Lu-Ann Simon October 10, 2025

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Easy Marry Me Chicken Soup

Name: Easy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup drained julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes in oil with herbs; 1 tablespoon oil from the sun-dried tomato jar (divided); 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion; 4 garlic cloves (minced); 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 packages chicken broth (32 ounces each); 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 4 teaspoons chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish); 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (plus more for garnish); 8 ounces uncooked medium shell pasta; 3 cups roughly chopped baby spinach; 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed, at room temperature); 1 1/2 ounces Parmesan cheese (finely shredded, plus more for garnish)

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There’s something truly heartwarming about a bowl of hot soup, especially when it’s chilly outside. Picture yourself curling up on the couch, the comforting aroma of Easy Marry Me Chicken Soup wafting through your home, creating a cozy atmosphere that warms both body and soul. This delightful dish is perfect for those special evenings when you want to share something meaningful with your loved ones, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an intimate gathering with friends. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this soup has an innate ability to bring people together, enticing them to stay a little longer and savor every delicious spoonful.

Reasons to Love Easy Marry Me Chicken Soup

There are countless reasons why Easy Marry Me Chicken Soup is a beloved dish among home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with vibrant flavors, warmth, and comfort. Here are a few reasons why this soup stands out:

Creamy and flavorful, making it irresistible
Quick to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights
Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in
One pot means less cleanup, more time to relax
Versatile and customizable to your taste

What You’ll Need

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to gather all your ingredients. Having everything prepped in advance streamlines the cooking experience and allows for a more enjoyable time in the kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need for the Easy Marry Me Chicken Soup:

1/2 cup drained julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes in oil with herbs
1 tablespoon oil from the sun-dried tomato jar (divided)
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
4 garlic cloves (minced)
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 packages chicken broth (32 ounces each)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 teaspoons chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (plus more for garnish)
8 ounces uncooked medium shell pasta
3 cups roughly chopped baby spinach
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
8 ounces cream cheese (cubed, at room temperature)
1 1/2 ounces Parmesan cheese (finely shredded, plus more for garnish)

Bringing It Together

Here’s how to create your delicious Easy Marry Me Chicken Soup step by step:

Gather and measure all ingredients. This step sets you up for a smooth cooking process and ensures you don’t miss anything.
Warm 2 teaspoons of tomato-jar oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they both soften, about 3 to 4 minutes, and your kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas.
Stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the tomato paste deepens in color, which should take about 2 minutes, bringing out its rich flavors.
Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, chopped basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper to the mixture. Raise the heat to bring it all to a gentle boil, then simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Add the shell pasta to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, which should take about 12 minutes; this timing allows the pasta to absorb some of the soup flavors.
Lower the heat to low. Fold in the baby spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is melted and heated through, taking about 5 minutes.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Finally, garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and a pinch of crushed red pepper. Serve your Easy Marry Me Chicken Soup hot and enjoy every comforting bite.

Prep ~ 15 mins, Cook ~ 30 mins, Total ~ 45 mins, Servings ~ 6, Kcal ~ 550 (approximate).

Make-Ahead and Prep Tips

If you want to simplify your meal prep, consider making the soup in advance. You can chop the vegetables and store them in air-tight containers in the fridge for a day or two. This makes it quick to throw together on a busy evening. Additionally, if you cook the soup ahead of time, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers for storage, which makes reheating a breeze later.

How to Store Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, you’ll likely have some Easy Marry Me Chicken Soup left over. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, helping to maintain its creamy texture. For the best freshness, add freshly chopped spinach just before serving.

Perfect Pairings

To elevate your meal, consider these delightful pairings that complement Easy Marry Me Chicken Soup beautifully:

Crusty garlic bread, a fantastic way to soak up the rich broth
A fresh garden salad, adding a crispy texture and vibrant colors
Cheesy breadsticks, perfect for those who love an extra cheesiness
Warm, flaky biscuits for a comforting side that brings everyone together
A chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, to balance the richness
Lightly steamed vegetables for a nutrient-packed option

Variations and Swaps

Feel free to make Easy Marry Me Chicken Soup your own with these variations:

Use leftover chicken or turkey instead of rotisserie chicken for a unique twist.
Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version that still remains creamy.
Experiment with different pasta shapes, such as ditalini or fusilli if shells aren’t available.
Add vegetables like carrots or celery to enhance flavor and nutrition.
Spice it up by using spicy Italian sausage in place of chicken for a heartier option.
Replace sun-dried tomatoes with fresh tomatoes for a lighter taste.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a refreshing zing.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

For the best results, consider these expert tips:

Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt levels according to your taste.
Sauté onions and garlic until they’re fragrant, which builds a solid flavor foundation.
Adjust the thickness by adding more chicken broth or cream as desired.
Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending.
Use a food thermometer to check that your chicken is heated through to 165°F.
Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente since it will continue to absorb the liquid.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I make this soup in advance? Yes, it reheats wonderfully! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Is the soup freezer-friendly? Absolutely! Just allow it to cool before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken? Yes, however, you will need to cook the chicken separately before adding it to the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian? Certainly! Replace the chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What can I do if the soup is too thick? Simply add a bit more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Easy Marry Me Chicken Soup is more than just a comforting dish; it’s a way to connect with loved ones and create lasting memories around the dinner table. Its creamy richness and vibrant flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion, be it an everyday meal or a special gathering. So why not gather your ingredients and make this heartwarming soup soon? You’ll find that each bowl is a warm hug that invites everyone to gather and share laughter together. Enjoy every moment spent making and savoring this delightful dish!

Easy Marry Me Chicken Soup

Author: lu-ann
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and flavorful chicken soup perfect for cozy evenings and gatherings.

Instructions

Gather and measure all ingredients.
Warm 2 teaspoons of tomato-jar oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until the tomato paste deepens in color, about 2 minutes.
Add chicken broth, heavy cream, chopped basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 10 to 12 minutes.
Add shell pasta and reduce heat to medium-low, cooking until pasta is al dente, about 12 minutes.
Lower heat to low, and fold in baby spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and heated through, about 5 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil, parmesan, and crushed red pepper. Serve hot.