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Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Cozy, Creamy Delight

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup


  • Author: Ben
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This easy Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe is pure comfort in a bowl! Quick, creamy, and bursting with flavor for a perfect family meal.


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

Instructions

Stovetop Method

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add Flavor Boosters: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste. Let them cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance their depth of flavor.

  3. Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, then add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.

  4. Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

  5. Make It Creamy: Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded chicken, half & half, and Parmesan cheese. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts into the broth.

  6. Add Greens & Serve: Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for about a minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Instant Pot Method

  1. Turn on Sauté Mode: Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste.
  2. Add Broth & Seasonings: Pour in chicken broth and seasonings, then add shredded chicken and uncooked pasta.
  3. Pressure Cook: Seal the lid and set to High Pressure for 4 minutes. Perform a quick release when done.
  4. Finish Creamy: Stir in half & half, Parmesan, and spinach. Let it sit for a couple of minutes until creamy. Serve hot!

Slow Cooker Method

  1. Combine Ingredients: Add onions, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, seasonings, and shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  2. Cook Slowly: Set to Low for 6-8 hours or High for 4-5 hours.
  3. Add Pasta & Dairy: Stir in pasta 30 minutes before serving. Then, add half & half, Parmesan, and spinach 15 minutes before serving.
  4. Serve & Enjoy!

Recipe Variations

  • Keto Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or chickpea pasta.
  • Dairy-Free: Substitute half & half with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: soup
  • Method: Stovetop / Instant Pot / Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Soup