Name: Marry Me Chicken Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbows); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chopped kale or baby spinach; ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste

I still remember the first time I made Marry Me Chicken Soup—it was one of those cold evenings when comfort food was all I craved. I had a leftover roasted chicken, some pantry pasta, and a hunch that turning the famous “Marry Me Chicken” into a cozy, creamy soup might just be the best thing I could do with it. And oh, was I right. One bite of this rich, flavorful soup and I knew I had created something that would warm hearts as much as it warmed bellies.

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This soup takes all the best elements of the beloved Marry Me Chicken—sun-dried tomatoes, tender shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, and a touch of cream—and swirls them into a velvety broth with pasta and greens. The result is indulgent yet wholesome, hearty yet smooth, and it has quickly become one of my most-requested recipes when friends or family come over.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup

This soup is the definition of comfort in a bowl. It’s creamy and savory with layers of flavor thanks to garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan. The addition of pasta makes it filling, while the greens add a fresh note that balances the richness. It’s incredibly easy to make, reheats beautifully, and is sure to win over everyone at your table—maybe even get you a marriage proposal or two!

What Type of Chicken Should I Use?

You’ve got options when it comes to the chicken in this soup. I typically use shredded rotisserie chicken for ease and flavor—it’s tender, juicy, and saves a lot of time. But if you’re starting from scratch, boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs cooked and shredded will work just as beautifully. Chicken thighs add a bit more richness, while breasts keep it a little leaner. Got leftover grilled or roasted chicken? Toss it in—this recipe is flexible like that.

Options for Substitutions

Marry Me Chicken Soup can be tailored to fit what’s in your kitchen or to meet dietary needs:

Pasta: Any small pasta works well—ditalini, elbow macaroni, or mini shells. You can even use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Cream: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Chicken: Use turkey or a plant-based shredded chicken substitute for a different protein option.
Greens: Kale, baby spinach, or even Swiss chard are great additions. Add at the end to keep them vibrant.
Parmesan: Nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free cheesy flavor.

This soup is all about comfort and ease—so feel free to make it your own while keeping the soul of the dish intact.

Ingredients for This Marry Me Chicken Soup

Cooked, shredded chicken: The heart of the soup—juicy and savory, it soaks up the rich broth flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These bring a deep, tangy sweetness that makes the flavor pop.
Garlic: Adds bold aromatic depth and classic comfort.
Onion: A foundational flavor that balances sweetness and savoriness.
Chicken broth: Acts as the soup’s base, rich and savory.
Heavy cream: Gives the soup its luscious, creamy texture.
Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and a salty, nutty finish.
Pasta (like ditalini or elbow): Makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
Italian seasoning: Brings warmth and herbaceous notes that tie everything together.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat that wakes up the palate.
Fresh kale or spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and freshness.
Olive oil or butter: Used for sautéing and adds richness.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasoning

Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Stir to coat the aromatics in the seasoning, letting the flavors bloom.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Add Chicken

Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the shredded chicken and let it heat through, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Stir in your choice of small pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 8–10 minutes—until al dente. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Greens

Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently, then add chopped kale or spinach. Let it wilt into the soup for 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Finish With Cheese and Seasoning

Stir in grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another couple of minutes until everything is creamy and well combined.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra parmesan and black pepper if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

How Long to Cook the Marry Me Chicken Soup

This soup comes together surprisingly fast. Once you start:

Prep time takes about 10–15 minutes, especially if you’re using pre-cooked chicken.
Cooking time is around 25–30 minutes total, including simmering, pasta cooking, and finishing with cream and cheese.

In under 45 minutes, you’ve got a pot of soul-warming, flavor-packed soup ready to go.

Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup

Use high-quality broth: It’s the backbone of the soup’s flavor—go with homemade or a good store-bought low-sodium version.
Add the pasta last: If you’re planning leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately to avoid it soaking up all the broth and turning mushy over time.
Taste and season at the end: Parmesan is salty, so hold off on heavy seasoning until everything’s combined.
Stir the cream slowly: To avoid curdling, reduce the heat and gently stir it in.
Use freshly grated parmesan: It melts smoother than pre-shredded and adds a richer flavor.
Don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes: They’re essential to that signature “Marry Me” flavor—bold, sweet, and tangy.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the pasta: It continues to soften in the broth, so cook it just to al dente.
Adding cream over high heat: This can cause curdling. Always reduce the heat before adding.
Skipping the seasoning: Each layer—onion, garlic, tomatoes, broth—needs a bit of seasoning to bring out its best.
Letting the greens boil too long: Add them at the end so they stay vibrant and don’t turn mushy.
Using pre-shredded cheese: It often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting—grate your own for a silky finish.

What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Crusty Garlic Bread

Perfect for dunking into the creamy broth and soaking up every drop.

Parmesan Breadsticks

Their salty, cheesy crunch adds texture alongside the rich soup.

Mixed Greens Salad

A fresh, lightly dressed salad helps balance the richness of the soup.

Roasted Vegetables

Try a mix of carrots, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower with olive oil and herbs.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Go classic comfort—especially good with sharp cheddar or provolone.

Herb Focaccia

Soft, chewy, and full of flavor—ideal for mopping up the bottom of your bowl.

Chilled White Wine or Sparkling Water

A crisp drink refreshes your palate between creamy spoonfuls.

Storage Instructions

Marry Me Chicken Soup stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day comfort.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits.
Freezer: Omit the pasta if you plan to freeze. The soup (minus pasta) freezes well for up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Reheat gently: Warm over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Avoid boiling to preserve the creamy texture.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings)

Calories: ~420 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 790mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g

These values will vary depending on the exact ingredients and pasta used, but this gives you a solid overview of what you’re enjoying in each comforting bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use raw chicken instead of pre-cooked?

Yes! Just cube the raw chicken and sauté it in the pot after the onions and garlic until fully cooked. Then continue with the recipe as written.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap the heavy cream for canned coconut milk and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast.

Will the pasta get mushy if I store leftovers?

It can. To avoid that, cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl before serving. Store the soup and pasta in separate containers.

Can I freeze this soup with the cream in it?

You can, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the cream. Stir in fresh cream when reheating for the best texture.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Roasted red peppers or a spoon of tomato paste will give some depth, though they won’t have quite the same sweet-tangy punch.

Is this soup spicy?

Only mildly, thanks to optional red pepper flakes. Skip them if you’re sensitive to heat—or add more if you love a little kick.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes! Any small pasta shape like orzo, mini shells, or rotini will work. You can even use rice if you prefer.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Definitely—swap the chicken for white beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Soup is the kind of meal that brings comfort and smiles to the table. It blends the creamy, cozy vibes of a rich chicken soup with the bold, romantic flavors of the iconic Marry Me Chicken. Whether you’re trying to impress someone special or just need something warm and nourishing, this soup delivers every time. I hope it becomes one of your favorites—just like it has for me.