the soup’s flavor.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, fresh basil, kosher salt, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 12 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked medium shell pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Make It Creamy & Delicious: Lower the heat to low, then stir in the chopped baby spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, room temperature cream cheese, and finely shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir frequently for 5 minutes until the cheeses melt completely and the chicken is heated through.
- Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a fresh green salad on the side for a complete meal.
Notes
- Control the Heat – Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to suit your spice preference.
- Cream Cheese Hack – Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure it melts smoothly; press it against the pot’s side if clumping occurs.
- Switch Up the Pasta – Alternatives like orecchiette, ditalini, or orzo can be used; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Serving Suggestions – Pair this hearty soup with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or a glass of white wine.
- Storage – Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat gently on the stovetop adding broth if needed to thin.
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, sun-dried tomato soup, rotisserie chicken soup, comfort food soup, easy chicken soup, pasta chicken soup
