Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup A Comforting, Irresistible Dish

Name: Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (drained if packed in oil); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference); 12 ounces pasta (shells, rotini, or gluten-free pasta); 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or pre-cooked); 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped; ¾ cup half & half (or heavy cream for a richer version); ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for serving); Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Some meals taste good, and then some meals make people fall in love. Marry Me Chicken Soup falls squarely into the second category. If you’ve ever heard of the famous Marry Me Chicken dish that took the internet by storm, you’re in for a treat. This soup version takes all those rich, creamy, and cozy flavors and transforms them into a steaming bowl of pure comfort.

If you love rich, indulgent chicken recipes, you might also enjoy this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe—another creamy and comforting dish perfect for a cozy night in.

Whether you’re a home cook looking for an exciting new dish, a health-conscious eater searching for lighter variations, or a busy parent craving an easy one-pot meal, this easy Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe checks every box. It’s indulgent but can be made lighter, it’s hearty without being heavy, and it comes together in **just 30 minutes**—perfect for weeknights when time isn’t on your side.

Table of Contents

Why This Soup Will Win Your Heart

Let me tell you something—this soup isn’t just delicious. It’s the kind of meal that makes people pause after the first spoonful and say, “Wow, this is amazing.” It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, a dish that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Ultra-Creamy & Flavorful: The mix of sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and garlic-infused broth creates an irresistible richness.
Easy & Quick: Whether you make it on the stove, in an Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker, this soup is a breeze to prepare.
Customizable: Want a keto-friendly Marry Me Chicken Soup? Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles. Need it dairy-free? No problem—there’s a way to make it work.
Great for Meal Prep: This soup reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeks.

Now, let’s get into the ingredients and why they make this soup so special.

Ingredient Breakdown: What Makes This Soup Magic?

Every great dish starts with great ingredients, and this soup is no exception. Here’s what you’ll need and how each component brings something special to the table.

1. Olive Oil

A little bit of olive oil starts things off by giving the onions and garlic a beautifully rich base. You could use butter instead, but olive oil keeps things light and heart-healthy.

2. Onions & Garlic

Oh, the aroma of onions and garlic sizzling in a pot—is there anything better? These two build the foundation of flavor, giving the soup that irresistible depth.

3. Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This is the secret ingredient that makes this soup stand out. Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy, slightly sweet depth that pairs beautifully with the creamy broth.

4. Chicken Broth

We’re talking about comfort in a bowl, and that means a rich, well-seasoned broth. Chicken broth is the backbone of this soup, giving it that perfect balance of savory goodness.

5. Shredded Chicken

If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, this is the perfect way to use it! It adds protein and heartiness without extra cooking time.

6. Heavy Cream (or Half & Half)

Here’s where the magic happens. That velvety, luscious texture? It comes from just the right amount of creaminess. If you prefer a lighter option, half & half works beautifully too.

7. Parmesan Cheese

It’s not just about the creamy texture—Parmesan adds a nutty, salty kick that ties everything together. Plus, it melts perfectly into the broth.

8. Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes

These two bring warmth and complexity. The Italian seasoning infuses the soup with those classic Italian-inspired flavors, while red pepper flakes add just a hint of spice.

9. Pasta (or Keto Alternatives!)

Gluten-free shell pasta works great here, but if you’re going for a keto Marry Me Chicken Soup, swap it for spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice.

Make sure your pasta is cooked to the perfect texture for best results. Check out this guide on cooking Ditalini pasta like a pro for tips on achieving that ideal al dente bite.

10. Fresh Spinach

A pop of freshness at the end adds color, vitamins, and a subtle earthiness.

Let’s Cook! Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, enough talk—let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to make your easy Marry Me Chicken Soup.

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, toss in the garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds—just until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Flavor Boosters

Next, add your chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a spoonful of tomato paste. Stir everything together and let the flavors meld for about a minute.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth & Seasonings

Now, add your chicken broth, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring it to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Once the broth is simmering, stir in your pasta and let it cook until al dente.

Step 5: Add the Chicken & Creamy Goodness

Turn the heat to low and stir in the shredded chicken, half & half (or heavy cream), and Parmesan cheese. Give everything a good stir until the cheese melts into the broth.

Step 6: Toss in the Spinach & Serve

Finally, add the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the soup. Serve it hot with extra Parmesan on top!

Instant Pot and Slow Cooker Methods

Sometimes, life gets busy, and standing over the stove just isn’t an option. That’s where the Instant Pot and Slow Cooker come to the rescue. Whether you need a quick meal with minimal effort or want to set it and forget it, these methods will give you the same creamy, flavorful soup without the extra hands-on time.

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Soup

When you’re short on time but still want a homemade meal, the Instant Pot is your best friend. It locks in flavor, speeds up cooking, and makes clean-up a breeze.

How to Make It in the Instant Pot:

Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat the olive oil.
Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about two minutes until softened.
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste. Let them cook for a minute to release their flavors.
Pour in the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Add the shredded chicken and uncooked pasta.
Secure the lid, set the valve to seal, and cook on High Pressure for four minutes.
Once the timer goes off, do a quick release and carefully remove the lid.
Switch to Sauté mode again. Stir in the half & half (or heavy cream), Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach.
Let the soup simmer for another two minutes until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts.
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.

