Marry Me Chicken Soup

Marry me chicken soup happened one afternoon when I needed something soothing but with a little flair so I took inspiration from my favorite creamy pasta recipe and turned it into a cozy soup filled with tender chicken rotini pasta and sun-dried tomatoes and the moment I tasted the first spoonful I knew it had the same dreamy flavors that made the pasta so loved but with the comfort of a warm hug in a bowl

Now it’s my go-to when I want to serve something that feels special yet simple enough for a weeknight and whether I’m cooking for family or just myself this soup always gets that wow moment especially when topped with fresh basil and a little shower of parmesan cheese

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Chicken breast – Cooked and shredded or cubed for tender bites throughout the soup
• Garlic – Adds bold depth and savory aroma to the broth
• Sun-dried tomatoes – Tangy and rich they bring the signature “marry me” flavor
• Chicken broth – The comforting base that holds everything together
• Heavy cream – Makes the broth creamy and smooth without overpowering it
• Parmesan cheese – Adds saltiness and richness to the soup
• Italian seasoning – Blends herbs to enhance the overall flavor
• Red pepper flakes – Optional but adds a slight kick that balances the cream
• Rotini pasta – Twists that hold onto the creamy broth beautifully
• Spinach – Adds a pop of color and some healthy greens
• Olive oil – Used for sautéing the aromatics and chicken
• Fresh basil – Garnish for freshness and a burst of flavor on top

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot or Dutch oven – To cook everything evenly and hold all the broth
• Wooden spoon – For stirring the soup as it simmers
• Knife and cutting board – To prep the chicken and vegetables
• Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient amounts
• Ladle – Makes it easy to serve the soup piping hot
• Grater – For fresh parmesan that melts better into the soup

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes

I heat olive oil in a large pot then add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for about a minute until they become fragrant

Step 2: Add Chicken and Seasonings

Next I stir in the cooked chicken along with Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes letting the flavors warm up together for another minute

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer

I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil then reduce to a simmer so everything melds nicely while I prepare the pasta

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

I add the rotini directly into the simmering soup and let it cook until tender which usually takes about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Once the pasta is ready I lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese whisking until smooth and creamy

Step 6: Add Spinach and Finish

Just before serving I toss in a handful of fresh spinach and let it wilt then I taste and adjust salt if needed and ladle into bowls with fresh basil and more parmesan on top

Tips

For quicker prep I sometimes use rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken

If I’m making it ahead I cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to avoid overcooking

A splash of white wine added with the broth gives the soup extra depth

You can swap the spinach with kale or arugula if that’s what you have on hand

Ways to Serve

With crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette

Alongside a fresh Caesar or Italian chopped salad

Topped with crispy pancetta or bacon for a salty crunch

In a thermos for a comforting lunch on the go

As a starter for a romantic dinner or cozy family meal

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make marry me chicken soup without cream?

Yes I sometimes use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version

How do I store leftovers of marry me chicken soup?

I keep the pasta and broth separate if possible then combine when reheating to keep the texture just right

Can I freeze marry me chicken soup?

Absolutely but I recommend freezing without the pasta then cooking fresh noodles when you reheat

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this Marry Me Chicken Soup soon! It’s cozy creamy and bursting with flavor from the first spoonful to the last and it’s one of those recipes that always wins hearts. If you give it a try let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear what you add or change!

Happy Cooking!

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