If you’ve ever wished a meal could make someone fall in love with you, this Marry Me Chicken Soup might just be your secret weapon. It’s rich, creamy, cozy, and full of flavor—basically, soup with main character energy.

The classic Marry Me Chicken has been making waves on dinner tables everywhere, and this soup version takes all those dreamy flavors—juicy chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creamy Parmesan sauce—and turns them into a bowl of pure comfort. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes after the first spoonful and sigh, “Mmm, this is it.”

Whether you’re cooking for your spouse, impressing your date, or just making something delicious for yourself (self-love counts, too!), this comfort food dinner is simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve on a cozy weekend in. Bonus: it’s a one-pot wonder, which means fewer dishes to tackle after the magic happens.

Grab your favorite soup bowl, a crusty piece of bread for dipping, and let’s dive in. This recipe might just become your new love language.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup

One pot wonder—less cleanup, more flavor.
Creamy chicken soup vibes with pasta shells for heartiness.
Sun-dried tomato pasta soup flavor without feeling too heavy.
Chicken spinach soup twist that sneaks in some greens without complaints.
Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or anytime you crave a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 teaspoons (10 g) kosher salt, divided
2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1.5 cups / 200 g)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon (1 g) ground black pepper
1/2 cup (65 g) julienne or sliced sun-dried tomatoes, drained
3 tablespoons (50 g) tomato paste
6 cups (1.4 L) low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon (1 g) dried thyme
1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
8 oz (225 g) dried medium pasta shells (about 2.75 cups)
5 oz (140 g) baby spinach (about 5 packed cups)
3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream
1/2 oz (15 g) grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup), plus more for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss with 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
Brown the Chicken: In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches for 4–6 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
Sauté the Base: Lower heat to medium. Add onion, garlic, black pepper, and remaining salt. Cook 3–4 minutes, scraping up the golden bits.
Add the Flavor Boosters: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook 2–3 minutes until the paste deepens in color.
Build the Broth: Pour in chicken broth, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil.
Cook the Pasta: Add pasta shells. Reduce to a simmer and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
Finish the Soup: Return chicken (and its juices) to the pot. Stir in spinach, cream, and Parmesan. Cook 2 minutes until spinach wilts.
Taste & Serve: Adjust salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls, top with extra Parmesan, and serve warm.

Cooking Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Soup

Chicken choice: Thighs add extra richness, while breasts keep it lean. Both work beautifully.
Pasta timing: Stir often so shells don’t stick to the bottom. Slightly undercook if you plan to reheat leftovers—they’ll soften more in the broth.
Boost the creaminess: Want it extra luscious? Add another splash of heavy cream or an extra handful of Parmesan.
Spinach swap: Don’t love spinach? Kale or arugula make tasty alternatives.
Bread is your friend: A slice of crusty bread or garlic toast takes this soup from cozy to unforgettable.

A Personal Note from My Kitchen

The first time I made this, my husband walked into the kitchen, inhaled the aroma, and said, “Wow, what smells so good?”—and let’s just say the name lived up to the hype. By the time he got to the second bowl, he half-jokingly offered to “marry me all over again.” Mission accomplished.

Since then, this soup has become my “let’s make tonight feel special” recipe. I love that it uses pantry staples (hello, pasta and broth) but still feels elegant enough for a date night at home. The sun-dried tomatoes add tang, the cream and Parmesan bring richness, and the spinach makes me feel slightly less guilty about eating three bowls in one sitting.

Cooking, for me, is about creating little moments of joy—and this soup never fails to do just that.

What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Soup

This soup is hearty on its own, but a few pairings take it over the top:

Crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping into the creamy broth.
Simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette for a fresh balance.
Roasted veggies like zucchini, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
Wine pairing: Try a buttery Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio to complement the creaminess.

And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, follow with a light dessert—think lemon sorbet or a few chocolate truffles.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days. The pasta may soak up broth, so add a splash of chicken stock before reheating.
Freezer: For best results, freeze the soup without pasta (it tends to get mushy). Add fresh pasta when reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat. If reheating in the microwave, stir halfway through and add extra broth or cream as needed.

FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Soup

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day. Just reheat gently and add a little broth if needed.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or even orzo would work as long as cooking time is adjusted.

Is this soup spicy?

Not by default, but the red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. Adjust to your taste.

Can I make it lighter?

Swap half & half for the heavy cream and use chicken breasts instead of thighs. It’ll still be delicious.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can leave them out or substitute with roasted red peppers for a slightly different flavor.

Soup That’s Worth Saying “I Do” To

This Marry Me Chicken Soup is more than just dinner—it’s comfort, romance, and joy in a bowl. Whether you’re sharing it with someone special or simply treating yourself after a long day, it’s the kind of meal that makes life feel just a little more magical.

So go ahead—make this creamy, cheesy, soul-warming soup, and let it work its charm. Who knows? You might just fall in love at first bite.

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