Why Make This Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. This recipe combines creamy flavors with fresh ingredients that will please anyone who tries it. It’s perfect for cold days, when you need a comforting dish that feels like home. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken, making it both delicious and efficient.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

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
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)
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)

Directions:

Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the 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.
Simmer the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, fresh basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 12 minutes.
Cook the Pasta
Add the medium shell pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Make It Creamy & Delicious
Lower the heat to low, then stir in the fresh spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir often for about 5 minutes until the cheeses melt and the chicken is warmed through.
Serve & Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, 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.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup

Serve the soup warm in deep bowls. You can enjoy it with fresh crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Garnishing it with extra basil and Parmesan adds that finishing touch that everyone will love.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken Soup

If you have leftover soup, let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.

Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth if you have some available.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference to make it more or less spicy.
You can add more vegetables like carrots or celery for additional texture and flavor.

Variation (if any)

Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite vegetables, like mushrooms or zucchini. You can also substitute the pasta with rice for a gluten-free option.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, this soup can be frozen. Just make sure to leave out the cream cheese until you reheat it.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and skip the chicken. You can add beans or additional vegetables for protein.