This method is perfect when you need a quick yet comforting meal. The pressure cooking intensifies the flavors, making it taste like it’s been simmering for hours.

Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Soup

If you love coming home to a warm, ready-to-eat meal, the slow cooker method is for you. This version lets the ingredients simmer, developing rich flavors while you go about your day. check out this Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi which shares a similar slow-cooked, creamy flavor, delicious, comforting dish.

How to Make It in the Slow Cooker:

In a slow cooker, combine the olive oil, onions, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken.
Cover and cook on Low for six to eight hours or on High for four to five hours.
Thirty minutes before serving, stir in the pasta.
Fifteen minutes before serving, add the half & half (or heavy cream), Parmesan, and spinach.
Let everything heat through, stirring occasionally.
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.

The slow cooker method is ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every spoonful even better.

Recipe Variations: Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this soup is its flexibility. Whether you’re looking for a lighter version, a keto-friendly alternative, or a dairy-free option, there’s a way to make this soup work for you.

Keto Marry Me Chicken Soup

For a low-carb twist, skip the pasta and use keto-friendly alternatives:

Replace pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower rice.
Use heavy cream instead of half & half for extra richness.
Increase the shredded chicken to make it more filling.

This version keeps all the comforting flavors while keeping it low in carbs.

Gluten-Free Marry Me Chicken Soup

This soup is naturally gluten-free when you use gluten-free pasta or a grain-free alternative like chickpea pasta.

Make sure to check labels on broths and seasonings to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Use a gluten-free thickener if you prefer a thicker broth.

Dairy-Free Marry Me Chicken Soup

If you need a dairy-free version, it’s easy to make a few swaps:

Replace half & half with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer.
Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
Opt for dairy-free cream cheese to maintain the soup’s creamy texture.

These changes keep the soup creamy and delicious without any dairy.

Pro Tips for the Best Flavor

Want to take your soup to the next level? Here are a few pro tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time.

Use Rotisserie Chicken for Extra Flavor

Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and adds an extra depth of flavor. It’s already seasoned, juicy, and shreds beautifully into the soup.

Cook Pasta Separately for Meal Prep

If you plan to store leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls before serving. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much broth and getting mushy.

Let the Soup Sit Before Serving

Like most soups, this one tastes even better after it sits for a bit. Letting it rest for 10 minutes allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

Garnish for Extra Freshness

A sprinkle of fresh basil, parsley, or even a squeeze of lemon can brighten up the flavors and make each bowl even more irresistible.

Serving Suggestions: What Pairs Well with This Soup?

While this soup is satisfying on its own, the right side dish can take it up a notch. Here are some great pairings:

Marry Me Chicken Soup – Creamy & Irresistible Comfort — This Marry Me Chicken Soup is packed with tender chicken, rich creamy broth, and fresh herbs—perfect for a cozy, heartwarming meal.

Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth.
Fresh Green Salad: A simple side of mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts adds color and texture.

Storage and Reheating: How to Keep Your Soup Fresh

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you’ll want to store them properly to keep that creamy, rich flavor intact. Whether you plan to enjoy this soup the next day or freeze it for later, here’s how to do it right.

How to Store Leftovers

In the Refrigerator: Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
In the Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. If possible, store the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming too soft.

Best Way to Reheat

Reheating creamy soups can be tricky, but with these simple steps, you’ll keep it tasting just as good as the day you made it.

Stovetop: Heat the soup over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30-45 seconds at a time), stirring in between to prevent the dairy from separating.
From Frozen: Let the soup thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most common questions people ask about Marry Me Chicken Soup.

Can I Make This Soup in Advance?

Absolutely! The flavors develop even more if you make it ahead of time. Just store it properly and reheat it as needed.

How Can I Make It Thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, try these options:
Let the soup simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the broth.
Blend a small portion of the soup and stir it back in.
Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and let it simmer until thickened.

What Other Pasta Shapes Work Well?

While shell pasta is a classic choice, you can use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or orecchiette. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I Make It Without Pasta?

Yes! If you’re looking for a grain-free version, try:
Cauliflower rice
Zucchini noodles (zoodles)
Chopped spinach or kale for extra greens

What If I Don’t Have Sun-Dried Tomatoes?

No worries! You can swap them out for:
Fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky touch
Jarred roasted red peppers for a milder sweetness
A splash of tomato sauce or paste for added depth

Is This Soup Kid-Friendly?

Yes! If serving to kids, you might want to reduce the red pepper flakes for a milder taste. The creamy texture and cheesy goodness make it a hit with little ones.

Can I Add Extra Protein?

Definitely! While the shredded chicken is already packed with protein, you can add extras like:
Cooked Italian turkey sausage
Diced chicken thighs for a juicier texture
White beans for a plant-based protein boost

Final Thoughts: A Recipe to Fall in Love With

Marry Me Chicken Soup isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. From the rich, creamy broth to the perfect blend of spices, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite in your household.

Whether you make it on the stove, in the Instant Pot, or the slow cooker, this soup is all about bringing people together. It’s cozy, comforting, and easy to customize, making it perfect for every occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your stove (or Instant Pot!), and get ready to make a soup so good, that it might just make someone propose.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me on social media. I’d love to see your delicious creations!