Marry Me Chicken Soup A Creamy Comfort Meal

If you’ve ever heard of Marry Me Chicken Soup, you know how irresistible that creamy, savory, and flavorful dish can be. But what if you could enjoy that same magic in a cozy, comforting soup? Marry Me Chicken Soup is a perfect winter meal, combining tender chicken, creamy Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes in a rich broth with pasta shells. The best part? It only takes about 45 minutes to prepare!

This delicious soup is full of flavors that complement each other perfectly, offering a hearty meal that’s easy to make. Whether you’re serving it to family or impressing your guests, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s dive into the details of this irresistible Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe.

Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chicken Soup

This soup is a fantastic twist on the viral Marry Me Chicken recipe. It brings together all the elements that make the original dish so loved—tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and rich sun-dried tomatoes—but in a comforting soup form. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back for more:

• Comforting and Hearty: It’s everything you crave on a chilly evening, packed with chicken, pasta, spinach, and cheese.
• One-Pot Meal: You can cook this whole dish in one pot, which means less cleanup and more flavor in every bite.
• Simple Yet Flavorful: The ingredients are simple, but the combination of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and spices creates a rich, depth-of-flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
• Quick to Prepare: With a cook time of just 45 minutes, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need something delicious and comforting in a hurry.

Ingredients in Marry Me Chicken Soup

To make this delightful soup, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect for this recipe. You can even use leftover cooked chicken if you want to save time.

2. Dried Pasta Shells

• Shell pasta is ideal because its shape allows it to collect the savory broth and bits of sun-dried tomato.

3. Parmesan Cheese

• Grated Parmesan adds that nutty, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the broth. Adding a Parmesan rind while simmering also deepens the flavor.

4. Sun-dried Tomatoes

• Whether you use oil-packed or dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, they add a rich, umami flavor that makes the soup extra special.

5. Tomato Paste

• Tomato paste is a secret ingredient that provides that deep, simmered flavor in a fraction of the time.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Now that you know the ingredients, let’s get cooking. Follow these simple steps for a delicious soup that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

1. Season and Cook the Chicken

• Cut 1 1/2 pounds of chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken in batches to avoid steaming and cook until golden-brown and fully cooked, about 4-6 minutes per batch. Set the chicken aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics and Tomatoes

• In the same pot, add 1 medium diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes and 3 tablespoons of tomato paste. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant.

3. Simmer the Soup

• Add 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) to the pot.
• Bring to a boil, then add 8 ounces of dried pasta shells. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the pasta is al dente.

4. Add the Finishing Touches

• Stir in the reserved cooked chicken, 5 ounces of baby spinach, 3/4 cup heavy cream, and 1/2 ounce grated Parmesan.
• Let the soup simmer for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined.

5. Taste and Season

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with warm bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Variations of Marry Me Chicken Soup

While Marry Me Chicken Soup is already a delightful dish, there are numerous ways to customize it and elevate the flavor to suit your preferences. Here are some variations and tips to make this soup even more unique and delicious:

1. Creamy Chicken Soup with Mushrooms

If you love mushrooms, they can be a wonderful addition to this soup. Add sliced mushrooms along with the onions and garlic in Step 2. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms pairs beautifully with the creamy base, adding extra richness and texture to the soup.

2. Spicy Marry Me Chicken Soup

Want to add a bit of heat to your soup? Here are a few ideas:

• Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper during Step 2 for a mild heat that enhances the flavor without overpowering it.
• Stir in jalapeño slices or fresh green chilies to kick things up a notch.

3. Dairy-Free Version

For a dairy-free version of this soup, simply swap out the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk). Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to maintain that cheesy flavor.

4. Vegetarian Marry Me Soup

For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and substitute it with plant-based protein like tofu or lentils. Add extra vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or celery to enhance the flavor and make the soup heartier.

5. Marry Me Chicken Soup with Pesto

Stir a couple of tablespoons of basil pesto into the soup right before serving for a fresh, herby flavor that complements the richness of the cream and Parmesan. The pesto adds a bright, herbal finish that takes the soup to another level.

6. Using Different Pasta

You don’t have to stick with shell pasta—feel free to use any small pasta shape like rotini, penne, or cavatelli. Alternatively, for a low-carb option, use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to make it lighter.

Tips for Making the Best Marry Me Chicken Soup

To ensure your Marry Me Chicken Soup turns out perfect every time, here are a few key tips:

1. Sear the Chicken Properly

When cooking the chicken, make sure to sear it until it is golden brown. This step develops a rich, caramelized flavor that adds depth to the soup. Cooking the chicken in batches ensures that it browns properly instead of steaming.

