The first time I tried this flavor combination, I knew instantly that it had to be turned into a warming bowl of comfort.
My version of Marry Me Chicken Soup brings together tender shredded chicken and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy broth that tastes like a hug.
Why This Marry Me Chicken Soup Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

This dish manages to feel incredibly fancy while actually being one of the easiest one-pot meals I make during busy weeks.
You get all the rich, Tuscan-inspired flavors of the famous original chicken dish without any of the fuss or cleanup.
It is versatile enough to serve for a romantic dinner date yet simple enough to feed the whole family on a Tuesday night.
If this dish hit the spot, you’ll want to try my Quick Turkey Chili Recipe next, plus the Irresistible Lemon Raspberry Cookies Recipe delivers the same bold flavors.
Everything You Need for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup

Here is the shopping list you will need to make this creamy delight:
- Chicken Broth: You will need about two standard cartons to create a flavorful liquid base for the soup.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This provides the luxurious, velvety texture that makes the broth so satisfying.
- Rotisserie Chicken: I use pre-cooked shredded chicken to keep this recipe fast and convenient for weeknights.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Look for the julienne-cut variety packed in oil with herbs for the best flavor impact.
- Medium Shell Pasta: These capture the creamy broth perfectly in every spoonful.
- Yellow Onion: A staple aromatic that builds a savory foundation for the rest of the ingredients.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds a necessary punch that balances the creaminess.
- Tomato Paste: This deepens the color and adds a rich umami layer to the soup base.
- Fresh Baby Spinach: I add this at the end for a pop of color and fresh nutrients.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it is softened to room temperature so it melts seamlessly into the hot liquid.
- Parmesan Cheese: Finely shredded cheese adds a salty, nutty finish that rounds out the flavors.
- Oil from Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Don’t throw this away because I use it to sauté the vegetables for extra flavor.
- Dried Italian Seasoning: A classic blend of herbs that gives the soup its signature aroma.
- Garlic Powder: This reinforces the savory notes alongside the fresh garlic.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds a gentle warmth that cuts through the rich dairy.
- Fresh Basil: I love tearing fresh leaves over the top for a bright, herbal finish.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer of the soup to taste.
My Method for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup

Let’s get cooking!
- I start by heating a large Dutch oven over medium heat and adding the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomato jar. Once the oil is shimmering, I toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring them frequently for about three or four minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Next, I stir in the tomato paste and the drained sun-dried tomatoes to build a deep flavor base. I cook this mixture while stirring constantly for about two minutes, watching for the tomato paste to turn a slightly darker shade of red which indicates the flavors are blooming.
- I pour in the chicken broth and heavy whipping cream, then stir in the chopped fresh basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. I bring this liquid mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about twelve minutes to let the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Once the soup base is boiling, I add the uncooked pasta shells and reduce the heat to medium-low. I let the pasta cook in the broth, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for roughly twelve minutes or until the shells are tender but still have a slight bite.
- I lower the heat completely and stir in the fresh spinach, shredded chicken, cubed cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. I continue cooking and stirring often for about five minutes until the cheeses have fully melted into the sauce and the chicken is warmed through.
- To finish, I ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. The result is a vibrant, creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup that looks as good as it tastes.
My Best Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup
I always recommend using rotisserie chicken for this recipe because it saves so much time and adds great texture.
Make sure your cream cheese is fully at room temperature before adding it to the pot so it melts smoothly without clumping.
If you prefer a little extra heat in your Marry Me Chicken Soup, try doubling the red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Best Ways to Enjoy Marry Me Chicken Soup
I love serving this rich soup with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up every drop of the creamy broth.
A crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette also cuts through the richness of the Marry Me Chicken Soup perfectly.
For more simple and cozy dinner inspiration, be sure to follow me on Pinterest.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A creamy, comforting chicken soup packed with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and pasta in a rich broth.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup drained julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil with herbs
- 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomato jar
- 2 (32-ounce) packages chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 8 ounces uncooked medium shell pasta
- 4 teaspoons chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 3 cups packed roughly chopped fresh baby spinach
- 1 1/2 ounces Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
Instructions
- Heat the reserved sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the paste darkens slightly.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil and simmer for 12 minutes.
- Add the uncooked pasta and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for about 12 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the spinach, chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Cook for 5 minutes until the cheese melts and chicken is hot.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan.
Notes
Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent it from curdling or clumping in the hot broth.
- Prep Time: 25 min
- Resting Time:
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 654
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 2247mg
- Fat: 44g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 188mg
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, sun-dried tomato soup, cozy dinner, one pot meal
