Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Cozy Twist on Classic Soup Recipes

Last Updated on October 8, 2025 by Chef Josie

There’s something truly magical about a pot of Marry Me Chicken Soup simmering on the stovetop. Imagine tender shredded chicken, creamy broth, wilted spinach, and bits of sun-dried tomatoes all mingling with shells of pasta, a rich, savory aroma filling your kitchen. It’s the kind of comfort that makes anyone fall in love at first spoonful.

This stovetop version takes the beloved “Marry Me Chicken” concept and transforms it into one of the most soul-warming Soup Recipes you’ll ever make. Whether you’re curling up on a chilly fall evening or hosting a casual weeknight dinner, this hearty bowl has “keeper” written all over it.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cozy and comforting: Creamy, flavorful, and perfect for cold days, the ultimate Winter Soup Recipe.
• Quick stovetop prep: Ready in under 40 minutes, ideal for Easy Soup Recipes lovers.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love the rich Parmesan flavor and tender chicken.
• Nutritious yet indulgent: A balance of protein, greens, and pasta makes it one of the best Healthy Soup Recipes.
• Perfect for gatherings: It’s a show-stopper among Fall Soups and Stews for holidays or cozy dinner parties.

Ingredient Breakdown

The Essentials:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a silky base for sautéing the aromatics.
• 1 small onion, diced: Sweetness and depth.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for rich, savory flavor.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Shredded after simmering for that tender, hearty texture.
• 4 cups chicken broth: The soul of every good soup, use low-sodium for control over seasoning.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the broth its creamy, “marry me” lusciousness.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth to the soup.
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained): A punch of sweet-tart flavor.
• 2 cups baby spinach: For color, nutrients, and freshness.
• 2 cups small pasta shells (or any short pasta): Adds substance and soak-up-the-flavor texture.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Balanced herbs to tie the flavors together.
• Salt & pepper to taste

Substitutions:

• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Substitute gluten-free pasta or zoodles for a lower-carb option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics:
   In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the chicken:
   Add chicken breasts, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
3. Shred the chicken:
   Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the pot.
4. Add pasta and simmer:
   Stir in pasta shells and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
5. Add the creaminess:
   Lower the heat. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Let simmer gently for 5 minutes.
6. Add spinach and finish:
   Stir in baby spinach until wilted. Adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve and enjoy:
   Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and serve warm with crusty bread.

Notes & Top Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta: It will continue to absorb broth even after serving.
• For extra richness: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or butter at the end.
• Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
• Batch cook: Doubles beautifully for meal prep or Fall Dinner Ideas.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

• Pair it with: Garlic bread, side salad, or roasted vegetables.
• Add protein: Toss in cooked bacon, sausage, or white beans.
• Vegetarian option: Swap chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas.
• Make it festive: Garnish with fresh basil or thyme and a sprinkle of chili flakes for cozy Soup Ideas.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze up to 3 months (leave out pasta when freezing to avoid mushiness).
• Reheat: Gently warm on the stove over medium-low heat; add broth or milk to thin if needed.

Why You’ll Love Making It Again

This Marry Me Chicken Soup isn’t just another bowl of comfort; it’s one of those Soup Recipes that feels like a warm hug every time. Creamy, flavorful, and so simple, it’s bound to become a signature dish in your kitchen.

If you make it, drop a comment below, rate the recipe, and share your photo, I’d love to see your cozy creations!

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen overnight, perfect for meal prep.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and still tastes amazing.

Is it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta or omit pasta entirely for a lower-carb version.

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