There’s something magical about food that feels like a warm hug, isn’t there? That’s exactly what Marry Me Chicken Soup delivers—a rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible dish that’s destined to win hearts at first bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family, your partner, or simply treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this soup is about to become your new go-to recipe for love and comfort in a bowl.

Now, let me walk you through the first steps of crafting this delightful dish. Trust me, it’s easier than you think, and the payoff? Totally worth it.

Why “Marry Me Chicken Soup”?

Before we dive in, let’s talk about the name. Have you ever tasted something so delicious that it felt like a proposal-worthy moment? That’s the essence of this soup. With a rich tomato base, tender chicken, velvety cream, and an infusion of herbs, every spoonful whispers, “You can’t live without me.” It’s a love story, really—only this time, it’s between you and your Dutch oven.

Gathering the Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients, which you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to kickstart your culinary journey:

½ cup julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil with herbs)
1 tablespoon of that flavorful oil from the sun-dried tomato jar (don’t skip this—it’s liquid gold!)
1 ½ cups of chopped yellow onion
4 cloves of garlic, minced
3 tablespoons of tomato paste
2 (32-ounce) packages of chicken broth
1 cup of heavy whipping cream
Fresh basil, Italian seasoning, and a hint of crushed red pepper for a little kick
Uncooked medium shell pasta
Baby spinach
Cream cheese
Parmesan cheese
Shredded rotisserie chicken (your secret weapon for easy, flavorful protein)

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Let’s start with the soul of any good soup—the aromatics. Heat a tablespoon of that infused oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in your Dutch oven over medium heat. As it warms, the kitchen will already start to smell incredible.

Add your chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté them for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir occasionally, letting the aroma of garlic and onion fill the air. Trust me, your neighbors will be peeking through the windows wondering what you’re cooking.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Base

Once your onions and garlic are soft and fragrant, it’s time to build depth. Stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking them for about 2 minutes. This step transforms the tomato paste into a rich, concentrated flavor bomb. You’ll know it’s ready when the paste darkens slightly and sticks a bit to the bottom of the pot.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasoning

Here’s where the magic really begins. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, giving the mixture a quick stir to combine. Sprinkle in your basil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and a pinch of crushed red pepper.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. This step will take about 12 minutes, but it’s the perfect time to tidy up your space or simply enjoy how amazing your kitchen smells.

Marry Me Chicken Soup: Bringing the Comfort Home

Now that you’ve set the foundation for this dreamy Marry Me Chicken Soup, it’s time to take things up a notch. This is where the magic of textures, flavors, and that signature creamy richness come together. Grab your spoon because we’re about to dive back in!

Step 4: Cooking the Pasta to Perfection

It’s pasta time! Once your soup base is bubbling gently, add the uncooked medium shell pasta directly into the pot. No need to pre-cook the pasta—this step not only saves you time but also infuses the shells with the rich, flavorful broth. Stir everything together, then lower the heat to medium-low.

Let the pasta cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on it—you want the shells to be al dente, perfectly tender but with just a bit of bite. Pro tip: The starch released by the pasta will naturally thicken the soup, giving it that velvety texture that’s irresistible.

Step 5: Incorporating the Spinach and Chicken

Once your pasta is ready, reduce the heat to low, and it’s time to add in the stars of the show—spinach and chicken. Toss in three packed cups of baby spinach and watch it wilt down in just a minute or two. Not only does the spinach add a pop of vibrant green, but it also sneaks in a healthy dose of veggies without overpowering the dish.

Next, stir in two cups of shredded rotisserie chicken. Using pre-cooked chicken is a game-changer here—no extra prep needed, and it brings that savory, homey flavor we all love. As the chicken warms through, the soup is already looking like a masterpiece.

Step 6: Cream Cheese and Parmesan—The Creamy Finale

Here’s where the soup transforms from delicious to absolutely swoon-worthy. Add cubed cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese into the pot, stirring gently but continuously. The heat will melt the cream cheese into the broth, creating a luxurious, creamy consistency that’s nothing short of indulgent.

The Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth that rounds out the flavors beautifully. Keep stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and everything is well combined. At this point, you’ll start to see that rich, velvety texture that makes this soup so unforgettable.

Tips for Perfecting Your Marry Me Chicken Soup

Don’t Rush the Cheese: To avoid any lumps, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the pot. This ensures it melts evenly and incorporates smoothly into the soup.
Taste as You Go: Before serving, give your soup a quick taste test. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, crushed red pepper, or even a dash of garlic powder if needed.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as the soup sits, so aim for slightly underdone shells if you’re not serving it immediately.

Step 7: Time to Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and get ready to impress. To finish, sprinkle each serving with a touch of grated Parmesan, a few fresh basil leaves, and a pinch of crushed red pepper for that extra pop of color and flavor.

Pair it with some crusty bread, a side salad, or simply serve it on its own. This soup is hearty enough to stand alone but versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides. And the best part? It tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together even more.