If soup could speak, this one would whisper “I love you.” Creamy, savory, and irresistibly cozy, this Marry Me Chicken Soup has all the charm of your favorite comfort food with a rich, dreamy twist. One bite and you’ll understand why it gets marriage proposals.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Soup
This soup is warm, bold, and gently indulgent. It takes everything you adore about creamy chicken pasta and wraps it into one soul-hugging bowl. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for chilly nights, lazy weekends, or just when you need something extra.
It pairs beautifully with a bowl of creamy chicken lasagna soup for the ultimate cozy night in. Set the mood, grab a spoon, and let the soup do the rest.
Ingredients You’ll Need (with Substitutions)
Here’s what you need to bring this love-filled bowl to life
Chicken Choices
You can use cubed chicken breasts, thighs, or shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re in a hurry
Pasta Options
Elbows, shells, ditalini, or rotini all work great. The goal is bite-sized and slurp-friendly
The Flavor Makers
This soup shines thanks to:
- garlic
- sun-dried tomatoes
- Italian seasoning
- fresh spinach
- parmesan cheese
- heavy cream
- chicken broth
Every ingredient plays a role in making this soup irresistibly rich and balanced
Step-by-Step Instructions
You’re just a few easy steps away from soup bliss
Sauté and Simmer
In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat olive oil and cook chopped onions and garlic until fragrant. Add the chicken and brown the pieces just until lightly golden. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Add pasta and cook until tender
Make it Creamy
Turn the heat down low. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and spinach. Let it simmer gently until creamy and the spinach wilts into the broth
Final Touches
Taste and adjust seasoning. You can add red pepper flakes for a little extra spark. Serve immediately with bread or a crisp salad
If you love creamy soups, you’ll also want to try our creamy white lasagna soup that’s just as dreamy and perfect for soup night
Recipe Variations and Add-Ins
This soup is a blank canvas with heart. Make it yours with:
- mushrooms or red bell peppers for extra depth
- kale instead of spinach
- crispy bacon stirred in at the end
- a splash of white wine while sautéing the onions
- coconut milk or cream cheese in place of heavy cream
Or switch things up with this Italian-style creamy Alfredo lasagna soup that has a luxurious vibe all its own
Tips for Success
Use freshly grated parmesan for the best texture
If you want to avoid soggy noodles, cook pasta separately and stir it in just before serving
Stir slowly when you add the cream and cheese to keep everything silky
Don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes. They give the soup its signature savory-sweet kick
Storage, Reheating, and Freezing
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Add a splash of broth or cream while reheating to refresh the texture
To freeze, omit pasta and cream. Freeze the base, then add those fresh when reheating to keep the soup velvety and perfect
Serving Ideas
This soup shines brightest with a little something on the side. Try one (or all!) of these cozy pairings:
- Try it with this apple arugula salad for a crisp, peppery bite that balances the creaminess
- Or serve it next to this all-harvest salad for cozy fall colors and flavors on the side
- Scoop every last drop with these no-yeast dinner rolls they’re quick, pillowy, and perfectly buttery
Pour a glass of white wine and cozy up for a heartwarming dinner
FAQs
Can I make this dairy-free
Yes You can use canned coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative Just note that the flavor will shift slightly
What pasta is best for creamy soups
Ditalini, elbows, and rotini hold their shape and texture beautifully in this soup
How do I stop the soup from curdling
Keep the heat low when adding cream and cheese Stir gently and never boil after the dairy goes in
So go ahead Stir the pot Serve it warm And get ready for those compliments to roll in This isn’t just soup It’s a moment
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Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless 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 sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 –8 cups chicken broth
- 6 oz pasta elbows, rotini, or small shells
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ –1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes.
- 2. Add onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté until soft and fragrant, around 3–4 minutes.
- 3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat the vegetables and chicken evenly.
- 4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth. Stir to remove lumps and deglaze the bottom of the pot.
- 5. Bring to a gentle boil. Add pasta and remaining Italian seasoning. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 15–20 minutes until pasta is tender.
- 6. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and spinach. Simmer uncovered until the soup is creamy and spinach has wilted.
- 7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or salad.