2. Use High-Quality Broth

Since the broth is the base of the soup, using a high-quality chicken broth or homemade broth will result in a more flavorful soup. If using store-bought broth, opt for low-sodium to control the amount of salt in the dish.

3. Let the Soup Simmer Gently

Allow the soup to simmer gently after adding the pasta. This ensures that the pasta absorbs the broth’s flavor without becoming mushy. Keep the heat low to prevent overcooking the pasta or chicken.

4. Add Fresh Spinach at the End

Baby spinach wilts quickly, so add it at the end of the cooking process. This will help the spinach retain its bright green color and fresh flavor, rather than turning mushy if overcooked.

5. Grate Your Own Parmesan

Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the soup. Grating your own fresh Parmesan will give you a smoother, creamier soup with a better flavor.

6. Taste and Adjust the Seasoning

After adding the finishing touches, always taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan, depending on your preference.

What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Soup

While this soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, pairing it with some complementary side dishes can elevate the meal. Here are a few ideas:

1. Garlic Bread

A warm slice of garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup. The crispy, buttery bread balances the rich and savory flavors of the soup.

2. Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and tangy dressing is a great side to serve with the soup. The freshness and crunch of the salad contrast nicely with the creamy soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Pair the soup with a side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, which complements the savory soup.

4. Breadsticks

Soft, warm breadsticks are another great choice to serve alongside this comforting soup. They can be used to soak up the broth and add a satisfying texture to the meal.

5. Simple Green Salad

A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette will add freshness and balance to the richness of the soup. Consider adding ingredients like avocado, cherry tomatoes, or cucumber for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions about Marry Me Chicken Soup

1. Why is it called “Marry Me Soup”?

The name “Marry Me Soup” comes from the viral Marry Me Chicken dish, which is said to be so delicious that it could inspire someone to propose. The soup version of this dish, with its rich and flavorful broth, tender chicken, creamy Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes, is similarly irresistible. The name evokes the idea that this dish is so tasty, anyone who eats it might want to marry the cook!

2. What is Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting, one-pot soup inspired by the viral Marry Me Chicken recipe. It combines tender chicken, pasta shells, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy Parmesan broth. The soup is designed to deliver the same irresistible flavors that made the original chicken recipe so popular, but in a warm and cozy soup form. It’s perfect for chilly nights and offers a heartwarming meal for any occasion.

3. Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?

Marry Me Chicken got its name because of the dish’s reputation for being so delicious that it might prompt someone to propose. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy sauce makes the dish incredibly flavorful and indulgent. The story goes that it’s so good that anyone who tastes it would want to marry the cook. It’s a playful and humorous name, reflecting the dish’s allure.

4. What is the meaning of the idiom “chicken soup”?

The idiom “chicken soup” doesn’t refer to a specific soup but is often associated with comfort food that is thought to have healing or soothing properties. Chicken soup has long been considered a remedy for colds and illnesses, providing warmth, nourishment, and comfort. The idiom is commonly used in the phrase “chicken soup for the soul”, meaning something that nurtures or soothes emotionally, much like a warm bowl of chicken soup would physically soothe the body.

Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe Card

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
• 1/2 cup julienne or thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes, drained if oil-packed (2 1/2 ounces)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
• 8 ounces dried medium pasta shells (about 2 3/4 cups)
• 5 ounces baby spinach (5 packed cups)
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 ounce grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup), plus more for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:

   • Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
   • Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat.
   • Working in batches, add the chicken in a single layer and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 4-6 minutes per batch. Set the chicken aside on a plate.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • Add 1 diced medium onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste:

   • Stir in 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes and 3 tablespoons tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant.

4. Simmer the Soup:

   • Stir in 6 cups chicken broth, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 pinch red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil.
   • Add 8 ounces of pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.

5. Finish the Soup:

   • Return the cooked chicken and any juices to the pot.
   • Add 5 ounces baby spinach, 3/4 cup heavy cream, and 1/2 ounce grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through, about 2 minutes.

6. Taste and Season:

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed.
   • Serve with more grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes:

• Substitute for Chicken: You can use cooked, shredded chicken in place of raw chicken. Add it in Step 5 along with the spinach and cream.
• For a Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk.
• Pasta Variations: You can use any small pasta shape like rotini or penne instead of pasta shells.
• Make It Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

Recipe Details:

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
• Method: Simmered
• Cuisine: American, Comfort Food