This marry me chicken soup recipe brings all the rich, irresistible flavors of the viral classic into a warm, cozy bowl. Tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, sweet sundried tomatoes, creamy broth, and perfectly cooked pasta blend together in a dreamy soup that feels like comfort and romance in every bite. It’s hearty, flavorful, and simple enough for weeknights—but special enough to impress anyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup
If you’ve ever tried Marry Me Chicken, you already know how magical the flavors are. This soup version takes that same creamy, savory goodness and turns it into a soul-warming meal. With Italian herbs, rich Parmesan, and wilted spinach, it tastes elegant yet comforting. The broth becomes thick and silky from a flour-based roux, and the pasta adds satisfying texture. From busy weeknights to special family dinners, this soup is the kind that gets recipe requests and second servings every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1–1½ pounds chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced onions
- ¼ cup diced sundried tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
- 6–8 cups chicken broth
- 6 oz pasta (small shells recommended)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½–1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano
- 2½–3 cups fresh spinach
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Add the onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the mixture becomes fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Roux Base
Sprinkle in the flour gradually, stirring well to coat the vegetables and chicken. If you’re using tomato paste, add it here and mix until the ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 4: Add the Broth
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, adding it in stages to avoid lumps. Use your spatula or spoon to deglaze the pot and release all the flavorful bits from the bottom.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Bring the soup to a rolling boil. Add the pasta along with the remaining Italian seasoning and more salt and pepper as needed. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 6: Add the Creamy Elements
Stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the broth.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Give the soup a final taste and adjust salt, pepper, or seasoning as needed. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.
Tips & Variations
- Make it lighter: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegetable boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
- Extra cheesy: Stir in an additional ¼ cup Parmesan for richer flavor.
- No-pasta version: Swap pasta for cooked rice or quinoa added at the end.
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this creamy soup with warm garlic bread, crusty rolls, a simple Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. The flavors get even better the next day.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: 3–4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: 1–2 months (freeze before adding pasta for best texture)
- Reheat: Warm slowly on the stovetop; add a splash of broth if it thickens
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 790mg |
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Soup brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. Creamy, savory, and deeply comforting, it’s the kind of soup that brings everyone back for more. Whether it’s a cozy family meal or a special dinner for someone you love, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.