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
- 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.
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.
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.
Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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.
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
- 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.
- Add Broth & Seasonings: Pour in chicken broth and seasonings, then add shredded chicken and uncooked pasta.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the lid and set to High Pressure for 4 minutes. Perform a quick release when done.
- Finish Creamy: Stir in half & half, Parmesan, and spinach. Let it sit for a couple of minutes until creamy. Serve hot!
Slow Cooker Method
- Combine Ingredients: Add onions, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, seasonings, and shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Cook Slowly: Set to Low for 6-8 hours or High for 4-5 hours.
- Add Pasta & Dairy: Stir in pasta 30 minutes before serving. Then, add half & half, Parmesan, and spinach 15 minutes before serving.
- 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